FVL Friends Dinner 2023

Friends of Fox Valley Lutheran High School gathered together at the Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton on the evening of October 18 to receive an update on the school and its mission and to partake in food, activities, and awards. Those in attendance enjoyed an opportunity for fun and a celebration of the ministry of FVL.

Attendees were introduced to our new faculty members. See page 2 for information on these new teachers. One highlight of the evening was the burning of Bond “A” on our Let the Children Come mortgage.

A special presentation of the evening featured Neil Yunk, who spoke on the partnership of FVL and Somerville Architects over the years. His presentation lead to an introduction of the upcoming Timothy Trout Sports Center building project (see page 14 for more information).

Called Worker Heart of a Servant

The Called Worker Heart of a Servant was awarded this year to Rev. Ron Ash. While the first five years of Rev. Ash’s ministry were served in Colorado, the rest of it was served in the Fox River Valley: 34 years at St. Peter followed by 14 years at Trinity, Ellington. He has been a regular presence at FVL for nearly 50 years, doing everything from cheering at games to preaching at graduations; from chairing the Board of Regents to selling pretzels at Winterfest (now Musicfest). 

Leader of Today

John and Susan Gossens were recognized as the Leader of Today. For many years, Mr. and Mrs. Gossens have served FVL in countless ways. Sue, a 1969 graduate of the school, has volunteered in numerous capacities. John has also been a huge supporter of the school as a volunteer basketball coach for 23 years, by serving on the Buildings and Grounds Committee for 15 years, and by volunteering at the Bargain Garden Thrift Store for the past 10 years. 

Leader of the Past

The Leader of the Past was awarded to the late Earl Semrow. His award was accepted by his wife, Karen, and daughters, Tracey and Julie. Earl was a longtime volunteer on the FVL Building and Grounds Committee and a member of the mowing crew until he retired from that commitment at the age of 85. In addition, he was a weekly volunteer at the Bargain Garden Thrift Shop and regularly assisted at the Apple Valley Food Pantry.