Red & Gold Winter 2013

Red & GoldRed & GoldThe Mater dei High School Magazine Volume 29, Number 1 • Winter 2013

Early Donors to MD

All DiocesAn school MAss • MD AwArDeD “A” rAting • MD soccer coMplex • siAc Athletes

of the YeAr • ironMAn triAthlon

Red & Gold

2 Red & Gold Winter 2013

The Red & Gold is published twice a year by the Mater Dei High School Office of Institutional Advancement, to encourage understanding and support of the mission of Mater Dei High School. Through the Red & Gold, Mater Dei’s 9,000+ alumni, as well as the school’s many friends, continue to strengthen their relationships with each other and become better informed about the many ways Mater Dei strives for excellence through its spiritual, academic and extracurricular programs.

Dear Mater Dei Community,

In this issue of the Red & Gold, we highlight the contribu-tions of early supporters of Mater Dei. Without their vision and unwavering faith, we would not be here today. Over 9,700 young men and women have benefited from their Mater Dei education, and our community and world have been enhanced by our graduates’ dedication to service.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan stated the following about Catholic schools:

“ There is no more tried-and-true way of passing on our Catholic faith to our kids than by sacrificing to put them in a Catholic school. Data proves they persevere in the faith at higher rates, pray better, are more faithful to Sunday Mass, live gospel values, are more generous to their parish, even have happier marriages, volunteer more and transmit the faith to their own children, than those not in a Catholic school.”

I pray that we be inspired by the selfless dedication of our founders and carry on their legacy to provide a Catholic education to many more generations of students. Your support of Mater Dei makes a difference.

Mary, Mater Dei, pray for us!

Timothy A. Dickel, President

red & gold staffEditor: Carol Nurrenbern

[email protected]

Art Director: Alan Inkenbrandt ’[email protected]

Photography Contributors: Straub Photography

Office of Advancement StaffSarah Kelley ’12, Andrew Roberson

& Yearbook Student Staff

Contributors: Timothy Dickel, Andrew Roberson,

Sarah Wagner ’88

Send alumni news & address changes to Andrew Roberson, Database Manager, [email protected].

Red & GoldThe Mater Dei High School Magazine • Vol. 28, No. 1 • Winter 2013

letter from the president:“carrying on the

legacy of catholic education”

Mater Dei high school Board of trustees

Chair: Terry ClementsVice-Chair: Judy Blankenberger

Secretary: Matt Folz ’91E x-officio Member:

Fr. David NunningE x-officio Member:

Andy Goebel ’65

E x-officio Member: Timothy A. Dickel

Theo BootsHeather Hertel ’92Daniel Hoefling ’78

Tim KlinglerJoAnn Laugel ’66Andrea MannDan Niemeier ’80Phillip Stolz ’91

Red & Gold

inside this issue

2 letter from the president

3 Bob griese

4 Year of faith

5 carolyn Adler

6 MD gets “A” rating

7 Mater Dei Annual fund

8 MD soccer complex

10 sports re-cap

11 siAc Athletes of the Year

12 early donors to Mater Dei

14 friends & Alumni news

17 Alumni basketball game

18 ironman triathlon

21 in Memoriam

23 our sponsors

Who are members of Mater dei High School’s

Ave Maria Planned Giving & endowment Society?

They are everyday people with a passion for Mater Dei and her mission to educate

young people in a faith-filled environment. They are people who choose to honor

loved ones with a lasting gift. They are friends and alumni dedicated to the past,

present and—most importantly—the future of Mater Dei High School.

They could be you.

The Mater Dei High School Office of Advancement and the Ave Maria Society would like to invite you to our annual

Ave Maria MorningFriday, April 26, 2013

Mater Dei High School1300 Harmony Way, Evansville

Schedule of Events:8:00 to 8:45 a.m.: Rosary & Mass in Msgr. Wolf Chapel9:00 to 9:30 a.m.:

Breakfast & Presentation: “Excellence for Tomorrow” in Media CenterJoin us in recognizing the impact of the Ave Maria Society on Mater Dei High School and learn more about the strategic plan Mater Dei High School has designed for the future.

All MD Alumni, Friends & Parents are welcomePlease RSVP by Friday, April 19, 2013 to Sarah Wagner, 812-421-5727, ext. 336,

[email protected]

Winter 2013 Red & Gold 3

Bob griese honored as “hometown hall of famer”Bob Griese, six-time all-pro quarterback who won two Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins, was honored as a “Hometown Hall of Famer” on stage in the Mater Dei auditorium with the Mater Dei student body and community leaders in the audience. Griese is a native of Evansville and a graduate of Rex Mundi High School.

The “Hometown Hall of Famer” program is a partnership between the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Allstate. A large bronze plaque engraved with Griese’s career accomplishments was presented to Griese and the city of Evansville and will be displayed in the Ford Center in downtown Evansville near the Corridor of Champions.

Since Rex Mundi closed in 1972, Griese said he now considers Mater Dei “his adopted hometown high school.” Mater Dei is honored and proud to call Bob Griese a Wildcat!

Mater Dei today


The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Evansville gathered this past September to share in a Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop Charles Thompson and diocesan priests at the Ford Center in downtown Evansville. The theme of the Mass focused on “Year of Faith,” the theme chosen by Pope Benedict XVI for all Catholic schools this year.

According to Deacon John McMullen, theology teacher at Mater Dei, the purpose of an all schools Mass is to emphasize the unity of the Diocese. “It brought the Catholic diocese together in one place united in prayer with the Bishop presiding. For Catholics, Mass is the highest form of public worship—to pray together in a community of believers.”

Planning for this event began a year earlier. A Back to School Mass core committee was formed to plan the Mass and determine the logistics of transporting over 7,300 students to the Ford Center. According to Tad Dickel, Mater Dei’s president and a member of the core committee, “The goal of the Mass was to gather in prayer and show our unity as Catholics and Catholic schools. We were all able to experience being part of something much larger than our individual parishes and schools.”

Mr. Dickel also served as the music director for the Mass, with Mater Dei alumni musicians Tina Alcorn Kern ’71, Craig Schutz ’05 and Kathy Goebel Herrmann ’05 parti-cipating. Current Mater Dei faculty and staff contributed to the music and technical operations.

Bringing together all of the Catholic schools in the Evansville Diocese for Mass happened twice before, the first time in 1989 and again in 2000.

Mater Dei today

Above: Clergy of the Evansville Diocese process in at the start of the All Diocesan Schools Mass. (Photo by Olivia Deweese, Mater Dei Yearbook Staff)

Below: Diocesan priests concelebrate the Eucharist at the All Diocesan Schools Mass. (Photo by Haley Anson, Mater Dei Yearbook Staff)

Year of faith


Carolyn Herrmann Adler, former Mater Dei teacher and coach and a 1965 graduate of Mater Dei High School, was awarded the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

When Carolyn attended Mater Dei in the 1960s, girls’ sports were nonexistent, but she was a standout athlete in GAA (Girls Athletic Association). She attended Indiana State University graduating in 1969 and was the winner of the Hillman Award for best female athlete at ISU. She competed in field hockey, volleyball, basketball, tennis, softball and track during her college years.

Carolyn taught at Mater Dei from 1969 to 1981 and again from 2000 through 2010, and she was a pioneer in bringing girls’ athletics to Mater Dei. She coached volleyball, tennis and basketball and served as the physical education department head during her tenure.

The emphasis of her coaching success was as the volleyball coach for the Lady Wildcats. Carolyn guided Mater Dei volleyball to 15 city titles, eight SIAC crowns, 10 sectional titles and two regional championships. She led her teams to two state final appearances in 1978 and 1979. Her coaching credentials include a career record in volleyball of 321 wins against only 85 losses.

Carolyn has volunteered at numerous Mater Dei athletic events over the years and presently runs the scoreboard for home football games. She continues as a substitute teacher at Mater Dei and remains a constant follower of Mater Dei athletics.

Mater Dei today

Sunday, March 17, 2013Downtown Evansville at the Centre

Doors Open: 4pm, Dinner: 5pm, Big Bingo: 6pmMake your reservations today!

[email protected] or 812-421-5727

carolyn Adler receives siAc lifetime Achievement Award

SavE thE DatE!


“Mater dei was one of only thirteen high schools

out of a possible thirty-five in our ten county

area to achieve an “A” rating from the Indiana

department of education. This is a tremendous

accomplishment and is affirmation that Mater

dei offers an exemplary education for all students.”

— Chris Tanner, Principal

Mater Dei Marching wildcatsThe Mater Dei Marching Wildcats qualified for state competition again this year. This was their third consecutive state appearance, and they have competed at the state level five of the past seven years. The Marching Wildcats are the only high school band in Evansville to qualify for state since 1998. The band is directed by Mr. Alex Smith, and his team of instructors includes Leslie Goth, Malora Huggins, Justin Carter, Kendra Smith, Mandy Craig, Allyson Gebhardt, Reid Chancellor, and Zach Guenzel.

Mr. Smith notes that the parent group, the Mater Dei Band Boosters, also contribute to the band’s success, “They are the hardest working group of parents I have ever encountered!” They make costumes, flags, and props, help move equipment, provide food for the band students, and work the band’s Fall Festival booth.

This past October Mater Dei High School received an “A” rating from the Indiana Board of Education.

All Indiana schools were given a grade of A through F based on revised formulas created by the Indiana Department of Education. The new metrics used by the state to assign schools A-F letter grades are based on those aspects of education that are considered the most important when judging how well a school is doing—student performance and improvement, End

of Course Assessment tests scores, gains in closing achievement gaps, graduation rates, and opportunities to give students an early advantage on college and careers.

In 2011–12, Mater Dei had a graduation rate of 100%, and 963 college credits were earned by students taking 56 eligible college credit hours at Mater Dei. A record number of students passed the End of Course Assessment (ECA) tests in both language arts and math—98% of students passed in language

arts and 92% passed in algebra, compared to the state average of 74% students passing language arts and 74% passing math. The ECA tests replaced the ISTEP Graduating Qualifying Exam (GQE) which requires students to pass both language arts and math in order to graduate.

Mater Dei is one of only three high schools in Evansville that has received the highest rating since 2005 when the Indiana Department of Education initiated the rating system.

Mater Dei today

Mater Dei high school awarded an “A” rating


“We realize it is not tuition alone that has kept Mater Dei thriving throughout the years. Those who have sacrificed before us ask little in return for their gifts of time, talent and treasure to Mater Dei. They only wish for others to pay it forward to preserve her continued excellence.”

Jim ’88 and Ingrid (Maier) ’95 Stratman 2011–12 Mater Dei Annual Fund Co-Chairs

“Jim and Ingrid have found a way to manage faith, family and focus while balancing two full time careers, a thriving plastics business, community involvement, remaining active in their parish and school and going to Mater Dei games… all with four kids under the age of 10 in tow. We are fortunate to have such passionate people among our Mater Dei family.”

Sarah Wagner, Development Director

Enter to Learn ± Go Forth to Serve

The Mater Dei Annual Fund 2012–13

When a family chooses to attend Mater Dei High School, they expect excellence. Our students are instructed in a positive and faith-based environment focused on their formation academically,

socially and spiritually. Each day our students are expected to “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.”

Enter to Learn• Indiana Department of Education awarded Mater Dei an “A”

rating—its highest category (one of three high schools in the Evansville area)

• Mater Dei, in partnership with the University of Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech, now offers up to 56 college credit class hours toward a student’s college education

Go ForTh To SErvEBy participating in the Mater Dei Annual Fund, you can lead by example for our current Mater Dei students as they become

adults. You can share in the mission of Mater Dei by supporting the Annual Fund.

PLAnS For ThE YEArReplacement of Computer Graphics and AutoCAD Lab .................................................... $25,000 Faculty Professional Development ............................$15,000

Tuition Assistance .................................................... $85,000 Spiritual Enrichment Programs .................................$15,000

Capital Reserve ........................................................ $50,000 Youth First Support ..................................................$10,000

Classroom Equipment & Furniture ........................... $30,000 Technology/Software ................................................$10,000

TOTAL GOAL ......................................................................................................................................... $250,000

new Giving LevelsImmAcuLATe AssembLy, $10,000+ Named for Mary, the Immaculate Mother, the Immaculate Assembly honors those who pay tribute to Mary, who was conceived, born and lived without sin.

WILdcAT cLAss, $1-$10 The Wildcat Class giving level offers young alumni and friends an option to assist Mater Dei High School.

• 98% of the Class of 2012 class enrolled in post-secondary educational programs and the senior class was offered a record $5 million in scholarships

• In 2011–12, our students earned a total of 963 college credits, at a cost range of free–$80 per credit hour, this translates into a total (average) savings of $162,140.31 in college course expense (based on the average cost per dual credit hour at $34.46 vs. college credit hour cost of $202.83 at USI)


If You Build It...They Will Come

Mater Dei now has a soccer complex that they can call home

For many years, the Mater Dei boys’ and girls’ soccer teams utilized Moutoux Park on the city’s northwest side as their practice fields. Although established as a city park, the soccer fields were generally not maintained,

and drainage, mowing and overall maintenance were constant issues.

Last year, the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department approached Mater Dei and the Mater Dei Soccer Club with the opportunity to assume responsibility of Moutoux Park. The soccer club board met along with Mater Dei Athletic Director Joe Herrmann to discuss options for

utilizing the park. According to Keith

Rheinlander, a soccer club

board member, creating a Mater Dei Soccer Feeder League appeared to be the best way to expand the Mater Dei soccer program which would include not only high school students, but students from the west side Catholic feeder schools.

The challenge was to build an organizational structure capable of developing and maintaining the park. “The park had a lot of potential, but it had not been maintained for several years and much of the park was unusable as a playing surface without significant attention,” Rheinlander stated. Weeds had taken over most of the playing surfaces, and grass had grown in areas over four feet tall. The buildings, storage and concessions, were in need of significant attention. After the slightest rainfall many areas of the park would flood, and the parking area would hold water creating a muddy surface to drive on and walk across.

Once the decision was made to make Moutoux Park the Mater Dei community soccer fields, the real work began by soccer club board members, community members with soccer affiliations, and many volunteers. They mowed the park once or twice a week from March through October to allow the Bermuda grass to recover and begin to choke out the weeds and less desirable grasses. The concession building was returned to a clean and useful structure which offered concessions five days a week for the entire season. Adding security


lights and recessed lighting on the concession building improved the building while in use and improved security after hours. The exterior of the storage shed was painted to enhance the entrance to the park.

Lights and a 40-head irrigation system were installed on the regulation game field. The high school fields were over-seeded and a four foot chain linked fence was constructed to protect the fields and improve the look of the park.

The parking lot was enlarged and revamped with countless loads of rock. By redesigning the flow of parking with a

The real success of this project is in the numbers. The park supported 420 student athletes from kindergarten through high school seniors this past soccer season. Over 225 games were played at the park this past fall. The boys’ and girls’ high school varsity teams used the fields for practice, and the high school junior varsity teams and girls’ cub team used the fields for both home games and practice.

Several more improvements currently in the planning stage include additional irrigation, improving field surfaces, drainage enhancements, additional paved parking spaces, and developing a coaching curriculum for coaches.

Rheinlander emphasized the positive aspects of having the entire Mater Dei league—high school and feeder schools—at the same location. “Many people have kids on multiple teams. Having all the games at one location allowed parents to make the most of their kids’ games.” He points out younger players had great exposure to the older players in the program and were able to watch the older ones play and practice.

“It was a very social event to be at the park. There were hundreds of parents, grandparents, and friends out

one-way loop, additional diagonal parking spaces were added which increased the parking capacity from 150 spaces to over 300. A playground area was cleaned and the sand reworked for younger spectators.

The end result is nine soccer fields were created, one lighted and irrigated high school and cub game field, a high school practice field, a U12 game field, two U10 game fields, and four U8 game fields. Upkeep and maintenance of these fields are supported by concession sales, corporate advertising banners, fundraisers by soccer parents and soccer players, and gate receipts which were minimal.

enjoying the park and all of the games. Many people were able to see nieces, nephews, and other children play games that they would not have otherwise had the opportunity to attend,” comments Rheinlander.

Many individuals helped this project become a reality. Members of the Mater Dei Soccer Club, Lisa Memmer, Lisa Reising, Stephanie Purcell, Scott Schenk, Jim Bauer, Barbara Rendelman, Evan Freeman, Rob Zigenfus, and Rheinlander initiated the project. Other key players were Joe Herrmann, Mater Dei Athletic Director; Mater Dei president, Tad Dickel; Evanville Parks and Recreation Department; Mat Santoro, University of Southern Indiana men’s soccer coach; Krissy Engelbrecht, University of Southern Indiana women’s soccer coach; Krista Board, University of Evansville women’s soccer coach; Jim King, president, Evansville Soccer Club; Eric Schoenstein, SWISA Soccer Club Director of Coaching; Rob Schoenstein, Mater Dei girls’ soccer coach; Matt Settles, Mater Dei boys’ soccer coach; and the many volunteers who continue to help mow grass, line fields and work the gate and concessions.

Jim Bauer lead the field development and maintenance this past fall ensuring that everything was in the best possible shape. Rob Zigenfus assumed the leadership role in the formation of the Mater Dei soccer league making certain that the league operated as smoothly as possible.

Thanks to the Mater Dei soccer parents who had a vision for the soccer program, Mater Dei now has a soccer complex that they can call home. With over 400 student athletes now supported by the club, the Mater Dei soccer community understands, “If you build it, they will come!”

“Many people have kids on multiple teams. Having all the games at one location allowed parents to make the most of their kids’ games.” —Keith Rheinlander


wildcats capture city football crownsThe Mater Dei Wildcat football teams pulled off a rare feat this fall season. All four teams from cub level through varsity won at least a share of the city title. The cub and junior varsity teams won the city championship outright while the freshman and varsity teams shared the city title with Reitz.

cross countryCongratulations to the girls’ cross country team for advancing to regional competition.

Volleyball wins sectional titleThe volleyball team finished their season 22-13 with a sectional title. They were defeated by Eastern Greene in regional play.

soccer regional champsBoth the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams won their respective regional championship titles. Both teams made an appearance in their semi-state games, each losing to Providence High School. The boys ended their season 11-8-3 and girls finished 14-8.

MAter Dei sports recAp

The varsity football team made their third consecutive appearance in the Class 2A semi-state game.

The Wildcats fell to Cardinal Ritter in semi-state play. The finished their season 11-3.

football regional champs


fAll 2012 sports highlights

Recent graduates Cody Hess ’12 and Claire Alvey ’12 were named the top male and female athlete in the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference for the past school year.

Cody led his baseball and football team to state championship games. In football, he was a two-time first team All-State player and a North-South All-Star. Hess was named All-SIAC and All-Metro during his junior and senior years. He holds school records for rushing yards and points scored and served as the team captain. In baseball, Cody was a three year letter winner. He is the son of Mike Hess ’84 and Gina Hess. He is attending Franklin College where he plays football. He was a cum laude student for eight semesters. Cody was the football Kiwanis Award winner and made the Academic All-City team.

Claire was a four year letter winner in tennis and a four year letter winner in volleyball. She was named first team All-SIAC three times in tennis and was a 2012 state finalist at # 1 singles. She was the tennis team captain and Kiwanis Award winner as a senior. She was named to All-SIAC and All-Metro volleyball teams on five different occasions and graduated magna cum laude. Claire is the daughter of Terry ’80 and Jean (Bradley) Alvey ’81. Claire was a three year member of Student Council and an Evansville Courier and Press Gold Star Student Award winner. She is attending the University of Georgia on an academic scholarship.

Mater Dei was very proud to have both the male and female top athlete from the SIAC in 2011-12.

Two new classes of athletes were inducted into the Mater Dei Athletic Hall of Fame this past fall. Four of the inductees, Craig Macke, Blake Maurer, Katie McKinney and Laura (Schroeder) McKenzie earned an All Sports Trophy their senior year by lettering in a sport for all three seasons of play for four years. All of the student athletes maintained a high grade point average at Mater Dei while excelling in one or more sports.

Left to right: Craig Macke ’03, cross country coach George Moll, Scott Koressel ’05, former track coach Keith Eickhoff, Laura R. (Schroeder) McKenzie ’04, Blake Maurer ’04, Dustin Slaton ’05, football and former wrestling coach Mike Goebel, Matt Coughlin ’05, Matt Halbig ’04, Athletic Director Joe Herrmann. Not pictured: Katie McKinney ’04.

siAc Athletes of the Year Cody Hess ’12

Claire Alvey ’12


Unlike the Catholic high school on the city’s east side, the Bishop had not received a major gift to build a new Catholic high school. Reitz Memorial High School was the result of a $1 million donation from philanthropist Francis Joseph Reitz. Built in 1925, Mr. Reitz’s donation covered most, if not all, expenses of a new school building. So who built Mater Dei High School?

At the time the Bishop decided the Evansville diocese needed another Catholic high school, the country was recuperating from World War II, and the Evansville economy was shifting from war time production to a peace time work place. Businesses such as the Ordinance Plant, which manufactured ammunitions, Briggs, Bucyrus Erie, the Republic Aviation Corporation, the LST Ship tank factory, and International Steel Corporation either shut down or restructured for domestic production. It has been estimated that wartime Evansville employed over 60,000 people. With the return of thousands of servicemen, employment was sluggish at best.

From 1945 to 1950, there was an increase of 7,200 Catholics in the diocese. The number of parishes grew to 66 with 80 diocesan priests serving these parishes. The enrollment at the only Catholic high school in Evansville, Reitz Memorial, had reached a crisis capacity at 1,101 students, and its east side location posed problems for west side Catholics such as transportation and travel time. In 1946, the vacated Holy Trinity grade school in downtown Evansville became known as the Memorial Annex, a temporary annex for the over-crowded Memorial High School. Students from the west side—110 students from St. Boniface, Sacred Heart, St. Agnes, and rural parishes were enrolled in the first freshman class. The Annex was the beginning of Mater Dei High School.

The thought of building a new high school in the local post-war economy was almost prohibitive. Parishes in

the diocese were struggling to support their individual elementary school programs, and the additional cost of a new school would create further financial hardships. Bishop Grimmelsman recognized the dilemma of having only one Catholic high school to serve the rapidly growing Catholic population and had faith that parish members would understand the importance of a Catholic secondary education for their children.

The goal for funding the building of the new west side high school was originally $500,000. With Diocesan support and initial donations, 18% of that total was achieved early on. The Bishop published a series of articles in the Catholic newspaper, the Indiana Catholic Record, throughout 1946 making appeals for contributions and reported on the progress of the project. He thought the secret to raising the needed funds would rely on “ringing doorbells.”

In his bi-weekly column in the Indiana Catholic Record, the Bishop acknowledged contributions of individuals, groups, corporations and parishes to encourage giving. All contributions, large and small, were welcomed--$2,000 from Sacred Heart parish social to a fifty-seven cent donation by a student. He also published the first summary of contributions by Evansville parishes in 1946. St. Anthony parish had given $21,000; St. Boniface, $18,535; St. Joe (city), $16,642; St. Benedict, $14,343; Sacred Heart, $13,268; Christ the King, $1,965; and St. Philip, $25.

By March 1947, 40% of the total cost of the building of Mater Dei High School had been raised. By April, a new

Early Donors to Mater DeiThe opening of Mater Dei High School in September 1949 became a reality after three years of financial challenge

When Bishop Henry J. Grimmelsman began his tenure as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Evansville in 1944, his initial goal was to

establish another Catholic high school to serve the families on the west side of Evansville. But he encountered one major problem—where would the money come from to build a new school?


tally revealed that St. Anthony had collected $36,000 to date, St. Benedict, $30,181 and Assumption donated $28,278, with other parishes contributing smaller amounts.

Construction of the school began in August of 1947. Contractors’ bids were submitted, and funds were needed to make payments. By that fall, the Bishop declared that the project was progressing and noted that people could now see the reality of the goal with the starting of the construction, and he hoped that those who had been reluctant to contribute before would now be motivated to give.

In December 1947, the newly appointed Superintendent of the new high school, Father William Lautner, held a charity ball sponsored by the Catholic teens social activity program, the SHEHEHESHE, with proceeds going to the building fund. Fr. Lautner assumed the duty of writing the articles for the Catholic newspaper and began a series of articles entitled “April Showers” hoping for a shower of donations for the new high school. He encouraged the giving of not only dollars, but quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies as each offering would mount up. One week in December, $120 had been raised, and Father considered that a good week!

The suggestion was made to Fr. Lautner to resort to loans for the completion of the school. Fr. Lautner and Bishop Grimmelsman found this idea unacceptable, maintaining their faith in the Catholic populace to acquire the money needed. So it fell to the hard working parishioners to conduct socials, parties, bingos, and solicit donations.

Early in 1949, a crucial amount of $60,000 was required immediately to establish an athletic program and to purchase classroom equipment and landscaping. Fr. Lautner made successful appeals to local businesses and organizations in Evansville, and the Catholic community moved forward with their own creative fundraising events. For Lent, Fr. Lautner initiated a fundraiser for the young people. Each person was to keep a “Judas Bag,” a cloth bag where each individual would try to accumulate “30 pieces of silver” during the season of Lent. The bag would be a savings sacrifice when one had broken his or her Lenten resolutions. Not only did this allow for Catholic youth to help raise money for

their school, the Judas Bag project successfully raised over $10,000.

Fr. Lautner believed that athletics served a purpose in the development of youth. In February 1949, the Booster Club of Mater Dei was formed and became a vital part of Mater Dei life. They joined together with the Knights of St. John and local parishes to host the first event in the new school—a chicken dinner and bazaar. It was a huge success earning $9,000 which was earmarked for gym equipment and floor installation.

Other fundraising efforts centered on contributions from individuals, groups, and businesses to furnish a classroom with furniture, books, and supplies, and in return earned a classroom dedicated in their name distinguished by a plaque on a classroom door. Those plaques remain today on classroom doors and serve as a reminder of the great effort of many people to build a Catholic high school during economic challenging times in honor of the Mother of God, Mater Dei.

The opening of Mater Dei High School in September 1949 was at last a reality after three years of financial challenge. The faith that Bishop Grimmelsman and Fr. Lautner had in the Catholic community would remain steadfast.

Editor’s note: Part 2 of this article, Donors to Mater Dei: the Next 60 Years, will be published in the next Red & Gold, the summer 2013 issue.

{ }Bishop Grimmelsman recognized the dilemma of having only one Catholic high school to serve the rapidly growing Catholic population and had faith that parish members would

understand the importance of a Catholic secondary education for their children.

Bishop Henry J. Grimmelsman

Fr. William Lautner


Brenner family reunion equals a MD reunion

1950sSr. Rose Ann Muller, OSU ’50 has been a member of the Ursuline order for 56 years. She retired in 2004 and now volunteers in her community and in various ministries in Louisville, Ky.

Dr. Stan Singer ’57 and his wife, Lenna DeMarco, both had articles published in a recent film history anthology, American Classic Screen. Dr. Singer’s subject was Charles “Buddy” Rogers, a popular film actor from the early years; Lenna interviewed Fred Astaire choreographer Hermes Pan. Both Stan and Lenna are retired college teachers living in Sun City, Ariz.

Dale Hillenbrand ’58 and his wife,

Marty, have two sons, Jeff and Jon, and two granddaughters, Ashlyn and Alyssa. Dale coached the South Knox girls’ tennis team to their first sectional championship in 2011.

Judith (Wolf) Whitney ’58 lives in Woodbury, Minnesota and is enjoying retirement.

1960sGeorge Brenner ’69 is the vice chair of Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board representing the addictions counselors group.

1970sGreg Kissel ’73 and his wife, Linda, are the parents of Jim ’00, a research

friends & Alumni news

Jeanne (Dewig) Mesker ’79 served as the MD Friends & Alumni Coordinator for the past five years. She recently took another position with Habitat for Humanity. Mater Dei thanks Jeanne for all of her work and wishes her the best in all future endeavors.

Members of the Brenner family gathered for a family reunion this past summer at the Discovery Lodge at Burdette Park in Evansville. Many were astounded to see fellow Mater Dei classmates and soon discovered they were related through their common ancestor, Michael Brenner.

In the Brenner Family, at least 400 family members are connected to Mater Dei High School.

For the reunion, Cheryl Herrmann ’71 published a book titled “The Brenner Family, from Deidesheim to Midwest USA.” While two pages in the book are full of names of Mater Dei, Memorial and Rex Mundi graduates, the vast majority attended Mater Dei. “A Catholic education

was very important to our west side Brenner ancestors,” says Herrmann. “It was truly a family tradition for many generations of the Brenner family to attend Mater Dei.”

In the Class of 1971 alone, there were 14 Brenner relatives.

Using the Mater Dei 50th anniversary and 60th anniversary alumni directories, Cheryl easily located many of the Brenner family members. “Normally I would spend months using the white pages and genealogy websites to search for family members, but the directories were a delightful time saver in doing the research for this family. I’m so thrilled the alumni association published the directories.”


MD alumni admitted to iU school of Medicine

chemical engineer with Heritage Research Group in Indianapolis; Jonathan ’02, a quality control specialist at Baxter Pharmaceutical in Bloomington, Ind.; Kristin Kissel Wannemuehler ’04 and her husband, Todd Wannemuehler ’04, who are the parents of two boys; Jeremy ’08, a senior at the University of Southern Indiana; Alecia ’11, a sophomore at Marian University; and Madeline ’13. Greg is recently retired, and he and Linda are enjoying being grandparents to James and Joseph.

Kevin Mischler ’79 earned a master’s degree in counseling and is currently working with Ebenezer Counseling Services in Knoxville, Tenn. He and his wife, Lee Anne, have three children and one grandchild.

1980sSandra (Forcum) Quick ’80 and her husband, David, own and operate Wayne’s Appliance and C&D Appli-ance in Evansville. They are carrying on the Forcum family business.

Jeff ’84 and Elaine (Schultheis) Mischler ’84 are the parents of Zachary ’09 and Jacob ’13. Jeff is a regional equipment specialist for Fresenius Dialysis, and Elaine is the coordinator at St. Mary’s Senior Health.

1990sEric ’91 and Stacey (Stonecipher) Turner ’94 are the parents of three children, Preston, Spencer, and Chelsea. Eric is the business


Theresa (Lamble) Berendes ’86 was recognized as a Leader in Education by Peabody Energy. The award is given to individuals who inspire students to achieve and have a positive impact on a child’s life. Theresa is principal at Resurrection Catholic School in Evansville.

Mater Dei High School was represented quite well this past August at the Indiana University School of Medicine White Coat ceremony held at the Murat Theatre in downtown Indianapolis. The 343 students who began medical school this past fall at IU-Bloomington and its many satellite campuses included three Mater Dei alumni.

Karen Scheller, a Notre Dame graduate, is the daughter of Randy and Mary Scheller and a 2008 graduate of Mater Dei.

Brandt Lydon, a Purdue graduate, is the son of Tom and Angie Lydon and also a 2008 graduate of Mater Dei.

Katie Funke, a graduate from the University of Southern Indiana, is the daughter of Chris and Pat Funke and a 2006 graduate of Mater Dei.

Mater Dei science teacher, Carl Voegel, attended the ceremony at the invitation of Katie Funke, but the invitation was extended six years ago when Katie was a

student in his class. According to Carl, “Katie told me when she was a senior at Mater Dei that I would attend her white coat ceremony when she entered medical school. I was just fulfilling a promise to her on that day in Indianapolis when Karen and Brandt also walked across the stage to receive their coats. As soon as I got home, an email was sent to all Mater Dei faculty and staff to give everyone a note of thanks for a job well done with these three students. These students represent an ever expanding long line of successes accomplished by many, many Mater Dei graduates in multiple professions.”

Carl taught all three students as freshmen in Honors Biology, as juniors in Advanced Placement Biology and as seniors in Anatomy/Physiology.

The Mater Dei family is extremely proud of all three former students and wishes them well during the many years of medical school ahead of them.

Karen Scheller and her fiance Mike Trevino

Brandt Lydon Katie Funke and Carl Voegel, Mater Dei science teacher


development manager at Master Manufacturing in Evansville and Stacey is an occupational therapist at ProRehab in Evansville.

Andy ’96 and Jessica (Knight) Reckelhoff ’04 were married in September 2011 and had their first child, a daughter Beatrice Rose, in July 2012. They live in Evansville.

Amy (Martin) Streete ’97 recently relocated to Greenwood, Ind. with her husband and two sons, Austen and Presten. She is enjoying being a stay-at-home mom.

2000sBlake ’02 and Jenni (Steinkamp) Kollker ’00 currently reside in Evansville. Blake is the executive

chef at the Evansville Country Club, and Jenni is a nurse practitioner at Orthopaedic Associates.

Tim Weber ’05 and his wife, Sarah, are the proud parents of twin daughters, Isabella and Elaina, born in May 2012.

friendsJim and Rosalie Dunkel, both 1948 graduates of Reitz Memorial High School, sent all eight of their children to Mater Dei: Kathy (Dunkel) Greenwell ’70, Diane (Dunkel) Buskavitz ’72, Stephen Dunkel ’73, David Dunkel ’75, Barbara (Dunkel) Raleigh ’77, Susan (Dunkel) Bottoms ’78, Carol Jean (Dunkel) Smith ’84 and Laura (Dunkel) Helsloot ’88.


Megan Wright ’04 of Helfrich Park STEM Academy was named a Peabody Energy Leader in Education for the 2012–13 school year and awarded $1,000 for her compassion and commitment to students. Pictured are Megan’s parents, Tina (Boots) Wright ’74 and Joe Wright; Maureen Moore, Peabody Leaders in Education Program Director, and Tim McIntosh, Helfrich Park STEM Academy Principal.

The Mater Dei Class of 1970 celebrated classmates turning 60 years of age this past fall with a birthday party at Smitty’s Italian Steak House in Evansville.

The Class of 1966 had a reunion picnic July 7, 2012, at the home of classmate Larry Luigs. The group thoroughly enjoyed their social time together—on the hottest day with a sweltering 108 degrees!

rick goelzhauser ’81 ends anillustrious UsAf career

CMSgt. Rick J. Goelzhauser ’81 recently retired from United States Air Force after 30 years of service. He was the 59th Inpatient Operations Group Superintendent, 59th Medical Wing, Lackland AFB TX, and advised the group commander and squadron commanders on operational issues for over 650 military, civilian and student personnel assigned to Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and San Antonio Military Medical Center.

He provided senior enlisted leadership and oversight for all areas

of human resources, recognition programs, performance evaluation, facility utilization, readiness, training and quality improvement.

He has worked various departments that include emergency room, cardiac care unit, OB clinic, pediatrics, and medical readiness and hyperbarics.

Chief Goelzhauser has completed three remote tours and one deployment. He has worked with explosive ordnance units, air control squadrons, and other joint service units.


Alumni basketball game brought past players and coaches back to MD hardwoodFormer Mater Dei basketball players gathered this

past October for the first Mater Dei Alumni Basketball Game that brought over 40 past players and coaches back to the Mater Dei hardwood.

According to Mater Dei basketball coach Kurt Wildeman ’97, “I’m not sure there were any rivalries. The biggest was probably John Goebel ’87 coaching against Roger Sills. Fortunately, nobody got hurt and everybody had fun.” The yellow team, led by the Kiefer brothers, cruised to a victory over the red team.

Alumni who participated were Matt Kiefer ’02, Kelly Muensterman 06, Adam Weinzapfel ’00, Jake Tucker ’00, Nick Knight ’97, Mike Halbig ’97, Justin Mayer ’97, Chris Maynard ’98, Ared Schnaus ’00, Travis Welch ’01, John Kiefer 00, Justin Elpers ’00, Craig Maier ’05, Andy Reddington ’05, Lucas Goebel ’96, Brett Bueltel ’08, Tom Weinzapfel ’81, Paul Kempf ’06, Dom Turi ’03, Andy Tekoppel ’06, and Nathan Wildeman ’01.

Roger Sills and Tom Bealmear coached the yellow team, and John Goebel and Dave Wathen coached the red team. Scorekeepers were John Layman ’91 and Shane Goedde ’05, the referee was Danny Ko, and the announcer was Mike Weber ’92.

The oldest player was Tom Weinzapfel, and Nathan Wildeman was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

The evening was organized by Matt Halbig and Derek Paulin ’00. Coach Wildeman plans to make the alumni game a bi-annual event.

First row kneeling: Brett Bueltel, Craig Maier, Tom Weinzapfel, Kelly Muenstermann; Second row standing: Kurt Wildeman, Dave Wathen, Travis Welch, Lucas Goebel, Matt Halbig, Jake Tucker, Christ Maynard, Dom Turi, Nathan Wildeman; Third and fourth row standing: Derek Paulin, John Layman, Mike Weber, Nick Knight, Adam Weinzapfel, Arid Schnauss, Justin Mayer, Dan Ko, Matt Kiefer, John Kiefer, Roger Sills, John Goebel, Paul Kempf, Andy Reddington, Andy Tekoppel, Tom Bealmear, Mike Halbig, Justin Elpers, Shane Goedde, Kevin Moore

Coaches John Goebel, Dave Wathen, Kurt Wildeman, Roger Sills


Beginning in March of 2012, sisters Hallie Denstorff ’04 and Jenna Denstorff ’05 embarked on a long, rigorous journey together that ended at the finish line of the Ironman Triathlon in Louisville, Ky.

The Ironman consists of 140.6 miles—2.4 mile swim in the Ohio River, 112 mile bike race from Louisville to LaGrange, Ky., and a 26.2 mile run around Louisville. This event is a qualifier for the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

The sisters first became interested in triathlon events when they participated in a sprint triathlon in 2007 which lead to more sprints and a Half Ironman race for Hallie. After completing the Half Ironman, Hallie was determined to take on a full Ironman. Jenna trained with Hallie while she prepared for the Half Ironman, and Jenna recalls, “Hallie said she wanted to do a Half Ironman, and I said she was crazy! I would never do that. But I trained with her all that summer, and she completed the race and received all the praise and I got nothing!”

So when Hallie decided to tackle the Ironman Louisville, Jenna decided she would end up training with Hallie so she might as well do it too. “This time I wasn’t going to let her get all the praise. So when she said she was signing up for the Ironman, I said, ‘Looks like I’m doing an Ironman, too,’” insists Jenna.

So how does one train for such an event? “About a year before the race, I started researching training plans and nutrition. Jenna and I started training in January and then

Iron (Wo)man TriathlonSisters discover the strength of

the body, endurance of the spirit

Hallie Denstorff ’04


stepped it up in March,” explains Hallie. Both are teachers—Hallie is a fifth grade teacher at Holy Rosary Catholic School in Evansville and Jenna this past fall began teaching math at Providence High School in Clarksville, Indiana—so they would train at the YMCA before school and then train again after the school day. Once school was out for the summer, training became a full time job six days a week, sometimes twice a day. Because the training was so demanding, they had no social life. Their day began at 4:30 a.m. and most nights they were in bed by 8:30 p.m. “We told our family and friends that unless you were swimming, biking, or running you would not see us. And that was the truth.” Being out of contact with family and friends proved to be the most difficult part of the whole experience for both of them.

The hours Hallie and Jenna spent training are most impressive. Hallie’s training included 81.21 miles of swimming, 2,929 miles of biking, 3932.9 miles of running, and 41.8 miles of walking for a total of 3,445.91 miles. Jenna swam 114.77 miles, biked 3,707.64, ran 638.36 miles for a total of 4,460.53 miles.

Both girls agree the best part of the training and competing in the Ironman was the sisters working together toward a common goal. Jenna shares, “Honestly, what I enjoyed most about the whole experience was the time I spent with my sister. The time we spent planning, training, and traveling are memories we made that can never be replaced.”

The support Hallie and Jenna received from family and friends was overwhelming. They had the largest spectator group on race day in Louisville that consisted of family members, friends from grade school and high school, friends from college, friends from Holy Rosary School, and friends from their parish, St. Agnes church. Supporters were easy to spot in their “Denstorff Duo” t-shirts, holding encouraging signs and stationed at different locations throughout the race cheering them on. Hallie notes that “throughout

our journey we received tons of good luck cards, emails, and text messages. We are truly blessed!”

According to Jenna, their biggest supporter was their mom, Linda Macke Denstorff ’73. “She was especially awesome. She has always been our biggest fan, ever since we were little, and even though she did not want us to do this race, she knew she wasn’t going to stop us! So she accepted it and was once again our number one cheerleader!”

Finishing the Ironman competition was a personal goal for each of them. Hallie’s results were swim, 1 hour and 25 minutes; bike, 7 hours and 14 minutes; and run, 6 hours and 58 minutes for a total time of 15 hours and 54 minutes. Jenna’s results were swim, 1 hour and 14 minutes; bike, 6 hours and 7 minutes; and run, 5 hours and 24 minutes for a final time of 13 hours and 13 minutes.

The success of the Ironman for both Hallie and Jenna was that they met their personal goals. Hallie states, “After crossing the finish line that Sunday, I had accomplished my goal of finishing an Ironman competition. My goal was to finish no matter the time.” Jenna shares, “Speaking for myself, I think I did awesome! My goal was to finish and

beat Hallie!”Both girls attribute their hard

work ethic to their Catholic upbringing. “My Catholic education is truly the foundation for all that I have. It taught me discipline, determination, perseverance, and team work,” emphasizes Jenna.

Hallie adds, “I think what surprised me the most is how challenged I was in my faith throughout the Ironman journey. I am proud to say that my faith carried me through even the toughest days. I can’t tell you how many prayers were said while swimming, biking, or running throughout training and on race day. The importance of having a strong faith was taught to me as a young child and continues to be the guide for my life.”

What they discovered during their training and competition was not only the strength of the human body, but the endurance of the human spirit. Hallie sums it up, “You learn that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Sometimes success requires extreme sacrifice, but in the end it is totally worth it.”

They also discovered that the love and support of family and friends—and sisters—can lift us up to achieve feats we never imagined.

Jenna Denstorff ’05, Linda Macke Denstorff ’73 and Hallie Denstorff ’04


The Mater Dei community remembers those alumni, parents and friends who have passed. May they rest in eternal peace.

Alumni

William Brandsasse ’66, of Old Hickory, Tenn., Jan. 22, 2011

Teresa (Neale) Buedel ’51, of Evansville, Nov. 18, 2012

Mary Jane (Muensterman) Dale ’52, of Evansville, Sept. 20, 2012

Albert G. Duncan ’54, of Newburgh, Ind., Jan. 31, 2012

Kenneth Hollander ’61, of Evansville, Sept. 24, 2012

William “Bill” Huett ’53, of Evansville, Sept. 8, 2012

Mary Lou (Rheinlander) Jenkins ’54, of Brandenburg, Ky., May 14, 2011

Sharon (Alexander) King ’54, of Evansville, Nov. 26, 2011

Gary J. Koenig ’65, of Evansville, June 6, 2012

Maria Maes ’86, of Evansville, June 1, 2012

Norma (Hillenbrand) Maurer ’52, of Evansville, Sept. 7, 2012

Thomas W. Mullen, Jr. ’53, of Farmington Hills, Mich., June 12, 2012

Priscilla Ann (Griswold) Quinlin ’62, of Evansville, July 2, 2012

Lois (Folz) Rohleder ’51, of Carmel, Ind., June 10, 2012

JoAnn (Lindenschmidt) Seibert ’58, of Newburgh, Ind., June 2, 2012

Betty (Bristow) McAtee Singer ’51, of Evansville, June 5, 2012

Judith Ann (Will) Stone ’64, of Evansville, July 7, 2012

Mary Jane (Mosby) Tieken ’53, of Evansville, Nov. 9, 2012

Richard Wahl, Sr. ’54, of Evansville, Sept. 6, 2012

Mary (Seng) Weinzapfel ’54, of St. Philip, December 4, 2012

Roger “Rock” Wildeman ’70, of Evansville, Aug. 25, 2012

Dennis R. Williamson ’54, of Evansville, May 1, 2012

Mary Jane “Janie” Muensterman Dale ’52 passed away Septem-ber 20, 2012. Her husband, Alan Dale, has established an endowment in Janie’s name to support the educational and spiritual needs at Mater Dei High School.

Janie was a very generous and giving person. She was an active member of the commu-nity and in her parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She attended St. Agnes Catholic School and was a 1952 graduate of Mater Dei.

She was the mother to Alan, Jr., Steve (d. 1982), Mark and his wife, Susan, and Robert and his wife, Sheila Seib Dale ’88; and grandmother to Nathan, Steven, Trevor, Ethan and Devon. Trevor is currently a sophomore Mater Dei.

To contribute in Janie’s memory, contact Sarah Wagner at 421-5727 or [email protected].

Rosemary Rooney died November 26, 2012. Rosemary was a long time Mater Dei Wildcat who could be found seated in the crowd at athletic events working on her latest quilting project. She was the mother of Karen McLaughlinn ’80, Keith Rooney ’82 and Darlene Quinlin ’83, Assistant Principal of Student Services at Mater Dei, and grandmother to five grandchildren, Kurtis and Kyle McLaughlin, Danielle Quinlin, a junior at Mater Dei, Erin and Glenn Rooney and Eric Quinlin (d. 2009). Her husband of 45 years, Robert, preceded her in death.

Rosemary supported Mater Dei as a member of the Ave Maria Society, and at the time of her death, memorial contributions were requested to be made to the Mater Dei girls’ athletic program. Rosemary was very involved in her parish, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Evansville.

Rosemary RooneyRosemary helping with an MD Yearbook fundraising booth—and knitting—in 1983.

in Memoriam

Mary Jane Dale


Dorothy Jane Boots passed away October 1, 2012. She was the mother of daughters Rebecca Maier ’66, Theresa Helfrich ’69, Tina Wright ’74 and Bridget Dickerson ’89 and sons Larry ’60, Ira Gerard 72, Tim ’80 and Vincent ’83, and 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

The loves of Dorothy’s life were the Catholic faith, her family, her country, and Mater Dei High School. She supported Mater Dei through the Ira J. and Dorothy

Jane Boots Endowment, a member of the Ave Maria Society and as a loyal athletic fan. She was an active member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Evansville. At the time of her passing, memorial gifts were made to the Ira J. and Dorothy Jane Boots Endowment.

Mary Patry, former teacher at Mater Dei, passed away Aug. 4, 2012, in Paducah, Ky.

Mrs. Patry taught Spanish at Mater Dei for 34 years. She was named High School Teacher of the Year in 1991 by the Evansville Courier & Press. She was very active in her parish, Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Evansville, for over 50 years, and was the recipient of the Brute Award.

Mary Patry

G. Thomas Woodward ’61, of Wadesville, Ind., June 2, 2012

Donald R. Zirkelbach ’54, of Evansville, June 24, 2012

parentsWilliam “Bill” Basden, of Evansville, July 16, 2012

Ruth Irene Baughn, of Evansville, July 17, 2012

Margaret Behme, of Evansville, June 10, 2012

Robert Bequette, of Evansville, Nov. 11, 2012

Dorothy Jane Boots, of Evansville, Oct. 1, 2012

Marian G. Dalby, of Evansville, Aug. 22, 2012

Mildred Debes, of Evansville, Aug. 15, 2012

Gertrude Dippel, of Evansville, June 16, 2012

Mary Lou Forche, of Evansville, Nov. 11, 2012

Ralph Guetling, of Evansville, Nov. 14, 2012

Cyrilla Goedde, of Evansville, July 4, 2012

Sylvester Goedde, of Evansville, Sept. 24, 2012

Doris Jean Goetz, of Evansville, Sept. 10, 2012

Leona Halbig, of Evansville, Sept. 14, 2012

Carl A. Horstman, Sr., of Evansville, June 3, 2012

Pauline Jourdan, of Mount Vernon, Ind., Aug. 22, 2012

Daniel M. Kissel, of Evansville, May 31, 2012

Margaret M. Laugel, of Evansville, Sept. 4, 2012

Elvis Locke, of Evansville, July 18, 2012

Avalia Lutz, of Evansville, July 8, 2012

Marian Pigman, of Evansville, Sept. 27, 2012

Rosemary Rooney, of Evansville, Nov. 26, 2012

in Memoriam

Dorothy Jane Boots


William Schultheis, of Evansville, Dec. 8, 2012.

Anthony Stratman, Sr., of Evansville, June 10, 2012

Majorie Rietman Toon, of Evansville, July 6, 2012

Helen Tornatta, of Evansville, Nov. 11, 2012

Robert Tornatta, of Evansville, Dec. 21, 2011

Lawrence Ubelhor, of Evansville, July 2, 2012

Magadalen Weinzapfel, of Evansville, July 2, 2012

Jeanette “Nettie” Wildeman, of Mount Vernon, Ind., Sept. 25, 2012

facultyMary K. Patry, of Paducah, Ky., Aug. 4, 2012

friendsLilly “Edna” Bosse Evansville, Feb. 26, 2012

Becky Deig Evans, of Evansville, June 10, 2012

Donald J. Evans, of Evansville, July 6, 2012

Paul “Mick” Kline, of Lafayette, Dec. 2, 2012

Rosemary Rooney of Evansville, Nov. 26, 2012

David L. “Hap” Williams, of Evansville, Nov. 4, 2012

Please email Carol Nurrenbern at [email protected] or call 812-421-5727 to share the passing of MD alumni, parents and friends.

Prayer for Mater DeiGod, our Father, You have greatly blessed

Mater Dei High School: A school dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God.

Help us to treasure Your gift of life and remember that we are all created in Your image.

Lord Jesus, You are the unseen but ever-present teacher in our classes.

Grant us all the perception to see the many opportunities to show Your love, mercy, and kindness to one another.

Holy Spirit, guide us with the fire of Your love.

Give us vision and determination for shaping a faith-filled future.

May we all use our time and talents to glorify Your Holy Name.

May the Virgin Mary’s openness to the Word of God be our example of love and service to God and neighbor.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

in Memoriam

Father Raymond L. Kuper, educator and pastor of the Diocese of Evansville, died November 13, 2012, at the age of 74.

He was active in Catholic

education for most of his priestly ministry as a teacher, a principal, diocesan superintendent and as a pastor of parishes with schools.

Father Kuper was ordained a priest in March 1964. In 1968 he was appointed superintendent of Rex Mundi High School and in 1970 was named superintendent of Evansville Catholic Schools. He served as diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools from 1972 through 1977, and Bishop Francis Shea appointed him diocesan director of Catholic Education in 1987.

In 1974, Fr. Kuper coordinated the consolidation of Sacred Heart, St. Boniface and St. Agnes grade schools, which became Westside Catholic Consolidated School with grades at all parish campuses.

He was quoted in a story in the Message in August 1987 that Catholic schools must “teach our students not just how to make a good living, but how to lead a good life” through “the faith element.”

He said he had learned as a parish priest that “parents are the primary educators.”

He served as pastor of St. Bernard Church in Rockport, and Christ the King, St. Agnes and Holy Rosary churches in Evansville which were all parishes with a Catholic grade school.

His legacy to Catholic education in the Diocese of Evansville is the Rev. Raymond L. Kuper Fund for Educational Excellence Scholarship Endowment. Scholarships will be awarded to students who display academic excellence, good citizenship, financial need and spiritual growth; are members of St. Agnes, Christ the King or Holy Rosary parishes; and will be attending Mater Dei High School or Memorial High School.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rev. Raymond L. Kuper Educational Excellence Endowment by sending checks made out to Mater Dei High School.

Reverend Raymond L. Kuper

Fr. Bill Wargel, a retired priest in the Evansville diocese, has written a book titled “Christians: Friends for Christ.” The book has been described as “people-friendly Catechism for all Christians,” and an easy to read guidebook about the central messages Scripture provides as well as a non-denominational explanation of the lived Christian faith.

The book is available at: Fr. Bill Wargel, P.O. Box 85, Celestine, Ind. 47521. It is $12.95 plus $3.55 for and shipping and handling.


roYAl golD sponsors

FEHRENBACHER CABINETS, INC. Bob ’71, Mary Kay ’71, Peter ’97

Zachary ’00, Patrick ’03 & Sarah ’05

FREEMAN, WILL & NIEMEIER, INC. FREEMAN, WILL, NIEMEIER & HESTON, LLC Patrick B. Freeman ’65, P. Evan Freeman ’90,

Elissa Freeman Higgins ’94, M. Ethan Freeman ’00, Emily Freeman ’02 & Jordan Raben ’05

HELFRICH REALTORS Clem Behme ’69, George P. Helfrich ’69,

Sally Helfrich Green ’78, Stephanie Helfrich Freeman ’94, Peter D. Helfrich ’99 & Shay Grasso Helfrich ’00

MUENSTERMAN’S AUTO SERVICE Tom ’73, Steve ’76, Jerry ’79,

Mark ’83 & Bob ’87

PAUL’S MENSWEAR Steve ’73, John ’78 & Brian ’99

PIERRE FUNERAL HOME Gary ’61 & Susie ’62

John ’88, Jim ’89 & Lori ’89

SIEMERS GLASS Jane ’81 & Mark Weinzapfel ’80

Jake ’06, Mac ’08, Ali ’11 & Jack ’13

SOUTHWEST GRAFIX & APPAREL INC Rose Ann ’60, Mary ’82, Mike ’83, Michelle ’85, Mark ’89, Schelly ’89, Julian ’15, Brendan ’16

loYAl reD sponsors

ALTSTADT PLUMBING SERVICE, INC. David Altstadt ’75 & Chip Altstadt ’03

HILLTOP INN Don & Lanette Snyder

KEMPF’S DONUT BANK Harold ’54, Chris ’77, Lindsey ’81, Ben ’85 & Joe ’91

LAPPE HEATING & A/C Ed Lappe ’82, Dan Lappe ’77 & Dave Lappe ’03

MORROW MECHANICAL SERVICES, INC. Tony Morrow

OHIO VALLEY INSULATION COMPANY, INC. Scott ’80, Beth ’80, Dustin ’05, Logan ’08,

Faith ’10, Brooke ’11 & Joel Slaton

PROFESSIONAL EYECARE ASSOCIATES Todd Niemeier, O.D. ’91, Andrew Moore, O.D.,

Morgan Hussmann, O.D.

KAREN L. SCHENK & ASSOCIATES, LLC (Formerly Roselle Weinzapfel Certified Public Accountants) Karen Kaffenberger Schenk ’79

SCHULTHEIS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Steve Moore ’65 & Kevin Moore ’91

STRAUB OUTDOOR POWER Scott ’90 & Kendra ’90

MARK A. TORNATTA, DDS Mark A. Tornatta ’69

WILDERMAN ENTERPRISES, LLC dba ST. WENDEL AUTO PARTS & SERVICE

Dennis Wildeman ’68

please support our fine sponsors!

Mater Dei High SchoolOffice of Institutional Advancement1300 Harmony Way • Evansville, IN 47720

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