About Our School

Redeemer Lutheran School offers a Christian education option to the families of Fond du Lac and surrounding communities.

Our Educational Philosophy

At Redeemer, we want each child to receive a high-quality, Christ-centered education and training to grow into a lifelong disciple of Jesus. We strive to build meaningful relationships with each Redeemer family, enabling our staff to understand and respond to the unique needs of each child.

Christ-Centered Education

Redeemer’s curriculum is designed with flexibility to meet the needs of each student as it fosters exploration, critical thinking, problem solving, and sound study habits. All subjects are taught from a Christian perspective and prepare students for the next stage of education.

Nurturing Teachers

Our faculty focuses on educating the whole child: spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and academically in a safe environment.

Parent Involvement

Excellent education begins when educators partner with parents and caregivers to promote positive home-school communication.

Technological Literacy

1:1 Chromebooks and Google Apps to connect students to valuable online resources.

Christ-Centered Education

Nurturing Teachers

Our faculty focuses on educating the whole child: spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and academically in a safe environment.

Parent Involvement

Excellent education begins when educators partner with parents and caregivers to promote positive home-school communication.

Technological Literacy

1:1 Chromebooks and Google Apps to connect students to valuable online resources.

Rigorous Academics

Our teachers are committed to maintaining high academic standards and prioritizing personalized attention.

Redeemer Lutheran School is fully accredited by the WELS School Accreditation, a member of the National Council for Private School Accreditation. The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is the fourth largest private school system in America and maintains a rich tradition of academic excellence.

Redeemer Faculty

Our teachers are part of a system of 300+ Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Schools in the United States. They have all been trained from our own nationally-accredited educational college. Each teacher has a deep care and concern for each child – spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

David Lecker

Principal & Athletic Director
Upper Grades Math

→ Learn more about Mr. Lecker

About Mr. Lecker

Mr. Lecker was born in Appleton, Wisconsin. He attended St. Paul Lutheran for elementary school and went to high school at Fox Valley Lutheran. He graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1982 with a B.S. in Education. He was assigned for one year to Martin Luther Preparatory School in Prairie du Chien, WI, to teach science, geography and geometry. He was reassigned the next year to New Salem in Sebewaing, MI to teach grades 5-8 and principal. Since then he has served at Holy Trinity in Wyoming, MI, Martin Luther in Oshkosh, WI, Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, MI. Mr. Lecker has experienced teaching from grade 1 through grade 12.

Mr. Lecker is married to Penny and they have three married children and three grandchildren with two on the way. Mr. Lecker and Penny cherish their time with their children because they live in Georgia, Texas and Michigan.

One of Mr. Lecker's favorite passages is Romans 15:13:

‘May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’

Many years of experience have taught him that the joy and peace we have is only by trusting our Lord and Savior and that comes into the classroom by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Contact Information:

989-245-4015
dlecker@redeemerfdl.org

Heidi Borgwardt

Upper Grades English, Language Arts, Music, Art
Outreach Coordinator

→ Learn more about Mrs. Borgwardt

About Mrs. Borgwardt

Mrs. Borgwardt's growing-up years centered in Michigan, and she was blessed to attend Christian schools through high school. College moved her to Minnesota, where she received her B.S. degree in Education from Martin Luther College. Following a year of teaching in LaCrosse, she married James.

Since then Mrs. Borgwardt has taught in New Mexico, Georgia, and multiple places in Wisconsin. The majority of her teaching has been in a WELS classroom setting, but a few years were spent in the private and public sector, as well.

During the years that she stayed home to raise her four children (Jacob, Anna, Ella, Miriam), she enjoyed working with the program "Babies' Can't Wait", as a therapist for children with special needs. It was a joy to care for these children. Each experience has brought new opportunities, of which Mrs. Borgwardt is grateful!

Currently Mrs. Borgwardt teaches 5-8th grade ELA, Art, and Music. In addition, she assists daily in Grades 1-2, and fills duties for Redeemer's outreach coordinator position.

Mrs. Borgwardt cherishes working with God's people, sharing Jesus' love with students and families. She is grateful for the privilege of doing so each day at Redeemer!

Contact Information:

hborgwardt@redeemerfdl.org

Beth Rathje

Upper Grades Science, Social Studies, Physical Education
Technology Director

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About Mrs. Rathje

Mrs. Rathje is a child of God, redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. Thank you Jesus!

Mrs. Rathje was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has lived all over the country, including Michigan, Arkansas, Minnesota, Arizona, Florida and now back to Wisconsin.

She graduated from Martin Luther College in 2004 and married the love of her life, Chris Rathje, following graduation.

Pastor and Mrs. Rathje have been incredibly blessed with three smart, beautiful, sweet and fun-filled daughters: Kyah (Sophomore at WLA), Bryn (6th Grade) and Lily (2nd Grade).

Mrs. Rathje has previously taught at St. Peter's in Fond du Lac, St. Paul's (Beverly Hills, Florida), Immanuel (Taylor, Arizona), Garden Homes (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), St. Peter's (Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin) and Trinity (Waukesha, Wisconsin).

Contact Information:

brathje@redeemerfdl.org

Susan Schmitz

3rd-4th Grade

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About Mrs. Schmitz

Mrs. Schmitz grew up in Fond du Lac and attended Faith grade school, Winnebago Lutheran Academy and then attended Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota.

Her favorite people are her husband, Matt, and three kids: Ted, Sam, and Abby.

Mrs. Schmitz loves to read and loves to teach! She always knew she'd be a teacher and is so very blessed to be doing it at Redeemer.

Contact Information:

sschmitz@redeemerfdl.org

Cindy Thiesfeldt

1st-2nd Grade

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About Mrs. Thiesfeldt

Mrs. Thiesfeldt grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin where she attended and graduated from St. Paul Lutheran School and Fox Valley Lutheran High School. She graduated from (Dr.) Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree.

In 1990, she married Jeremy Thiesfeldt and they have 4 grown children, all living in 4 different states.

In her early years of teaching, Mrs. Thiesfeldt started a preschool program at Emanuel, West St. Paul, MN and then took some time away from the classroom to be a stay-at-home mom.

In 2003, she returned to the teaching ministry at Redeemer Lutheran School in Fond du Lac, WI serving in grades 3 & 4, and in more recent years grades 1 & 2.

Mrs. Thiesfeldt's favorite things to do are going to the family cottage, reading, and taking road trips or airplane travels around the United States. Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." is one of her many favorite Bible passages.

Contact Information:

cthiesfeldt@redeemerfdl.org

Kristen Bendix

1st-2nd Grade Aide

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About Mrs. Bendix

Mrs. Bendix grew up in Tucson, Arizona and has had the blessing of attending Christian schools from Kindergarten through college. Mrs. Bendix attended Martin Luther College where she met her husband, Brad, who is the Activities Director at Winnebago Lutheran Academy.

Together, they have been blessed with four children, all of whom attend Redeemer Lutheran School.

Following college graduation, Mrs. Bendix taught Kindergarten at Grace Lutheran School in Oshkosh, WI for four years. Then, she was then called to teach 1st and 2nd grades at Peace Lutheran School in Green Lake, WI. She served there for three years before staying home to raise her family.

Mrs. Bendix is looking forward to serving the little lambs at Redeemer Lutheran School and sharing the love of their precious Savior with them.

Holly Schwefel

Kindergarten

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About Mrs. Schwefel

Mrs. Schwefel is married to Tom and has three daughters. She attended Redeemer Lutheran School and Winnebago Lutheran Academy, and then graduated from Marian College with a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. After graduation, she continued her education to receive Synodical Certification in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Martin Luther College.

In between teaching experiences, she was a stay-at-home mom for 8 years, giving her 22 years of experience in caring for and teaching young children.

Mrs. Schwefel loves to read, visit coffee shops with her girls, and hang out with her family and their English Bulldogs. A favorite passage is 2 Peter 3:18… “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

Contact Information:

hschwefel@redeemerfdl.org

Stephanie Ehlke

Preschool
Moms & Tots

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About Mrs. Ehlke

Mrs. Ehlke was born and raised in Manitowoc, WI. She graduated from Martin Luther College and began her teaching career in Greenville, WI. She then spent 7 years teaching in Milwaukee before moving to Fond du Lac where she was blessed to spend 10 years at home raising her 4 children. During this time she served as one of Redeemer's Moms & Tots coordinators.

With all her kids in school, she joined them and returned to the classroom, teaching preschool and continuing as Moms & Tots coordinator. She feels blessed to serve Redeemer's youngest students and share Jesus' love with them each day.

Mrs. Ehlke & her husband Kevin have 4 children, all currently students at Redeemer. Besides planning and preparing all the preschool things, she enjoys hiking, playing piano, reading and watching her kids participate in their activities.

Contact Information:

sehlke@redeemerfdl.org

Becky Gellings

Preschool Aide

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About Mrs. Gellings

Mrs. Gellings graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy and went on to receive her BBA from UW-Oshkosh and worked in Human Resources prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom.

This will be her second year helping out with Moms and Tots and first year helping out in the Preschool classroom.

Mrs. Gellings is married to Jake and together they have two children.

Mary Nell

Music Teacher

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About Mrs. Nell

Mrs. Nell graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, in 1972. She previously taught grades 5-6 at St. Matthew's Lutheran School in Winona, MN. She began teaching at Redeemer in 1981 and retired from the classroom in 2017 after 37 years of teaching.

She continues to teach music to students in grades 3-8 and gives private piano lessons.

Mrs. Nell is married to her husband, Dave, former principal at Redeemer and has 3 grown children and 9 grandchildren. She enjoys sharing her love of music, spending time with her family, and making all kinds of bath and body products.

Contact Information:

mnell@redeemerfdl.org

James Borgwardt

Pastor

→ Learn more about Pastor Borgwardt

About Pastor Borgwardt

Pastor Borgwardt received his Bachelor's degree from Northwestern College (now Martin Luther College) in 1993, and Masters of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon in 1997. In 1995 he married Heidi Buege, and the Lord has blessed them with four children on earth: Jacob, Anna, Ella and Miriam.

Pastor Borgwardt has served Redeemer since 2011, and was thrilled when Pastor Rathje was added to the pastoral staff in 2021.

Prior to Redeemer, Pastor Borgwardt and Heidi served 14 years in Georgia as the founding pastor and school director of Risen Savior Lutheran Church and Risen Savior Christian Academy in Pooler (Savannah). During his Seminary training, he served his vicar (intern) year at Peace Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

The Borgwardts enjoy sports, music, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. Above all, they love to throw themselves completely into ministry where they serve, amazed that God would allow them the privilege of sharing His gospel with His people.

Contact Information:

920-204-4015
jborgwardt@redeemerfdl.org

Christopher Rathje

Pastor

→ Learn more about Pastor Rathje

About Pastor Rathje

Pastor Rathje grew up in Saginaw, MI, where he was blessed to be raised in a wonderful Christian household and attend Lutheran schools during his elementary and high school years.

After graduating from high school in 1999, he attended Martin Luther College (MLC) in New Ulm, MN to begin training for the pastoral ministry. At MLC, he met his wife, Beth, who is also serving at Redeemer, teaching in the upper grades.

After college, he continued his ministry training at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI, graduating and receiving a Masters of Divinity in 2007.

Pastor Rathje began his ministry serving two congregations in the White Mountains of Arizona for seven years before moving across the country to Ocala, FL, where he served for the next six and half years.

Pastor Rathje joined the ministry team at Redeemer in January of 2021 and feels very blessed to be part of such a wonderful church and school family.

God has blessed Beth and Pastor Rathje with three daughters: Kyah, Bryn, and Lily. Pastor Rathje enjoys watching and playing sports and hanging out with his family.

He would love to grab a cup of coffee with you and tell you about Jesus anytime!

Contact Information:

352-445-8366
crathje@redeemerfdl.org

About Our School

Our Educational Philosophy

Christ-Centered Education

Nurturing Teachers

Parent Involvement

Technological Literacy

Christ-Centered Education

Nurturing Teachers

Parent Involvement

Technological Literacy

Rigorous Academics

Redeemer Faculty

Rachel Jahns

Office Manager

About Our School

Our Educational Philosophy

Christ-Centered Education

Nurturing Teachers

Parent Involvement

Technological Literacy

Christ-Centered Education

Nurturing Teachers

Parent Involvement

Technological Literacy

Rigorous Academics

Redeemer Faculty

David Lecker

Principal & Athletic Director Upper Grades Math

Heidi Borgwardt

Upper Grades English, Language Arts, Music, Art Outreach Coordinator

Beth Rathje

Upper Grades Science, Social Studies, Physical Education Technology Director

Susan Schmitz

3rd-4th Grade

Cindy Thiesfeldt

1st-2nd Grade

Kristen Bendix

1st-2nd Grade Aide

Holly Schwefel

Kindergarten

Stephanie Ehlke

Preschool Moms & Tots

Becky Gellings

Preschool Aide

Mary Nell

Music Teacher

James Borgwardt

Pastor

Christopher Rathje

Pastor

Rachel Jahns

Office Manager

Principal & Athletic Director
Upper Grades Math

Upper Grades English, Language Arts, Music, Art
Outreach Coordinator

Upper Grades Science, Social Studies, Physical Education
Technology Director

Preschool
Moms & Tots