"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
- Matthew 5:16

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Faculty and Staff

Well-Trained, Caring Christian Teachers and Staff

Lutheran High Faculty and Staff

*Principal Waterman - Mr. Waterman has served in Lutheran schools for the  past 35 years.  As a 1974 graduate of Concordia-Nebraska, he taught history and coached cross country, track, and basketball prior to being called as principal in 1982.  In 1989, Mr. Waterman accepted a call to serve as principal at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, Missouri.  In 1998, Waterman accepted a call to serve as the Missouri District Director of Lutheran Schools. Prior to accepting the call to serve as Principal of the Lutheran High School of Sioux Falls, Waterman was Headmaster at Lutheran High North in Houston for three years.

The Waterman family has a strong commitment to Lutheran education.  David's wife, Sherry, taught kindergarten for 10 years in Minneapolis and St. Louis.  The Waterman daughters have also served as Lutheran high school teachers - Kari Johnson as the art teacher and guidance counselor at the Lutheran High School of San Antonio for eight years and Kelly Phelps as English teacher and coach at the North Eastern Wisconisn Lutheran High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Each member of the Waterman family is an alumni of Concordia University - Nebraska.  David has his Master of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Minnesota and Kari has her Master of Arts in School Guidance and Counseling from the University of Texas in San Antonio.

*Connie Hoefer (Algebra)- Connie has over thirty years of teaching experience.  She earned her bachelors and masters degrees at Augustana College in secondary math.  She has worked with 7th - 9th graders in the public schools of Omaha and Sioux Falls.  Though she retired from public schools in May of 2010, LHS seemed the perfect part time job for retirement.  "I really enjoy math and relearning some of the things I had in college that I haven't used in a while.  I like to challenge my brain."

Playing with four grandchildren, working with kids at Open Arms Christian Child Care Center, quilting and spending time with family and friends keep her busy the rest of the time.

*Nancy Michaels (School Secretary) - Nancy is delighted to be working at Lutheran High School and being part of a community that shows Christ with their actions.  Nancy graduated from Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She enjoys spending time with her husband Steve and two girls.  Her hobbies include canoeing, biking, walking her dog Mimi, gardening, writing, composing and playing piano at various functions in Sioux Falls.

*Melanie Nelson (Athletic Director) - Melanie Nelson brings a background in high school and elementary education as well as fifteen years in athletic administration.  Melanie received her BS degree in Physical Education/Health/Coaching from Iowa State University.  In addition she competed on the ISU track team where she threw the discus and javelin.  After graduation Melanie taught eight years of high school PE and coached, volleyball, basketball and track in Missouri.  She received her Master of Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy and was hired as the Assistant Commissioner of the North Central Conference.  The NCC has since dissolved, however, during her tenure with the NCC Melanie had the opportunity to serve on and chair the NCAA Women's Division II basketball committee as well as serve five years on the fifteen member NCAA Division II Championship committee.  After the NCC Melanie began teaching elementary PE in Sioux Falls. Melanie also began substituting in the area. She stays busy with teaching PE, serving on the Iowa State Letter-winners Board of Directors, the NIKE Regional XC planning committee and the Howard Wood Relays Board.  Melanie enjoys working out, riding bike, spending time with friends and family and her husband Jeff and her enjoy attending Iowa State football games.

*Ms. Ockander (Physical Science) - Marli Ockander is a graduate of Concordia University, Nebraska with a B.S. in Secondary Education and a B.A. in Biology.  For 8 years “Miss O.” has taught in Lutheran schools.  As a Nebraska native, she passionately follows Husker football. She also enjoys experiencing other places and cultures through traveling. 

 "I believe in Jesus as my LORD and Savior and strive to teach students (and all!) that having this belief is what is most important in this world. I love teaching at Lutheran schools because I get to share this most wonderful message every day. "

*Mrs. Riedl (English I & II, Spanish) - Emily Riedl teaches English I and II at Lutheran High School of Sioux Falls and K-8 Spanish at Sioux Falls Lutheran School. She earned her bachelors degrees in Spanish and journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University in 2008. After working for a year and returning to school, she achieved a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and a teaching certificate in Spanish and English language arts from the University of South Dakota in December of 2010. She and her husband, Kevin (and their German shepherd Daisy), reside in Worthing and are members of Resurrection Lutheran Church.

 

*Reverend Shane (New Testament) - Rev. Shane is an alumnus of Saint Paul Lutheran High School. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree and his Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma from Concordia Teachers College, Seward, Nebraska.  He has a Master of Arts in Religion Degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1965 he began his church work as a Lutheran teacher and principal at Concordia Lutheran Church, Red Wing, Minnesota.  He has served at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota and St. James Lutheran Church in Quincy, Illinois.

In 1976 Rev. Shane entered Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.  He has served as a parish pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church, Decatur, Illinois; Trinity Lutheran Church, Grand Island, Nebraska; Zion Lutheran Church, Pierce, Nebraska; Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He was Executive Secretary for the South Dakota District before accepting a call to teach at Saint Paul Lutheran High School, Concordia, Missouri in 2005.   He retired from teaching at Saint Paul Lutheran High School in May 2008 and presently serves part-time as Visitation Pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.   

Rev. Shane has a total of 44 years of service in The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.  He has served in the following areas:  Twin Cities Teachers’ Conference Chairman, Family Life Committee (MN South District), District Office Restructure Committee (Central Illinois District), LWML Zone Counselor (Grand Island Zone), Ministerial Health Chairman (SD District), Upper Midwest Ministerial Health Chairman, Circuit J Counselor (SD District), Ministerial Health Committee Member (MN South District), Lutheran Education Association Secondary Education Network and as a Strengthening Schools and Congregation consultant, and chairman of the South Dakota District Continuing Education Committee.

Rev. Shane presently serves as Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support (PALS) facilitator for the new pastors entering the SD District – LCMS.    In addition at the 2009 South Dakota District he was elected as Circuit Counselor for Circuit H (Sioux Falls) Circuit.

Rev. Shane and his wife Janice have four married children: Brian, Scott, Julie Holmes, and Mark.  They also have been blessed with eleven grandchildren.

His anchor verse is “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” [Isaiah 43:1]