Mr. Witte Retires

Mr. Ken Witte holds graphing calculator in his classroom. Photo by Tom Kind

The Numbers Add Up - 46 Years in the Ministry

By Chuck Benedum

    For 46 years, Ken Witte served the Church and several schools in the classroom and on the field. He is a Christian example and humble in all that he does.
    Ken came to Sheboygan Lutheran High in 2001 thanks to the influence of Dr. Cary Stelmachowicz, a fellow professor at Concordia Wisconsin, and the lure of a Distance Learning Center (which used to be in the
back hall). Ken helped supervise the lab.
    Once at Sheboygan Lutheran, he taught Advanced Algebra, Pre-Calculus and Calculus, Statistics, Personal Finance, and Transition to College Math. He’s overseen the National Accreditation of the school, and coached Varsity Girls’ Basketball and Girls’ Soccer.
    Living in Fredonia, Ken calculated that he has traveled more than 245,000 miles just driving to and from school daily. Now, if you multiply that by the price of gas... Ouch.
    When asked about the biggest changes in math over the last few years, Ken responded with the need to innovate and get creative as math became more visual using new instruments and other devices. Yet he says math has become more purposeful in its application. There is less supervised homework now, and much more done in the classroom, but his mantra still stands true, “Communicate what you are thinking.”

David Jabs, LHS alumni & teacher at Cleveland Lutheran East
Mr. Witte is someone I look up to; when I was in high school and still now as I am a math teacher. His teaching definitely set me up for success and helped make me the teacher I am today.

    In retirement, Ken looks forward to a break from teaching, but as a life-long learner he will continue to look for opportunities of personal and professional growth.
    Looking back at his favorite memories from Lutheran High, he remembers his children’s achievements in and out of the classroom, the Ozaukee carpool, and seeing his students return after their graduations to share their stories of success.
    Ken, you have been a true blessing from God to Lutheran High, its faculty, students, and parents. Your Christian example and your teaching expertise are treasures we will never forget. You will be missed in the Math Cave! God’s blessings to you and Cindy as you begin a new phase of your life.

​Marcus Larson: LHS 2022 Graduate
“Mr. Witte is a blessing to those teachers, students and co-workers he has taught. It was truly an honor to experience my final 8th hour in high school with him. To infinity and beyond, Mr. Witte!”

Caden Solle: LHS Senior
“Mr. Witte is a fantastic person and teacher. He was always willing to help me with questions. He emphasized teamwork and collaboration. He was a great teacher, fun-loving and God-serving.”

Ken and his family after his final commencement at Sheboygan Lutheran. Left to right: Katelyn, Cindy, Ken, and Matt Witt