Pastor Mark Toepel
I attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary (’70), Northwestern College (’74), and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (’78). I served at two churches in the Twin Cities area for four years before coming here. I walked through the doors at Lakeside a month before the 1982-83 school year. I've taught a variety of classes from Health to Algebra. For the last decade I have been teaching Spanish and Latin classes.
It's no secret to those who know me that I love my job. There are several reasons why that is true. It starts with the faculty and staff. Although the names have changed over the years, two things have remained constant. We all share the same faith. To work side by side with fellow believers who are there to pick you up when you fall and encourage you when you need it, is a tremendous blessing.
The second constant is that we share a common goal. We are not here only to prepare our students to be successful in this lifetime, but to prepare them for something more important. We are here to share our faith and impress on our students that their greatest goal is to make it to heaven.
The other reason I love my job is the student body. Interacting with students in the classroom, through sports, student council advisor or just chatting in the hall between classes. has always brought a smile to my face.
Whether it was listening to their concerns or talking about their goals or watching them live their faith, Lakeside has always been special. It provided Christian education for my two sons and provides the same for all who come through these doors. Our students know that the battle is done, the victory has been won by Christ and heaven awaits for those who keep the faith. Whether I am in this building or not, Lakeside will always have a special place in my heart.
My wife, Pam, and I were married in 1977. Our two children, Jason (’97) and Jamison (’01), are both Lakeside graduates.
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
