Lonnie Karges is retiring at the end of the 2022-23 school year from Bethlehem Lutheran Church & School in Carson City, Nevada. Lonnie was born in Milbank, South Dakota and moved to Southern California when he was four years old. When Lonnie was seventeen years old, his father along with six others were killed in a shooting a Cal State Fullerton. This had a profound affect on Lonnie and helped him know that the Lord had a plan for him and would always be with him! Lonnie attended Lutheran schools growing up, eventually attending Christ College Irvine (now Concordia University Irvine), graduating with an AA degree in 1980. He then transferred to Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University Nebraska) and graduated in 1981 with a degree in teaching along with DCE (Director of Christian Education) certification. Lonnie taught various grades from 3rd to 7th at Grace Lutheran School in Storm Lake, Iowa, served as athletic director and 6th to 8th grade teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Whittier, California, worked for AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) for one year, and finally in 1990 Lonnie started teaching in various grades at Bethlehem Lutheran School in Carson City, Nevada. In 2001, he became the principal at Bethlehem, the position he currently holds. During his many years of teaching and administration, Lonnie has served in a variety of capacities, from teaching multiple grades, coaching, drama, and administration. Lonnie met his wife, Ingrid, while at Christ College. Their marriage has been blessed with four children. Son Caleb is a professor at Concordia University Irvine, son Zachary is a teacher at Bethlehem in Carson City, son Joshua works for the state of Nevada, and daughter Melissa serves as a Missionary in Ethiopia. They are also blessed with four grandchildren. Lonnie states that he has been blessed by the many people, students, parents, and staff that he has worked with. They have been such a blessing to him! Lonnie has been a blessing the CNH District as well, serving in leadership on the School Ministry Team and supporting the efforts of our District to collaborate and support one another! We thank God for Lonnie Karges – many individuals are a little closer to their Lord and Savior because of His faithful ministry!
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