Vic Fenske Fan Club

Mark Waterstrat, ALA Class of 1994, passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2026. He was a friend to many and is survived by his parents, Larry and Sharon, and his sister, Renee. We commend Mark into the hands of our gracious God, confident in the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ, that by grace alone, through faith, he now rests in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection and life everlasting.

Norman “Boyd” Tech, an Arizona Lutheran Academy (ALA) teacher back in the day, passed away on April 5, 2025. Mr. Tech was a beloved teacher and coach at ALA, remembered for the lasting impact he had on his students and fellow staff.

From 1979 to 1988, Mr. Tech taught English, multimedia, and drama at ALA. He was known for holding students to high standards and helping them rise to meet them. Former students have described Mr. Tech as one of their very best teachers, someone they learned a lot from.

As head coach of the boys’ basketball team, Mr. Tech led ALA to state championships in 1983 and 1985, and runner-up finishes in 1984 and 1987. He also coached tennis and cheer.

Mr. Tech also served as principal at St. Bartholomew Lutheran School in Kawkawlin, Michigan.

In 2022, Mr. Tech was inducted into the ALA Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mr. Tech was born on June 11, 1943, and was 81 years old at the time of his passing.

In addition to being a teacher and coach, Mr. Tech was a devoted husband and father. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. ❤️

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/glendale-az/norman-tech-12331769

Troy Pautz, ALA Class of 1989, has passed away.  Service times as follows:

Visitation:

Friday, December 13th from 4pm-7pm at Tempe Mortuary.

Funeral:

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

715 West Southern Ave., Tempe 85282

Saturday, December 14th at 10:00 am with lunch to follow.

Committal:

1 pm

East Rest Haven Cemetery

4310 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85042

Building plans are ALWAYS exciting!! Who's got a story to share about the "miracle" on 27th Ave? 💬

We aren't sure of the exact year, but circa 1985. This is Harriet Bade, Vic Fenske, Bob Adickes, Jim Pasbrig, Bob Gruetzmacher looking over plans for "new" Southern campus.

Jim Pasbrig, an ALA teacher back in the day, passed away on July 17, 2024. Jim served 13 years at Arizona Lutheran Academy as music director, grade school band director, assistant principal, recruitment director, and history teacher. He was an inspiration to generations of students. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. ❤️
https://www.myrhum-patten.com/obituary/JamesJim-Pasbrig

Mrs. Sing, an ALA teacher back in the day, has passed away. She was a great educator and wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. ❤️
https://www.mcnuttfuneralhome.com/obituaries/-Marjorie--Ung-Sing?obId=24436636

Back to school! Vic Fenske helping students choose courses at ALA's St. Thomas campus circa 1978. Anyone remember more about this day?

Vic Fenske advising ALA student Aron Wolle in 1978 at the St. Thomas campus.

On Sunday, April 30, St. Thomas Lutheran Church will hold its last worship service at 9am before disbanding. ALA began in 1978 at St. Thomas, located near Thomas and 51st Avenue, and existed there for its first two years.

In the past decades, the congregation saw a significant change in their neighborhood leading them to begin in earnest a Spanish ministry. The original largely Anglo congregation declined in membership, and recently they ceded their entire property to the Spanish ministry of Iglesia Luterana Santo Tomas, whose pastors are Rev. Thomas Zimdars and Rev. Francisco Cossio.

We thank God for the enormous part this congregation and their former pastor William Meier played in the founding of our high school.

Vic Fenske with students during an ALA journalism class trip to New York City, circa 1989.