Concordia University, Nebraska

« Back to Recent News

Gary Lee Loontjer '75 and Susan Renee' (Sylwester) Loontjer '75 met at Concordia Nebraska in the teacher education program.

Seward, NE (06/03/2025) — Gary Lee Loontjer '75 and Susan Renee' (Sylwester) Loontjer '75 met at Concordia University, Nebraska when they were both in the teacher education program. Sue chose to attend the university because it was close to home, and Gary chose the university after hearing how much his brother Wayne '69 enjoyed his time at Concordia Nebraska. Gary was recruited to play football for the Bulldogs but turned down the opportunity in due to time constraints, since he needed to work in order to afford to attend school.

Following graduation from Concordia Nebraska, Gary and Sue both continued graduate level work. Sue was pursuing a master's degree in reading and related topics and Gary began a master's degree in science education at Eastern Michigan University. He wanted to finish his master's at Concordia so pursued and received a master's in classroom education with science emphasis. He later received a second master's degree in secondary administration.

The couple have many fond memories of their time at the university.

"I suppose I should say [the best thing was] finding my wife," laughed Gary. "But I truly enjoyed the science classes, and I took every chemistry and physics course offered at the time. We treasure the many friends we made and continue to hold dear. Sue truly enjoyed making friends and really worked hard in music, which she enjoyed. We both sang in the A Cappella Choir and went on tour in 1974truly a grand experience."

Gary said the leadership and encouragement from Concordia's professors still stands out in his mind.

"For me, it was their leadership in finding answers to my many questions and trains of thought," he said. "Sue also pointed out that she enjoyed discussions with professors about many things, even if there was not total agreement. Both of us were given ample knowledge and experience to take on the teaching ministry. We have served in five different geographic areas and have enjoyed ministry in all. Being constantly surrounded by professors that were not squeamish about sharing their beliefs and having answers to our whys was priceless, and having friends that were also solid in their faith and worship habits helped as well."

Following graduation, Sue began teaching at Holy Cross Lutheran School in Detroit, Michigan. She then stayed home with their three children until the couple's move back to Seward, Nebraska.

"After doing in-home childcare for a number of years she got back into teaching at Cathedral Catholic School in Lincoln," said Gary. "Following my call to Lincoln Lutheran, she began teaching there. Upon our move to St. Louis, she taught at Our Savior in Fenton, Missouri. Following our move to Minnesota, she taught at Our Savior Lutheran Excelsior, Minnesota, Mayer Lutheran High School Mayer, Minnesota and Emanuel Lutheran in Hamurg, Minnesota. Then she retired. The bulk of her teaching time was spent in middle school language arts with some other curricular areas sprinkled in."

Gary's first call was to Holy Cross Lutheran in Detroit, Michigan, where he taught science and math and served as coach and athletic director. His next call was to St. John Lutheran in Seward where he taught science and served as coach and church activities director. He was then called to the new Lincoln Lutheran High School in Lincoln.

"I taught some math, chemistry and physics and continued coaching several sports," he said. "This was followed by a call to Christ Community Lutheran School in Concordia, Missouri, to be principal, athletic director and part-time teacher. My final call was to Mayer Lutheran High School in Mayer, Minnesota, to teach chemistry and physics. I also continued as coach in several areas. As you can see, Sue and I were teachers the entire time from graduation to retirement!"

Gary still serves as bus route driver for Mayer Lutheran and said he and Sue are enjoying retirement. They continually give thanks for the opportunity to serve in the teaching ministry and are grateful for the opportunity to shape the lives of students and to show that a life of service to God is important and desirable.

The Loontjers plan to attend this summer's Concordia Nebraska Golden Reunion.

"We look forward to seeing some old friends with whom we have lost touch over the years, to take the opportunity to share our exploits and share just how important we have become!" Gary laughed. "We haven't been back to the area for quite some time. We hope to visit some faculty members as well."

The Loontjer's oldest son Kevin '02 and his family live in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Their son Curtis and his family live in Wisconsin. Their daughter Kimberly was a lawyer serving as professor at Concordia Wisconsin upon her death due to cancer.

The Loontjers stay busy, and you'll often find Gary hunting, gardening, winemaking, golfing and reading. He has a small, backyard vineyard that produces enough for his hobby wine making. Although Sue faces some medical challenges, she remains as active as possible.

"I am most thankful to have good health to enjoy my activities," said Gary. "Although being a caregiver for my wife was not part of my life plans, I do so as cheerfully as possible so she can enjoy the life that God has given us! We have many things to celebrate along with the Concordia Nebraska 50th reunion including a 50th wedding anniversary this past year and the time we are able to spend watching our grandchildren enjoy their activities."

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

###

Media Attachments

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out