Wayne Baxmann
Class of 1956
Wayne Baxmann (’56) had a distinguished and impactful career in the WELS public ministry for 38 years. His trailblazing leadership, dedication to excellence, passion for outreach and gifts for strategic planning have left a profound mark on many ministries. Throughout his career, he served as a high school teacher, high school principal, gift planning counselor, and came out of retirement at the age of 82 to serve a one-year emergency call as principal of Redeemer Lutheran School in Tucson, where he now lives. Wayne was the class president of the first graduating class from the newly formed WLHS in 1956. From 1965-1978, he taught, coached, and eventually served as the guidance director at WLHS. In 1978, he left WLHS to establish Evergreen Lutheran High School and serve as its first principal. Family obligations brought Wayne and his wife, Renee, back to Wisconsin where he served at WLCFS (now Christian Family Solutions) and the Synod office as a gift planning counselor. In 1990, he returned to high school administration as the superintendent of Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. Wayne completed his public ministry at WLCFS. After retirement, Wayne became a consultant in philanthropy, served an active role in school accreditation, and was a long-serving congregational president. He played a vital role at Risen Savior’s school startup and several building projects, fund-raising campaigns, and strategic planning efforts. No matter the location, Wayne has found a way to make a difference in the ministry. He is widely respected for the broad spectrum of his service and the impact of his leadership throughout his career.
Wayne Baxmann (’56) had a distinguished and impactful career in the WELS public ministry for 38 years. His trailblazing leadership, dedication to excellence, passion for outreach and gifts for strategic planning have left a profound mark on many ministries. Throughout his career, he served as a high school teacher, high school principal, gift planning counselor, and came out of retirement at the age of 82 to serve a one-year emergency call as principal of Redeemer Lutheran School in Tucson, where he now lives. Wayne was the class president of the first graduating class from the newly formed WLHS in 1956. From 1965-1978, he taught, coached, and eventually served as the guidance director at WLHS. In 1978, he left WLHS to establish Evergreen Lutheran High School and serve as its first principal. Family obligations brought Wayne and his wife, Renee, back to Wisconsin where he served at WLCFS (now Christian Family Solutions) and the Synod office as a gift planning counselor. In 1990, he returned to high school administration as the superintendent of Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. Wayne completed his public ministry at WLCFS. After retirement, Wayne became a consultant in philanthropy, served an active role in school accreditation, and was a long-serving congregational president. He played a vital role at Risen Savior’s school startup and several building projects, fund-raising campaigns, and strategic planning efforts. No matter the location, Wayne has found a way to make a difference in the ministry. He is widely respected for the broad spectrum of his service and the impact of his leadership throughout his career.
