The family of LeDell and Fern Plath established this scholarship in celebration of the Plaths’ 60th wedding anniversary. The scholarship recognizes the lifelong commitment of Lee and Fern to each other, to the WELS teaching ministry, and to their Lord
LeDell Plath (b. 1934) and Fern Frank (b. 1933) graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1955 and were married in 1957. God blessed them with four children, 12 grandchildren, and two great grandsons.
Lee (MA-Concordia, River Forest IL; EdD-Marquette University) served 60 years in the public ministry, including 13½ as principal and teacher at St. Peter-Helenville WI, St. Paul-Algoma WI, and St. John-St. Paul MN. From 1969 to 2015, he served in the WELS education office, first as associate administrator (1969-1998) and then as a mentor to principal apprentices (1998-2015). Dr. Plath played key roles in establishing the Team Ministry Program, teacher/principal assessment, school accreditation, and leadership training for school leaders. For several years he taught curriculum courses in MLC’s graduate program.
In her first year of teaching, Fern started a new school in Delano MN, where she taught K-8, carried out administrative duties, directed two choirs, and was head organist. After marriage Mrs. Plath served as primary grade teacher at St. Paul-Lake Mills WI, Mt. Lebanon-Milwaukee, and North Trinity-Milwaukee. Her ministry consisted of 30 years as a full-time teacher and 10 years as a substitute teacher and organist.
Dr. and Mrs. Plath continue to demonstrate their firm commitment to Christian education in a variety of ways. Their four children graduated from DMLC and are actively involved in and continue to support full-time Christian education.
This scholarship was established as another means of supporting MLC’s role in preparing WELS teachers. This role is critical to WELS Lutheran high schools, elementary schools, and early childhood ministries. MLC graduates serve WELS schools as leaders in classrooms and administrative offices.
Through this endowment, a scholarship will be awarded each year to an MLC education major who exemplifies leadership in campus life, including but not limited to academics, music, the arts, or athletics. Multiple awards may be given each year.
