As a senior at Lutheran High School St. Charles (LHSSC), Katie is an accomplished poet and member of the National Honor Society. This confident young lady does not allow her diagnosis of autism to hold her back. She is a former Key Club member, and was the 2014 Herald the Holidays ambassador and model. Just this year she was chosen by her fellow junior and senior classmates to be part of the Homecoming Court.

Katie has faced many challenges along her journey to be a successful student and when asked about her success at LHSSC Katie stated, “My teacher, Mrs. Klobnak, has helped me learn to advocate for myself, become more independent, become more social and has provided me with study guides that have helped me study and get good grades.”

Katie reflected on her time at LHSSC with Learning Center teacher, Mrs. Klobnak, and stated, “I have learned that in the beginning I was quiet and shy, and not so independent. Now that I am a senior I have learned that I can be brave, smart and can accomplish a lot of things.”

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
Philippians 1: 21-23

Lori Christiansen lived a life dedicated to serving as a strong witness to her faith in Jesus Christ. She fulfilled this in every role: wife, mother, sister, aunt, teacher, Executive Director, advocate and friend. We were blessed at Lutheran Association for Special Education (LASE) to see her “fruitful labor” first hand on a daily basis. She found her passion in the ministry of LASE and lived each day focused on impacting the academic and spiritual lives of children with special needs. Lori handled hundreds of phone calls from desperate parents seeking a Christian school that would welcome their child who “learned differently”. She visited pastors, school principals and teachers to educate and update them on the blessing of having special education programs and teachers in their school community. Lori mentored decades of Christian teachers not only in utilizing the best special education procedures available, but also on the importance of children growing in their faith and knowing Jesus as their personal Savior. Her strong example and words inspired many young students to pursue careers in the field of special education.

Lori developed a strong, faithful faculty and staff who share her commitment to lift up children with special needs and lead them to their full potential and purpose as God’s unique creation. She even touched the lives of Concordia Publishing House employees, where the LASE office is located, with her kindness, generosity and grace. She could be seen sharing stories of faith and trust in God in the hallways and conference rooms at CPH. Lori’s desire, to “depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” is not the end of her story on this side of Heaven. Her impact and legacy will live on and grow through the many people whose lives she influenced. She has taught us well – as Christians, as educators and as friends.

Celebrate Lori’s life by giving a memorial gift which will impact the lives of students for years to come.

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