Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Allard, Zschernitz
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/02/2022
St. John’s Honors Local Couple (2022)
Neillsville’s St. John’s Lutheran School Principal Mike Allard presents Joel and Darlene Zschernitz with a token of the church and school’s appreciation for all their hard work: a cross with a Bible verse on its stand. Submitted Photo
Be Edward Dubois
Supporters of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran School in Neillsville recently selected two guests to honor at their Oct. 23 Fall Dinner.
Joel and Darlene Zschernitz were picked out by the school’s Friends of St. John’s group for acknowledgement.
“These people have been strong supporters of our school and church, and this is our way of being able to say, ‘thank you,’” Mike Allard, St. John’s principal, said in a speech during the dinner.
The Zschernitzes were recognized for helping with two galas put on to support St. John’s Early Learning Center and playground, and helping to start and grow the school’s kids’ carnival during Neillsville Winter Carnival, “Trunk or Treat” and biannual garage sale.
In addition, the Zschernitzes have also performed extra cleaning and maintenance work around the school over the years. Darlene has helped the church and school secretary, Judy Trunkel, various times in the office. Joel’s faithful role in the church was noted as well, as he served on the church council for many years.
“The words that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi seem very appropriate to say to you two, as well,” Allard said, addressing the Zschernitzes. “He says, ‘I thank my God every time I remember you. Every time I pray for you, I pray with joy because of your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.’”
Allard then rephrased the quote, inserting the Zschernitzes’ names to make it more personal.
“I pray that your love for Christ and for our church and school continues to increase.”
Joel and Darlene received a small glass cross statue as a token of appreciation.
For them, the importance of serving others was taught at an early age, said Darlene.
“Joel and I both come from big families and growing up, were taught to help out with the younger siblings,” Darlene said. “I learned to love children, especially if I can help them. My parents sent all 13 of us to St. John’s [Evangelical] Lutheran School for grade school.
“I consider it a lifelong blessing for us to have gone to [a] school that teaches all about our Savior.”
Darlene has been in customer service for 43 years and counting, working for Citizens State Bank of Loyal, the Neillsville branch.
“I enjoy helping people, whether it’s at work, my church, within my community or my family. These are all reasons why I am a big supporter of St. John’s Early Learning Center and School. St. John’s has always been a big part of my life, so if there is any way I can help, I will.”
Joel has been retired after working in manufacturing for 46 years, and enjoys every day. Darlene still works, but after she retires, she still wants to volunteer at St. John’s.
