WAUPUN — A retirement celebration event was held for Gregg Zonnefeld, following 33 years of dedicated service to CWC in many roles.
The event was held in the CWC Cornerstone Room on Sunday, July 27, and was attended by countless students, alumni, and families.
In February 2024, Gregg had been diagnosed with glioblastoma—a type of brain cancer. Since then, he has gone through surgery, chemo, and radiation therapy. Despite this, Zonnefeld continued to work at CWC, serving in some capacity until his last day on June 30 of this year when he officially retired.
This event was to allow those whose lives Gregg Zonnefeld had touched to speak words of encouragement to Zonnefeld and his family. A jersey was also set on a table in the hallway for soccer alumni to sign.
Visitation began at 2:30PM, with speeches at 4PM.
The crowd packed into the Cornerstone room to listen to the speeches.
Luke Lentscher was the first to speak.
“On behalf of the school board, we just want to give a moment to celebrate Gregg and his commitment to the school and all that he’s done for us for the past 33 years,” Lentscher said. “Gregg has taken on numerous roles—probably every role at some point in time.”
Gregg Zonnefeld had been a teacher, soccer coach, referee, sports announcer, harvest auction leader, school tour guide, advancement director, marketing specialist, chapel speaker, and more.
“Besides all those roles, he’s helped raise millions of dollars, overseen six building projects, and seen enrollment double during his time at CWC. But behind all these roles is something greater—it’s a passion for Christ-centered education, and his willingness to invest in the lives of his students. Teaching students about Jesus and how to live with purpose.”
“One great example over the past year of how he’s been Christ-centered in his service, once a week he has led a Bible study group for the high school group,” he continued. “And as many of you are aware, he has been through so many treatments—chemo, radiation, and therapy—most people would not be committed to that. But he has been, and it’s a true testament to his faith and his willingness to pour into the students of this school, and for that we’re truly grateful.”
“We know that your commitment to serve and your impact on the community and Christ’s Kingdom doesn’t end today, and even though you might not be walking the halls every day, you helped build more buildings of this school, you’ve helped build foundations for Christian education that will impact generations to come,” Lentscher concluded.
He then presented Zonnefeld with a “small token” of the school board’s appreciation.
Mark Vander Werff then spoke about Zonnefeld’s impact to CWC’s athletic programs, including how he started what was called the “Crusader Award,” where a student would be awarded for participating in a sport every season of every school year.
“As a school, we are changing the name of this honor—this honor will now be known as the ‘Gregg Zonnefeld Crusader Award,’” he said. “And Gregg, we just wanted to thank you for your dedication for serving as athletic director.”
Vander Werff then presented the plaque to Zonnefeld, which read “Gregg Zonnefeld Crusader Award — Presented to Coach Z for dedication and excellence in athletic leadership at Central Wisconsin Christian 1992-2025.”
An image of the CWC Crusader mascot and the verse Phillipians 3:14 (NIV) was also engraved on the plaque—“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus,”—which Vander Werff noted was very appropriate for Zonnefeld’s many contributions.
“The class of 2026 will be the first class that will receive the GZ Crusader Award—but the first plaque that is presented in honor of that, goes to Gregg and his family,” Vander Werff concluded.
Gregg Zonnefeld then gave a few words.
“I’m not able to speak like the ‘old Mr. Z’ did, so what I want to do is say that I’m thankful,” Zonnefeld said. “CWC has been not just a school, it’s got a special place for students, our parents, teachers—it’s an honor that God has opened the opportunity to be a part of this. And thank you to all those who came today. Thank you for all that you have done for me and my family.”
The speeches were followed by group worship led by Reverend Greg Schuringa of First Christian Reformed Church, by singing “The Goodness of God” and “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
