Every year, there are a variety of individuals who call for Gehlen Catholic's fall service day -- graduates of Gehlen Catholic's predecessor, St. Joseph School; past staff; those who are ill or sick; Cluster parishioners; family members; and more.

Every service day call teaches Gehlen Catholic students an important lesson. However, one of this year's lessons will not be taught be a "certified teacher" at Gehlen Catholic School. Instead, they are "humble and loving servants."

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Jack and Ann Ginter moved to Le Mars several years ago from Dubuque, where their daughter and grandson still live. Jack works at Wells' Dairy, Inc. Ann runs her own housekeeping business, as well as works afternoons and evenings cleaning Gehlen Catholic School.

The Ginters are the first to give of their time, talents, and treasurers and the last to ask for anything, other than occasional prayer. If Father Kevin Richter, their priest at St. Joseph Parish in Le Mars is going home to see his mother in North Central Iowa, Ann might make a pie. If a family is working late in the fields during harvest, the Ginters have been known to surprise them with an entire supper -- main dish, side dishes, and dessert. If a friend is sick and in the hospital, the Ginters will surprise them with a huge plate of made from scratch bars or cookies. If someone is having company, regardless of the occasion, Ann has things looking immaculate.

When Gehlen called and offered their fall service day "services," the Ginters were quick to decline. Jack and Ann began to list those who needed it more. Yet it is because of all the Ginters do so unselfishly for others, that the school was persistent.

Jack and Ann finally agreed to let the students rake their leaves on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Gehlen's Director of Campus Ministries, Lisa Sitzmann said, "That's the whole reason behind the fall service day. If our students claim to be a Christian, then they need to reach out with compassion. The Ginters truly exemplify the teachings of Mother Teresa who said, 'If you love, you will serve. If you serve, you will love.'"