The Friends of Katie Lynn King Lutheran Educators Scholarship Fund was established in May 2022 by Bethel Lutheran School. This fund provides ongoing support through annual grants to the Lutheran Teacher Scholarship Fund at Concordia University Chicago in memory of Katie Lynn King. A Concordia University Chicago graduate and student teacher at Bethel Lutheran School, Katie was passionate about Christian education and serving others through faith. The fund honors her life and legacy by helping prepare future Lutheran teachers to share Christ’s love and make a lasting difference in the lives of students, families, and congregations.

The Friends of Katie Lynn King Lutheran Educators Scholarship was established to honor the life, faith, and legacy of Katie King—a devoted Lutheran educator whose impact on students, families, and colleagues will be felt for generations.

Katie viewed teaching not simply as a profession, but as a calling. Through her work in Lutheran education, she faithfully nurtured both the academic growth and spiritual development of her students. She created a classroom where children felt loved, valued, encouraged, and challenged to become the people God created them to be. Her compassion, patience, and unwavering dedication made her a trusted teacher, mentor, and role model.

Katie’s passion for Lutheran education was evident in every aspect of her life. She believed deeply in the mission of Christian schools to partner with families in raising children grounded in faith, knowledge, and service. Whether teaching lessons, leading devotions, encouraging struggling students, or celebrating their successes, she approached each day with joy, purpose, and a servant’s heart.

Katie’s life was tragically cut short on May 4, 2021, depriving the world of a bright light that was extinguished all too soon.

The Katherine “Katie” King Memorial Fund seeks to continue the work that was so dear to her heart by supporting future Lutheran educators as they pursue their studies and prepare for careers in teaching. Through scholarships and educational support, the fund will help students answer God’s call to serve in Lutheran schools, just as Katie did in her brief but meaningful career. By investing in the next generation of teachers, the fund carries forward Katie’s passion for Christ-centered education and her commitment to nurturing young minds and hearts.

Through this fund, Katie’s legacy of faith, love, learning, and service will continue to inspire and bless students, families, and educators for years to come.

Why This Fund Matters

Lutheran schools play a vital role in shaping future generations by integrating faith and learning in a Christ-centered environment. Yet, like many educational institutions, Lutheran schools face an ongoing need for talented, dedicated teachers who are called to serve both students and the Church.

By supporting the education and preparation of future Lutheran educators, this fund helps ensure that children and families will continue to benefit from teachers who lead with faith, compassion, knowledge, and purpose. Each scholarship recipient represents an opportunity to extend Katie’s influence far beyond her own classroom, impacting countless students for years to come.

How You Can Help

The Friends of Katie Lynn King Lutheran Educators Scholarship Fund is a permanent endowment held by the Morton Community Foundation. Gifts of any size help strengthen the fund and increase the support available for future Lutheran educators.

Individuals, families, classmates, friends, church members, and community supporters are invited to make a contribution in memory of Katie and in support of the mission she loved so dearly. Together, we can help ensure that her passion for Christian education continues to inspire and equip future generations of Lutheran teachers.

See below for the many ways you can support this endowment…