Le Mars, Iowa — Those who run the Gehlen Catholic Schools in Le Mars are trying to decide what to do with the largest donation in the school’s history.
School officials tell us an estate gift worth $3.8 million has led Gehlen Catholic leaders to research and prioritize plans to prosper the school for future generations.
In 2023, Paul Brauch left over 250 acres to Gehlen Catholic School and All Saints Parish in his estate. They tell us Brauch was known as a quiet man, who was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. He loved God and his country and was said to talk about how important it was for this generation to help the next.
Fr. Doug Klein, Priest President of Gehlen Catholic School says, “A gift of this magnitude provides a real legacy on behalf of the donor to assure the ability of the parish and school to continue to provide for the practice of and growth in the faith. It is a challenge to us to be good stewards of the gift to assure it enhances our mission towards greater growth in faith.”
They tell us that although Brauch did not like the spotlight, his generous gift has led him to be the largest estate donor in Gehlen Catholic history, which prompted leaders to create plans for the future.
Amy Jungers, Gehlen Catholic Development Director, says, “This gift was God’s timing as our school is thriving with increased enrollment which has led to make-shift classrooms, and lack of office and storage space. Paul’s generosity has allowed us to begin plans on how to improve our current facilities and prepare for the next generations of Jays by using a portion of his gift.”
Since the estate gift, Gehlen Catholic has conducted a feasibility study and master plan with the help of FEH Design from Sioux City.
Now an Omaha firm will help with a campaign planning study. The Gehlen community will be surveyed to prioritize a series of potential projects for school expansion and improvement.
Photo caption: Gavin Anthony and Mrs. Amanda Christoffel
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