Sandra Kay (Kaempfe) Lark ’71 pens children’s book, serves in the classroom, church and beyond

Sandra Kay (Kaempfe) Lark ’71 grew up in a small rural town in southeast Missouri and always knew she wanted to attend a small college.  After earning an associate’s degree from St. Paul’s College in Concordia, Missouri, she continued her education at Concordia University, Nebraska, earning a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in music.  

“I enjoyed getting to meet lifelong friends. The Christian setting gave me a safe environment to be in at Concordia. The greatest gift of having attended a Concordia is the comradeship of meeting fellow Concordia alums all over the country,” she said. “I loved the education classes and the commitment that the professors showed. Chapel was an important part of campus life, and I enjoyed being able to play the organ for a few chapel worship times. I loved learning about music and the meaning of the church year.” 

She said her time at the university left her feeling confident to lead a children’s choir at her first called position at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Illinois. She student taught in the St. Louis area in Kindergarten and second grade, but at Zion her position was in the fifth and sixth grade combination class.  

“That was kind of a shock!” she laughed. “By October, I realized fifth and sixth graders could be fun and they knew how to blow their own noses and tie their own shoes!” 

Lucky’s story helps children learn about taking care of their pets, how farmers do all they can to help their animals, and that God cares for all of His creatures.”

In 1972, she married DeVon Lark ‘69 who was teaching second grade in her hometown of Altenburg, Missouri. She then taught second grade for three years across the hallway from DeVon at Concordia-Trinity Lutheran School in Altenburg. Their oldest son was born during this time. She also taught Kindergarten for one year before they moved to St. Paul, Minnesota.  

“While in St. Paul, DeVon taught at Concordia Academy in Roseville, Minnesota, and I was the director and teacher at Joy Preschool at Bethlehem Lutheran Church,” she said. “During this time, I realized that my passion was working with preschoolers. Our two other children were born during this time.” 

After seven years, the family moved north of Detroit where DeVon served as the guidance counselor at Lutheran North, Mt. Clemens, and Sandy served as the director and teacher at Peace Lutheran Preschool in Shelby Township.  

“We were in Michigan for five years before moving back to Minnesota,” she explained. “In St. Paul, DeVon returned to Concordia Academy as guidance counselor and coach, and I served as director and preschool teacher at Gethsemane Lutheran Church and School. I then moved to being one of three preschool teachers at University of Northwestern St. Paul Child Development Center. We were privileged to be housed in an assisted living facility and had numerous planned intergenerational activities each week. During this time I had the opportunity to be the cooperating teacher for a number of Northwestern College Students.” 

In 2014, DeVon and Sandy both retired and moved to the Lincoln, Nebraska, area to a five-acre property to be closer to two of their children and grandchildren. The Lark’s oldest son Peter graduated from Concordia Chicago and teaches at Lutheran High School of Orange County in Orange, California. Their second son attended WyoTech, is a car restoration specialist and works in Fremont, Nebraska. Their daughter Christina graduated from Concordia Nebraska. She and her family live in Lincoln. 

“After a short retirement, DeVon became involved at Lincoln Christian School and now is teaching a dual credit class through Concordia Nebraska,” she said. “DeVon also attended Concordia Seminary through the SMP (Specific Ministry Pastor) program and is a LCMS pastor.  I began helping as a teachers’ assistant at Messiah Lutheran Preschool and continue helping at the new Early Childhood Center at Messiah.” 

The couple lives east of Lincoln on a small acreage, and they have a small herd of cattle. And that herd of cattle sparked a children’s book idea for Sandy. 

“’The Farmer, the Mrs., and I’ is about a little calf named Lucky,” she explained. “He was born in below freezing temperatures and had some health issues, which is why he we moved him into our house for eight days. I chronicled his story on social media and after many comments and suggestions from friends and family I decided this was a great children’s story. I knew I wanted to use a Christian publisher so I contacted Christian Faith Publishing Company. Lucky’s story helps children learn about taking care of their pets, how farmers do all they can to help their animals and that God cares for all of His creatures.” 

“The Farmer, the Mrs., and I” can be found at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon.   

Concordia Nebraska's alumni family includes more than 23,000 throughout the country and across the globe. These servant leaders have touched the lives of thousands in their classrooms, offices, businesses, congregations and communities. Through their support in prayer, financial gifts and referrals of prospective students they keep Concordia a viable ministry for generations to come.