HTC Elementary School
Expansion Project
Rooted in Faith, Growing the Vision
“Dennis believed Catholic faith and Catholic education were the greatest gifts we could give our children. We carry that belief forward."
— Kate Menke
The Menke's Legacy
For decades, Dennis Menke and his wife, Kate, shared a steadfast belief: that faith-based education is one of the greatest gifts a community can give its children. Together, they envisioned schools where academic excellence and spiritual formation walk hand in hand where every student grows not only in knowledge but also in faith and character.
Through their dedication, the Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School became a living testament to that vision. Dennis’s leadership and Kate’s commitment helped raise the funds, rally volunteers, and bring to life a new school that continues to serve families across Southeast Iowa with pride and purpose.
Before his passing, Dennis had already begun laying the groundwork for Phase Two, a thoughtful expansion that would answer the growing need for more classrooms, early childhood spaces, and specialized learning environments. With his unexpected passing, Kate and their family have affirmed a deeply personal mission: to honor his legacy by completing the next phase he started, expanding a school that continues to shape lives through Catholic education.
The Menke family’s enduring faith and vision remind us that when a community builds together, it builds more than walls it builds hearts, hope, and generations of believers.
Continuing the Legacy:
Phase Two Expansion
Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School has long been a pillar of faith-based education in southeast Iowa. In 2019, the school community came together to replace the aging facility with a modern new building one that honored the legacy of the past while meeting the needs of today’s learners. Since opening, that new space has quickly filled with students and energy, a testament to the strength and success of our mission.
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It’s time to take the next step.
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Responding to Growth, Rooted in Faith
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New elementary classrooms to reduce overcrowding and allow for future growth.
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Dedicated early childhood spaces for preschool, Pre-K, and daycare. (Currently, this program is housed at the Wagner building.)
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A separate before- and after-school care area, freeing up instructional space.
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Specialized classrooms for music and art are available to the entire campus. (This will free up more classroom spaces.)
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Improved campus facilities, including a relocated concession stand.
More Than a Building
This expansion is about more than space — it’s about serving more families, enriching student experiences, and continuing the legacy of Catholic education in southeast Iowa.
Together, we’re shaping a future rooted in faith, guided by vision, and built for generations to come.
