Keith ’88 and Sarah (Zehendner) Moje ’89 GR ’09 support future educators with financial gifts to Concordia Nebraska

Keith ’88 and Sarah (Zehendner) Moje ’89 GR ‘09 attended Concordia University, Nebraska to study to be teachers and earn Lutheran Teacher Diplomas. Keith came to the university on an academic scholarship and a scholarship to play football for the Bulldogs. Sarah had always wanted to be a Lutheran school teacher. When her family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, following her high school graduation, she said Concordia Nebraska became an obvious choice for her. 

“The best part is how everyone is a family. There is a place for everyone to be involved,” said Sarah. “Even now, when we return to campus, it's like going home. Keith enjoyed playing football and I loved being a part of the dance and pompom squad. We both grew up in a Christian family and attended Lutheran schools. Keith attended Bethlehem Lutheran School in Lakewood, Colorado, and Denver Lutheran High School. I attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. However, Concordia helped us continue to learn and grow in the faith that was planted when we were little. Admittedly, we may have underappreciated Old Testament, New Testament, Doctrine I, Doctrine II and other classes at the time, but now we are so grateful that we had that opportunity. In addition, chapel services were available every morning during the week and the congregation at St. John welcomed college students with open arms. We still enjoy attending St. John when in town! Keith fondly remembers singing the doxology after every football game and giving thanks to the Lord for giving them the chance to play the game.” 

Keith has a bachelor’s degree with education with a secondary math concentration. Sarah has an bachelor’s degree in elementary education with math concentration and a master’s degree in early childhood education.  

Keith graduated midterm in 1988 and received a call to teach at Lutheran High North in Mount Clemens, Michigan, which is a suburb of Detroit. He taught there for one and a half years. Sarah graduated in 1989 and received a call to Peace Lutheran in Saginaw, Michigan, teaching third grade and two years later moving to first grade.  

“After we were married, Keith found a part-time teaching position at Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw. A year later they issued him a call for a full-time position,” said Sarah. “He taught mostly upper-level math classes, computer programming and keyboarding.” 

In April of 1994, the Mojes’ first child was born, and they wanted to be closer to grandparents who lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Arvada, Colorado. 

“God has blessed us in so many ways and Concordia was just one of those blessings. We are glad we can give back to an organization that was such a blessing to us. Everything we have belongs to God. We want to be good stewards of that which God has entrusted us.”

“An opportunity came along for me to work with my cousin in the construction company started by my grandfather in Wayne, Nebraska. We moved in June of 1994, and Sarah stayed home raising Zachary, and then Christopher and Katelyn as they came along,” said Keith. “Sarah returned to the classroom in 2004 when Katelyn, the youngest, started Kindergarten, accepting a preschool position at Christ Lutheran in Norfolk, Nebraska, where our kids attended school. By then we were living on our acreage near Pilger. In 2008 Sarah returned to Concordia via online classes to begin work on her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, which she completed in 2009.” 

The Mojes fondly recall several key individuals that had strong influence on them during their time at Concordia Nebraska. Keith said Dr. Larry Matthews '57 played a vital role in encouraging him to push himself to the next level. Sarah said Dr. Judy Preuss ’60 and Dr. Leah Serck helped instill in her a passion for teaching and a love for children. 

The Mojes now live on acreage near Pilger, Nebraska. They are the owners of Otte Construction, a family business in Wayne, Nebraska. The Mojes purchased the company in 2012. Sarah resigned from teaching in 2022 to help in the office.  

“Playing football at the collegiate level taught me many life lessons: discipline, responsibility, hard work, people skills and more. When I was in college, I always seemed to have a side job for coaches and profs dealing with construction. I painted and shingled houses and built several decks, to name a few. I still use the math skills every day in the construction industry.” 

Both of the Mojes’ sons have come back to work at the company, continuing the family business. 

“We are primarily involved in commercial construction, however, we will consider residential projects when requested,” said Keith. “The company continues to grow in numbers and the ability to take on larger projects. Our footprint has grown as well. A year after we purchased Otte Construction, a tornado ripped through Wayne, Nebraska, leveling most of our building. Since then, we have rebuilt and are currently completing our second addition. We have been able to see God's hand at work, even through a tornado,” said Keith.  

When they’re not working, you’ll find Keith gardening and Sarah quilting, reading and enjoying being a grandma. 

“Of course, Concordia trained me for my career as a teacher, but those skills transfer to being a mom, a grandma, serving in our church and the general workplace as well,” said Sarah. “I enjoy working with Keith and the boys. Since I'm part-time, I also have time to spend on my hobbies and, more importantly, doting on my grandson.” 

The Mojes’ oldest son Zachary ‘16, is married to Maria (Carabantes) ’18. They have a one year old son, Louie James. Zachary works for Otte Construction and Maria works for Norfolk Public Schools as a counselor. Son Christopher attended Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska. He also works for Otte Constructionand is engaged to be married in April 2026 to Payton who is a hair stylist and a photographer in Wayne. Daughter Katelyn graduated from Iowa State and is currently working on a master’s degree in sustainability in Finland. She was a Fulbright Scholarship recipient and is engaged. 

The Mojes said they were both tremendously blessed spiritually, academically and socially but attending Concordia Nebraska.  

“We've made lifelong friends at Concordia. It's hard to explain to people who haven't attended Concordia, but it's a family. No matter when you graduated, you have a bond with other alumni. Our son experienced a similar feeling after attending. By supporting Concordia, we hope that many other students have the chance to experience the Concordia difference,” said Keith. “We also know that we are in dire need of synodically-trained teachers for our Lutheran schools. We hope our donations can make Seward more affordable for those going into Lutheran education.  

“God has blessed us in so many ways and Concordia was just one of those blessings,” added Sarah. “We are glad we can give back to an organization that was such a blessing to us. Everything we have belongs to God. We want to be good stewards of that which God has entrusted us.” 

This March, we invite you to join us for Seeds of Generosity, a month-long celebration of giving and impact at Concordia University, Nebraska. Together, we’re sowingseeds of faith, learning and service that will grow for generations to come. Every gift—whether large or small—helps sustain our mission to provide Christ-centered education, support our students and prepare servant leaders for the church and the world.