PASTOR DAVID BAUMGARN has served here as Pastor since August 2018. Since receiving his Master's of Divinity in 1996 from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN., he has served in four south-central Minnesota parishes (and is thus, a Vikings fan!). He has been blessed in marriage with Jeanette for 30 years, eleven children and six grandchildren (and counting).
PASTOR MARK KOLANDER (a native of Wisconsin) and his wife, Marilyn, recently moved from Washington State to be closer to grandchildren. Mark received his colloquy into the LCMS in 2021 and is on the synod roster. Marilyn worked as a registered nurse including 2 1/2 years in Zambia, Africa. Together they enjoy hiking, walking, biking and and exploring national and state parks. They both look forward to helping as many people as possible feel welcome at Shepherd of the Hills. To contact Pastor Kolander, click on his email link (located under the photo) or call 509-885-2490.
Administrative Assistant
KIRA PETERS attended Viterbo University and Saint Mary’s University of Winona. When she's not working, she is in her art studio or visiting family and friends.
Director
of Communication
MARTHA KEEFFE keeps the Shepherd of the Hills family informed about upcoming church and community events via social media, in-house communications and mailings. In her free time, you'll find her mountain biking, hiking, running, skiing, etc...
Education
Coordinator
HANNI COWLEY supports the mission to use Christian education to equip and serve as it relates to the youth in the congregation. She is a Physical Therapist and teaches PT at UW-La Crosse and sees patients one day a week at Dynamic Physical Therapy in Onalaska. In her free time she enjoys reading, outdoor activities and helping her family maintain their hobby farm.
Organist and Music Director
KAYE LEHRMAN attended Luther College and the University of Iowa, majoring in music. She lives with her husband, Wayne, and has a Guinea pig rescue sanctuary.
Choir Director
ROB WESSLER came to La Crosse 50 years ago to teach at UWL. He became the choir director at Faith Lutheran and later became Director of Music at Shepherd of the Hills. He currently serves as an accompanist for the choir.
In addition, Rob has spent his summers in Haiti where he directed a boy's choir.
Click HERE for to learn more about the Shepherd's Flock Preschool Staff