Pastor Jack Kelly
I was born and raised in the southeastern corner of Michigan and began my training for ministry at the age of 14. My undergraduate training was at Northwestern College in Wisconsin. I graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1986. I served for a year as a traveling evangelist, assisting about 15 missions around the eastern US. I was a full time campus pastor in Milwaukee for about six and a half years. I then was called to start a mission church in Terre Haute, Indiana. Later I served as pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Zion, IL for about 19 years. I have served Saint Peter Lutheran since March 2019. I served on the Board of Directors for Shoreland Lutheran High School in Kenosha for a number of years and was elected circuit pastor several times. I also did some coaching of track & field and basketball. My wife Cari and I were married in 1990 and we have three grown-up children who are all married. We also have three grandchildren. My wife and I love to travel, hike, listen to music, and find birds and waterfalls. I like sports and history. I used to dunk a basketball (sports)...a long time ago (ancient history). I like pipe organs (but can’t play them). But nothing lights my fire more than helping young people discover how awesome it is to do ministry in God’s Church. I love encouraging youth as they discover serving the Lord and his people.
Dan Whitney, Principal
- Mr. Whitney will return to retirement after the 2024-25 school year.
I grew up in a small town in eastern Michigan. My father was a teacher as were many of my aunts and uncles. I graduated from DMLC (now known as MLC) with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Later, I earned my masters degree in educational administration from Concordia University (Mequon, WI). I have served schools in South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota as a teacher, a principal, and an early childhood director. Over the years, I have served as the chair of the WELS Early Childhood Education Committee, as the WELS CLS Minnesota District Coordinator, on the Minnesota Council of American Private Education, and on the Minnesota District Board of Appeals. My wife and I have three sons and two daughters. We love to travel and spend time with our nine grandchildren. We also like to camp, hike, and bike. In the summer, you will also find me in my garden or woodshop. As a teacher, I was passionate about opening up the world of literature to children. As a principal, it is a joy to ensure that our teachers have everything they need to teach their students well.
Justin Wiechmann, Grades 7-8
- Mr. Wiechmann will serve as principal beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and am the youngest of seven children. I attended Martin Luther College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in general education. Since then I have received a master's degree in general education and am currently pursuing a second master's in administration studies. I have had the privilege to teach in Oregon, South Korea, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Texas, and now Minnesota over my career. My wife and I have five children and travel when we are able. I enjoy the opportunity to preach God’s Word daily to the children entrusted in our care. I strive to help each student become a foundational member in their community as they honor their Savior in all that they do.
Katherine Voss, Grades 5-6
I grew up in the country, outside of a small town in Wisconsin. As a child, I enjoyed raising rabbits to show at local fairs, climbing trees, sneaking kittens into the house, and keeping up with two older brothers. This has led me to want a hobby farm of my own and give my children the opportunity to raise a variety of animals. My husband and I now dream of having goats, pigs, and more chickens.
My husband and I met at Martin Luther College and now have four amazing children. I didn’t start teaching until all my children were school aged. When my husband received a call to MN, I was led to finish up my degree and complete my student teaching here at St. Peter Lutheran School. Little did I know, God was giving me this experience knowing that I would serve here full time in the 5th and 6th grade classroom. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share God’s Word everyday and see the students grow in their faith. St. Peter Lutheran School has allowed me to create bonds with the students and families due to the smaller sized classrooms.
Kim Youngerberg, Grades 3-4
I grew up on a hobby farm East of Janesville, MN with my parents and siblings raising chickens, sheep, and a variety of other animals. I graduated from MSU with a BS in Elementary Education, Minor in Kindergarten. After marrying my high school sweetheart, we moved to the West side of Janesville on Todd’s family farm where I still do the hobby farming while he works the fields. We are blessed with 3 grown children. I have taught in many different capacities with children ranging from PreK (3-5 year olds) to 6th grade reading Title 1. God has blessed me with amazing 3rd and 4th grade students and families. I love sharing God’s Word with my students throughout the day and seeing them truly light up as they grow their faith. With our class size and structure, there are so many opportunities for students to work together to succeed and be themselves. I enjoy cake decorating, quilting, scrapbooking, painting, gardening, canning, reading, traveling, and collecting all kinds of animals who need a happy life!
Natalie Eckstein, Grades 1-2
I grew up in a nearby town on a farm, helping my parents garden and raise beef cattle. I graduated from UW-Stout with a degree in Early Childhood Education, and have spent almost 20 years in education, teaching everything from toddlers to 3rd graders. I have also spent a few years teaching parents in my role as an Early Childhood Coordinator. Our family will forever be grateful for Saint Peter Lutheran School, and teaching here is truly a gift where I can be with my daughter every day. I enjoy reading stories with expression and enthusiasm, and traveling with my husband. When I’m not at school, I can be found enjoying a latte, gardening, or doing a project.
Liz Hanson, Kindergarten
I am a Saint Peter High School graduate. After high school I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato for both my undergraduate and masters degrees. I am thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten at SPLS. I am passionate about working with students on their foundational skills to be successful readers. In my spare time I enjoy gardening and spending time outdoors. My family and I have a small farm with sheep and ducks.
Melissa Voigt, Preschool
I grew up in the Le Center area. I attended Montgomery High School. I Graduated from Mankato State University. I am the Director/Teacher at Little Lambs Preschool. My husband John and I have two children and are blessed to be called Papa and Grandma by six wonderful grandchildren. We enjoy camping and spending time with our children and grandchildren.
Kathy Horak, School Admin. Assistant
I grew up in the Nicollet area and attended MVL High School. I graduated from South Dakota State University and met my husband, Matt, there. We lived in SD for a few years before moving to the St. Peter area when we started a family. Matt and I have 5 kids, and we love spending time outdoors and traveling in the summer. I love our great school, SPLS and Little Lambs Preschool, and am passionate about getting our school families connected and involved!
Deena Lindstrom, Band Teacher
The first time I moved away from this area was after college for my first teaching job as a middle school band director in Monticello, MN. I taught in the public school system for 8 years before “retiring” from teaching to stay home with our two children. Fun fact: My husband Alex was also a middle school band director in the metro area at the time and we taught together for two years in the same program. Prior to being married, I grew up on a dairy farm north of Nicollet and attended Trinity Lutheran Grade School and our area Lutheran High School, MVL. I graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a music education degree. After several years of being away from teaching music and conducting bands, I rediscovered my passion for music by teaching lessons and band in our local Lutheran Elementary Schools. It is a great joy to help develop students’ God-given talents so that they can worship and praise their Savior through music. I pray that as they become adults, they continue to participate as musicians in their church congregation.
Kay Willett, Classroom Aid
I am a Minnesota girl and went to school in Gaylord, MN and graduated in 1976. From there I attended vocational school in Hutchinson, MN for the teacher aid program. After completing the program I worked as a Teacher’s Aid at Cleveland Elementary School K-3rd grade. Things have obviously changed since then but I really enjoy being back in the classroom and working with children again!!
Cari Kelly, Classroom Aid
I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, with continuing education at Martin Luther College. I love being a K-8 assistant at SPLS! I also enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and eating dark chocolate. My husband Jack and I have three grown and married kids and three beautiful granddaughters.
Anita Hall, Office Manager
I am a Minnesota girl and have lived in Mankato my entire life except for a two year stint in Taiwan after graduating from high school. As a child, my family consisted of my parents and three and a half dozen children as my father loved to describe us. There were three of us girls and a half dozen brothers. I currently work at St. Peter Lutheran as an administrative assistant. It is the most enjoyable job that I have ever had. I love interacting with the students on a daily basis and seeing them grow and mature through the years. Outside of school and church, I enjoy gardening, making quilts, knitting, hardanger, cross stitch and more.
Kay Brandt, Media/Promotions & Art Teacher
I was born and raised in the southwestern corner of Minnesota and began my training for the arts and sewing at the age of 10. My graphics training was at Alexandria Technical College in Minnesota. I then went on to learn old master painting techniques in portrait and landscape painting at the Minnesota River School of Fine Arts in Burnsville. From there I went to Mankato State University to round out my arts training in ceramics/pottery and photography. For over a decade I worked at Home Magazine as the Creative Services Manager. I served on the Board of Directors for the Carnegie Art Center in Mankato for a number of years. I am currently active on numerous boards that are related to children, arts and church outreach. My husband Joe and I have one daughter. We love to swim, paint, garden and go on nature hikes when we are camping. I like science, history, cooking and art. I love music but can’t play any instrument. I love encouraging students to discover their potential in a variety of art forms.