St. Paul Lutheran Church and School

Pastor Hulke's training for the ministry began at Concordia College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin were he obtained his BA in 1983 and continued at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri where he graduated with a Master in Divinity in 1987. He has held several District offices including those of Third Vice President and Second Vice President. He has also served at the Synodical level as a Synod Convention Delegate and member of the Human Care Floor Committee. He is also familiar with central Wisconsin area, where he participated in the establishment of a mission congregation in Plover.

One of Pastor Hulke's favorite parts of his ministry is performing the sacrament of baptism.

Pastor Hulke and his wife, Olivia, both Wisconsin natives, are parents to three children, all grown. They are blessed with two grandchildren. Both enjoy bike riding, walks, card games, and traveling together. Pastor Hulke also enjoys cross-country skiing, golf, tennis, and fishing!

Pastor Baumann was born in Sheboygan.  He attended St. John Lutheran School, Random Lake, and Sheboygan Lutheran High School. He is a 2008 graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin and a 2012 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Before accepting the Call to St. Paul, he served as Associate Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre, South Dakota. His vicarage year was spent at Our Savior Lutheran Church and the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, North Dakota.

Pastor Baumann stated, "I am so very grateful and excited about the privilege I will have to serve the people of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in ministry along with the gracious people of Stevens Point.  I look forward to pouring my time, effort and energy into sharing the Good News that it's all about Christ and God's great love for us through Him."

"I am thankful that God has blessed me with a wonderful and supportive family and am excited to reestablish my Wisconsin roots after having been away from the state for nearly 10 years.  I look forward to being back in Packer country and to cheering on Green Bay, of course!"

He is married to Margaret (nee Utecht) and they are the parents of five young children: Eliza, John, Peter, Savannah, and Lydia.

Mrs. Tracy has been serving at St. Paul as the Director of Youth Ministry since August 2012. She is a Concordia University Wisconsin class of 2010 graduate. She is married to Dan and has two kids.

Mrs. Tracy loves teaching confirmation instruction, high school and middle school Bible studies, planning youth events, and building relationships with St. Paul's teens.

When she's not at St. Paul, Mrs. Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, gardening, and reading.

Mr. Wegner serves as the Principal and teacher of 5th grade math and 7th & 8th grade US History classes. He graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a Secondary Education Degree in Broad Field Social Science and Theology. He has served at several schools and congregations within his ministry: Luther North High School in Chicago, IL, St. Andrews Lutheran in Park Ridge, IL, Our Shepherd Lutheran in Birmingham, MI, and St. John Lutheran in West Bend, WI.  He is a graduate of the SLED program (School Leadership Development) within the LCMS. He is also a member of the Lutheran Education Association and serves on the North Wisconsin District's Accreditation Commission.

Mr. Wegner is humbled and blessed to serve as principal at St. Paul. He enjoys being in the classroom each day. He LOVES the opportunity to share God's Word with the students and make it applicable for their daily lives. His prayer is that each of the students at St. Paul will continually grow in their faith-walk with their Lord and Savior each day.  At St. Paul we are "Educating for Life and Nurturing Faith for Eternity."

He is married to Jenny and they have two sons. Jenny teaches 1st grade at St. Paul. He loves to collect baseball memorabilia, visit baseball stadiums, and has been blessed to visit Washington, D.C. 15 times in his career.  He cheers on the Wisconsin sports teams and enjoys spending time with family.  Finally, when Mr. Wegner can find some "down time",  he likes to read a good historical biography - preferably on any of the U.S. Presidents.

 I am so excited to begin my 5th year with the St. Paul Lutheran Church and School family and my 35th year in Lutheran education. What a joy it is to help God’s little ones learn about Him and the amazing world He has created. I also have the privilege of serving as the Early Childhood Consultant for the North Wisconsin District LCMS. I love encouraging and networking with other early childhood professionals as we seek to make Jesus and His unchanging love known to children and families.

As I reflect on this year’s theme verse from Joshua 1:9, I’m so very thankful for “part 2.” How can I be strong when on my own I feel weak? How can I be courageous when at times I feel timid? Don’t be afraid; don’t be discouraged. What? Is that even possible in today’s world? “Part 1” is impossible on our own. Praise God for “Part 2”: “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” That’s His unbreakable promise! Live in the power of "Part 2!" 

Mrs. Shulfer moved to Stevens Point in 2011 to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. She is currently completing her Masters in Education at Concordia- Wisconsin and will be graduating this year. She has a passion for holistic well-being, which is reflected in her additional certifications as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Coach, and Nutrition Specialist.

Mrs. Shulfer is married to Ryan (who also works at St. Paul), and together, they have four children: Nathan, Whitley, Lilly, and Lincoln. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, puzzles, yoga, and exploring the Green Circle with her family.

As she begins her third year at St. Paul, Mrs. Shulfer draws inspiration from this year’s theme verse, which urges us to be strong and courageous. She sees Joshua 1:9 as more than just a verse; it’s a call to action and a reminder that teaching is about more than just imparting knowledge. It’s about nurturing resilience and confidence in her students. She strives to embody this spirit in her classroom, encouraging her students through their challenges and reminding them daily that they are never alone in their struggles

I have served at St. Paul Lutheran church and school since 2019. I am looking forward to another great year supporting our school theme

"Be Strong and Courageous" Joshua 1:9. I will do my very best to help teach our children to be strong in their faith and to be courageous in their learning and to never give up!

It brings me such JOY working with God's little lambs and helping them during their first educational experience and teaching them the Love of Jesus.

My hobbies outside of work are spending time with my family doing outdoor activities like hiking, biking, boating and playing pickle ball.

Hello! I'm Maggie Kurylak, my husband Michael and I have two children. Our daughter is grown up and our son is a sophomore in high school. I enjoy reading, sewing, mountain biking, hiking and almost any outdoor activity. I'm glad to be back with your little ones again this year!

I grew up in Athens, WI on a dairy farm.  I graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and a minor in Special Education. This is also where I met my husband, Jacob! He works as an Archery Tech at Buck’s and Bull’s Archery here in Point. We are proud parents to 2 beautiful children, Bowden and Lennon. Our son, Bowden, has gone to be with the Lord and we miss him dearly. Our daughter, Lennon, is almost 2 and the light of our lives.

Together, Jacob and I share a love for the outdoors. We enjoy hunting, fishing, archery, hiking, ATV-ing, camping, bonfires, and literally ANYTHING outdoors! I also enjoy spending time with my family in Athens, visiting my friends from college, and taking Ivy to the dog park.

I live in Stevens Point with my husband Landon and our 5 children, Emmalee, Rebecka, Mikayla, Leeah, and Ruger who are all St. Paul graduates or current students. I have had experience in various child care settings and worked in several office jobs. I spent many years as a stay at home mom and enjoyed volunteering at St. Paul. All of these experiences have led me to realize that I am called to work within the Lutheran education system that I grew up in.

My Lutheran education began in preschool and continued all the way through high school and college. I graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in art. I am currently licensed in Elementary Education and Special Education with a Reading Specialist Endorsement. When I am not working as a kindergarten teacher or teaching religion and art, I am busy with my family, gardening, camping, cooking and caring for our family's dogs and chickens. I am also Vacation Bible School Co-Director. I am most happy when sharing my love of Jesus with those around me - especially children!

Mrs. O grew up in Plainfield, WI and now lives in Stevens Point with her husband, Onil, and 7 year old son, Javier. Her son Jackson would be 9 years old this coming  October, and she looks forward to seeing him again some day in Heaven.

Mrs. O has a degree in digital photography, and loves taking photos on the weekends and in her spare time. Other things she enjoys are singing on the worship team at church or just for fun, spending time with family, hiking, being outdoors, and reading.

She is excited to begin her second year at St. Paul, and continue to use the experiences she has gained over the years as a teacher’s aid, Sunday school teacher, and daycare provider.

Hello, I am Sarah Kolling and I am happy to be teaching 1st grade at St Paul for year 2l!

I am originally from Hortonville, Wisconsin where I attended K-12 in one building! Upon high school graduation I knew I wanted to work with children. I thought that would be in the field of nursing but God had other plans for me. I graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in special education and taught for 4 years at Waupaca Middle School before staying at home with my daughters. Recently graduated from UWSP with regular education certification. I have 17 years of teaching experience ranging from subbing, classroom, and tutoring. I have taught students in middle school, elementary school and pre-kindergarten.

I am married to my high school sweetheart, Matt. We have two daughters, Peyton (24 years) and Maya (21 years). We also have an adorable English Springer Spaniel named Gus. Outside of school you may literally find me, outside. I love God’s creation so you can find me walking, boating, biking or gardening.. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and decorating.

My goal in teaching is to help foster a student's confidence to ‘do hard things’ while creating a space that is welcoming and encouraging for students to learn and grow.. Learning and growing stretch your brain and it is important to not give up but rather to keep trying. These goals fit in well with our theme of Being Strong and Courageous! In all things God asks us to not give up on Him but to continually seek and trust Him in learning, growing, and all that life brings.

I am a 1986 graduate of Concordia University Nebraska. I majored in Elementary Education with a minor in music and am a certified D.C.E.

My earliest years of ministry started at Bethlehem

Lutheran Church in Carson City, NV as a Director of Christian Education and soon after became the director and teacher of their Preschool for 8 years.

In August of 1999, our family moved to Plover.  In March of 2000 I began teaching here at St. Paul until I retired from full-time teaching in June of 2020. Altogether, I served in Lutheran ministry for 30 years. Now, in my retirement years, I will be continuing to serve our Lord at St. Paul School as a part-time aide for our 1st—4th

graders. I am also one of St. Paul’s organists.

My husband and I have been married for 40 years. We have 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law, and 1 grandson whom we adore.

It is a privilege and honor to serve at St. Paul again this year as a 2^nd grade teacher!   I am looking forward to helping second graders grow both academically and in their faith.   I enjoy creating playful learning opportunities to encourage learning.  I also hope to foster a love of learning and discovery in my students.

I graduated from UW-Stevens Point with an education degree in 2007.  I am married to Andy who serves at Peace Lutheran Campus Center.  We have 3 children, Caleb, Naomi, and Micah (all students at St. Paul).   When not at school, I enjoy cooking, being outdoors, and reading.

This year’s theme Be Strong and Courageous comes from one of my favorite Bible verses, Joshua 1:9.  In this verse, God is speaking to Joshua and encouraging him as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.  God says, “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  While we are living in different times than Joshua, this promise also holds true for us.  Throughout the school year, I am looking forward to sharing and reminding my students of this promise.  When they face difficult circumstances, when they are afraid of making mistakes, when there are friendship troubles – God is with them through it all.  They don’t have to be afraid or discouraged – they can be strong and courageous in Christ and know that no matter what God is with them!

I am originally from the Milwaukee area and attended Lutheran elementary schools and high school.   As I began my Elementary Education degree at Concordia University—Wisconsin, my love of teaching was confirmed and I finished with my Bachelor of Arts in

Lutheran Elementary Education and minor in

Language Arts.

I have been teaching in Lutheran grade schools and Early Childhood Centers for over 20 years. I have taught 4th grade, 3 and 4 year old Prekindergarten, and 1st grade for several years.  I am very excited to teach 2nd grade for the first time this year! I love teaching all different subject areas, but especially enjoy teaching religion.

I am married to Mr. Wegner, our Principal at St. Paul.  We have two sons, Tyler and Evan.  Tyler works in Stevens Point and Evan is student at UWSP.  When not teaching, I like to read, bake, boat and travel. 

Our school theme this year is “Be Strong and Courageous” based on Joshua 1:9. I am looking forward to helping my second graders apply this to their lives. We will focus on how Jesus is with us wherever we go!

I love my third graders. My passion is sharing the love of Jesus with my students, helping them to grow in their faith and teaching them how to pray to their Jesus. I enjoy finding ways to help each student grow into an independent learner as the year progresses.

I grew up on a hobby farm in  Batavia, Wisconsin. Fun fact: I have three brothers. Pastor Baumann is one of them! I attended St. John Lutheran School, Sherman Center,  Sheboygan Lutheran High School and Concordia University Wisconsin. I graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with minors in Special Ed. and Science. I am married to Jesse and have two step-children, Ruben and Leah.

I enjoy teaching science and sharing my love for God’s creation. I enjoy going to Brewers games, fairs, rummage sales, train museums with my husband, gardening and spending time outdoors in God's marvelous creation.

I am excited for my 5th Year at St. Paul knowing that we can “Be Strong and Courageous” because God is with us wherever we go!

I was Called to St. Paul Lutheran in 2000.  I am a graduate of Concordia University – Wisconsin with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Math.  I currently teach 4^th Grade. This is my 30th year in Lutheran education,

I was born and raised in Waupaca.  I have two boys, Elijah and Elliot.  Both of my boys attended St. Paul from K3-8th grade.  I enjoy watching them play golf and hockey.  I love to take bike rides and walks. 

It is a joy to be able to pray with my students and to teach them about our Loving Savior.  Our theme this year, “Established in His Love, Rooted in Christ,” is taught to my students so that they will know and believe that Jesus is our Savior and we need to be focused on Him in all that we do. I want them to use and study the Bible daily so they can stay “Rooted in Christ.

I graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin     Mequon with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Adaptive Education.   This is my 13th year teaching at St. Paul.

I currently reside in the town of Hull with my husband Ross and 3 boys, Jack, Henry, and Charlie. We also have the tiniest dog in the neighborhood, a 5 pound Yorkie named Margo. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time at my family's cabin, puzzles, camping, playing cards, reading, playing in the church’s handbell choir, and singing with the Wausau Lyric Choir.

Through all of the challenges we will face together this year, I am reminded of God’s promises in Joshua 1:9 that God will be with us through it all.

I was called to St. Paul in 1991 from Concordia University Mequon. I received a Master's Degree in Gifted and Talented Education from UWSP in 1995 and a 2nd  Master's in Educational Technology through Concordia  University Mequon in 2014. In addition to my teaching duties, I play handbells, administer the Sentry Grant and technology program at St. Paul, serve on the Stewardship Committee, and serve as the Legacy of Love Coordinator. In my free time I love to travel, read, and watch my children coach and play a variety of sports.

Whenever I hear “Be strong and Courageous” I think back to the old Michael W. Smith song from a long time ago. I remember my 2nd grade class doing an aerobic routine to those lyrics for a PTL and Be Strong and Courageous is much more than a physical strong to me. It’s a mental and emotional toughness and courage.

My name is Mr. Wisniewski, but you can call me Mr. W. I grew up in the dairy-centric town of Thorp, WI, where I met my wife, Morgan, who taught at St. Paul as well!

This year, we welcomed our son, Archer, to the family. I studied Elementary Education at Concordia University Wisconsin, where I minored in Mathematics and participated in baseball and theater.

In my (limited) free time, I enjoy fantasy and strategy games, disc golf, hiking (especially waterfalls), axe-throwing, hammocking and a good book. At St. Paul, I teach a variety of middle school subjects, including Religion, Math, Science, History and Praise Band, while co-leading several extra-curriculars, like basketball and running club - check them out! Let’s have a great school year!

Mrs. Pionek was born in Stevens Point and is a SPASH graduate. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Viterbo College in Lacrosse and her Master of Music Education degree from UWSP. Her husband, Mike, is an alumni of SPL. Together they share three grown children, Nick, Amanda, and Samantha, and two grandchildren. She taught grades K-12 for the Stevens Point School District for 30 years and retired June of 2022. She has been directing St Paul’s adult choir this year and is also a member of the Prayer Shawl and Joy Ladies Bible study. She is extremely excited to teach music to the students at St. Paul next year and is looking forward to sharing her faith with them.  

I am the Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director, and Safety Cadet Advisor at St. Paul. I received my Physical Education degree from Winona State University and started teaching at St. Paul in 1995.

My wife, Lori, and I have three kids: Cade (21), Carlee (18), and TJ (16). I am also the head boys basketball coach at Almond-Bancroft for the past 23 years.

I love being a teacher at St. Paul because we have the opportunity to talk about Jesus and all that he has done for us. It is very comforting to know that at St. Paul we are “Established in His Love, Rooted in Christ.”

I am so excited to be heading into my fourth year serving as the Student Learning Center Teacher at St. Paul Lutheran Church.  I love working with children in small groups to focus on their individual needs and goals.  I have always had a love of teaching and find much joy in encouraging my students to grow to their fullest potential academically, socially, and spiritually.  Prior to teaching at St. Paul, I served as the 4th grade teacher at St. John's West Bend.  I also taught 3rd and 5th grade in the Cedarburg Public School District and 4th grade in the Lake Geneva School District.  The Lord has blessed me with many opportunities to share the love of Christ with His children and I am thrilled to be able to do that here at St. Paul!

I am married to Huck and we have three children (Levi, Aliana, and Caleb) who all attend St. Paul.  In our free time we like to go camping, hiking, and kayaking. 

As I reflect on this year’s school theme, “Be Strong and Courageous” based on Joshua 1:9, I am reminded and encouraged that God will be with me all the days of my life, wherever I may go. This brings me much comfort and peace each and every day.

Hi! I am Mrs. Gable and I am so excited to begin my second year on staff at St. Paul. I attended Kindergarten through 8th Grade here, prior to attending Wisconsin Valley Lutheran High School. I graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a bachelor's degree in Lutheran Elementary Education and a minor in Science Education.

It is such a blessing to work alongside teachers who have impacted me in both my faith walk and my educational journey. I can't wait for another year in the Student Learning Center and help each and every student I work with grow into Christian leaders. My husband's name is Michael, but we call him MR. Fence! We have two boys, Ryan and Griffin. Ryan is in 3nd grade and Griffin is two!

In my free time I love to read, spend time with my boys, watch hockey and go to demo derbies. I am blessed to watch and help students learn and grow at St Paul I know God will be with us in all we do this year.

Mrs. Tuchscherer has been serving at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School since 2010, first in the role of School Services Specialist, and currently as the Accounting Specialist. She enjoys working at St. Paul and being surrounded by fellow Christians serving the Lord. 

She is married to Carl and has two children, Kendra and Nick.

Mrs. Wierzba is from Stevens Point (born and raised), and has four children, all of whom have either attended, or are attending St. Paul just like she did. She also has two wonderful grandchildren who are also attending St. Paul. She looks forward to getting to know the families in the church and reacquainting herself with families that have been at St. Paul for some time.

Miss Faxon is an experienced professional in the field of education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work, supporting students, teachers, and administrators in achieving their goals. Miss Faxon is committed to providing high-quality educational services and is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.

Mrs. Barge and her husband were baptized at St. Paul Lutheran and have been life-long members. She has been serving at St. Paul in many ways; you can finder her volunteering in the office, working funeral meals and VBS, and helping out in the kitchen during lunch! She is excited that the Lord has continued to bless her with new opportunities to share His love!

Ms. JoAnn is a retired International Traffic Manager who moved here from the Chicago area 10 years ago after taking early retirement. Much of her experience with children has been in teaching Sunday school, running VBS programs, and serving as the head of Christian Education both at Divine Shepard Lutheran Church, in Bolingbrook, IL, and at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Plover, where she is still a member.   She has further experience running children’s theater programs, both with children and adults, at Oak Park Village Players.

Ms. JoAnn is a lifelong Lutheran, who attended a Lutheran grade school, high school, and college.  She supports Lutheran education in any small way she is able. 

Ms. JoAnn’s connection to St. Paul is through her son and his family, with two of her grandchildren having attended St. Paul Through 8^th grade. 

We are excited to welcome Miss MacKenzie back to our After School Care program! Miss MacKenzie is a sophomore in college and attends both Mid-State Technical College here in town as well as Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. She is working towards a degree in Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound) and is excited to be returning next year!

Ryan grew up in the Amherst area. He moved to Stevens Point to attend Mid-State Technical College, where he received a degree in Business / Supervisory Management.  In his free time, Ryan loves woodworking, hunting, sports, fitness (Crossfit in particular), and spending time with his family.

Ryan is a natural tinker-er and in his first year at St. Paul he is most excited to be working with his hands. He is also looking very forward to getting to know all the kids!

Brenda grew up in the Almond area. After living near the Twin Cities for the past 10 years, she recently moved back to the area and enjoys the Biblical teaching and quality family values found at St. Paul.

Knowing what an important financial blessing the Scrip program is to the congregation and school, she wants to build on the current program success and ensure that it continues to expand and grow. The volunteers are critical to the success of the program, and she is “thankful in advance” for all the support of those who give their time and talents to keep the program moving and growing.

Brenda and her husband, Dale, live in Plover with their 2 “lap dogs” (Fritz – 95 lb. Weimaraner and Moose – 60 lb. Weimaraner mix).

Kathy grew up the oldest of 5 children. She graduated from Tri-County High School in Plainfield, then went on to work as a nurse for 30 years.  She recently returned to the area after living in the Madison area for over 10 years. 

Ms. Kathy has 2 small dogs, (Allie and Bella) that keep her company, and she loves to cook for other people. She has a daughter, Jocelyn, in DeForrest, WI and a son, Zachary (Julianne) and 2 grandchildren in Phoenix, AZ. Other activities she enjoys are walking with her dogs and spending time with her family. She loves antiques and unique older items and is a member of the prayer shawl group, as she loves to knit and crochet and do other crafts.

Heidi grew up near Fremont, WI, received her Bachelors degree in business from UW-Whitewater, and worked in various business venues before spending 9 years as the Director’s Assistant of a Baptist mission located in Wheaton, IL. Prior to moving back to Plover last fall, Ms. Barz spent 24 years in Portland, OR, earning a Masters Degree in Counseling, and working primarily as a school counselor in both public and private school settings.

Heidi enjoys music, including singing in the choir at St. Paul’s, but also has a love of theater – both teaching and performing. Heidi is also enjoying living closer to family and close friends, as well as just enjoying the joys and benefits of living in a smaller city again.

Mrs. Behnke has 3 children who are all currently enrolled at St. Paul. She has a heart for children and for bringing people together, as evidenced by her passion for MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) at Woodlands church. She loves the outdoors and reading, and especially loves the beach! Prior to moving back to Wisconsin in 2016, she and her husband, Joshua, lived in Florida. They are glad to be back by family but continue to visit Florida often.