Church Staff
Meet our wonderful staff.
Rev. Dr. Mark Bangert
I began my service to the church as a second grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Memphis, Tennessee in the fall of 1979. After two years of teaching I enrolled at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Upon graduation my degree was awarded in 1985 and my first Call into the pastoral ministry was to Faith Lutheran Church and School in Ft. Lauderdale. I served there for seven years before accepting the Call to Immanuel in Washington in 1992.
Immanuel has enjoyed steady growth through the years at both the church and the school. The church has grown from about 300 in worship to now over 500 each weekend. The school has grown from 150 students with double grades in one classroom to a peak of 250 students with single grades in all classrooms. In 1997 Immanuel accomplished a building program that doubled the number of school classrooms, added office space and a spacious narthex; as well as making Immanuel’s entire property handicap accessible.
While actively serving at Immanuel, I continued my graduate studies and in 1999 received the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. My wife, Lisa, and I have three grown children, all of whom are active in their local churches.
Terri Gerhart
My educational background is interesting; but does not truly reflect my job as a church secretary. I have a bachelors in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the College of the Ozarks. I have received so many blessings as the church secretary. The people I work with are incredible - extremely dedicated to their vocations and to their Lord. Having the opportunity to work with our church and school families is also a wonderful part of my job. My favorite Bible verse is 'The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?' from Psalm 27:1
I am originally from SW Missouri. I came from a large family of six sisters and one brother. My husband, Garry, and I have two children – Lydia, 23, and Alex, 20. Both of our children are graduates of Immanuel. I have a lot of interests (probably none of them very interesting to anyone else). I like to read (when I can stay awake). I like to walk for exercise. I also enjoy taking day trips to unique destinations with my husband.
Jean Schaible
My educational background is from Northern Illinois University where I received a bachelors degree; and Benedictine University where I earned my MBA. What I love about Immanuel is the positive atmosphere displayed not only by teachers and staff, but also by the students. My favorite Bible verse is 'Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise' Philippians 4:8.
I am blessed with a loving family. I'm married to Steve and we have two girls: Anna and Sara. Both attend Immanuel Lutheran School. My hobbies include gardening, reading to my girls and enjoying my husband's company.
LuAnn Kaaz
My educational background began at: St. John’s Lutheran College, Winfield, KS with an Associates degree; and continued on to Southwestern College in Winfield, KS where I was awarded a Bachelors degree in music. I was granted call status as Director of Parish Music by Concordia University, Mequon, WI, in 2008.
Some of the areas that inspire me working at Immanuel, is the teamwork, the fellowship and the support of fellow faculty and staff members. Working with young students and watching them learn and grow is very rewarding. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I have three wonderful daughters: Rebecca – 25, Christine - 22, and Jessica – 20. My hobbies include, music, sewing, baking and spending time with my daughters.
Vicar Joshua Krepel
My name is Joshua Krepel and I will be serving as Immanuel's vicar for a year starting in August. I am very excited to be able to serve at Immanuel in all different aspects of ministry. I am excited to learn all I can and I know that this year will be a very positive learning experience for me.
I am originally from Kingfisher OK (a small town north-west of Oklahoma City). My dad was a pastor there and I grew up with four other siblings. I attended undergrad at Oklahoma State University where I also met my lovely wife Sarah. I graduated from OSU in 2010 and Sarah graduated in 2011 and we were married soon after. Sarah is now working as a structural engineering intern in the St. Louis area.
In my spare time I really enjoy cooking and painting with my wife. I also enjoy playing guitar and just getting a chance to talk to people.
Alan Wunderlich
My educational background is from Concordia University, Chicago, where I earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. I feel blessed to serve at Immanuel. The teachers and staff along with the families make this a great place to share in God’s ministry. It is a joy to work with this family of faith. My favorite Bible verse is 'A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you much love one another.' John 13:34
I am blessed with a wonderful wife, Kim, and four awesome children – Joy, Alan, Benjamin and Clara. My hobbies include studying the Civil War and collecting sports memorabilia.
Nick Hopfensperger
I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Concordia University in Chicago and earned my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. The staff and faculty at Immanuel as well as the school families have become my second family! Immanuel Lutheran School and Church has been a great blessing to me and my family. My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.'
My immediate family includes my wife, Emily, our son, Aidan and two daughters, Neve and Eva. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and spending time with my family.