Staff

dgehne@trinityracine.com

Pastor David Gehne loves to connect people to the Good News of God’s grace.

David was born and raised in Maryland by German immigrant parents. He was baptized and confirmed at Holy Nativity Lutheran Church in Arbutus, Maryland, where the seed of serving as a pastor was first planted in him. (More about that later.)

David attended Valparaiso University and earned a degree in Marketing with a minor in Theology.  He met Mary at Valpo, and they began their married life in Madison where David worked for Lands’ End, Inc. During those early years they also served on the first LCMS volunteer mission team to St. Petersburg, Russia.  After returning to the states, they were soon off again, this time to England, where David assisted in the launch of a new Lands’ End business.

The Lord blessed David and Mary with three sons.  Eventually (some would say finally), with his young family in tow, David followed through on his ever-growing interest in pastoral ministry and enrolled at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. There he also worked half-time as a project manager for Concordia Publishing House.

Pastor Gehne began serving as Trinity’s vicar and then received and accepted the Divine Call to be our associate pastor in 2005.  In November 2018 Pastor Gehne became the fifth senior pastor in Trinity’s 114-year history.

David and his family enjoy camping, traveling, spending time on “the island” (a woodsy Wisconsin variety), and also have a long history of , in his words, “elaborate building with legos”. Legos. Lately, David and Mary travel to see their grown children, wherever they may be.

Pastor Gehne sees the Christian life beautifully illustrated in Romans 12:12.

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be constant in prayer.”

sjennings@trinityracine.com

Pastor Jennings loves being with people. He enjoys talking and laughing with them, listening to them, and sharing the good news that Jesus loves them. He knew by the age of sixteen that he wanted to be a pastor.

Stephen was born in Fort Gordon, Georgia, on the Army base where his parents were stationed. From the base they moved to Hazel Park, Michigan, where Stephen grew up with his sisters. Stephen attended Concordia University Ann Arbor and earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Religion. Then it was on to Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Pastor Jennings did his vicarage at St. John Lutheran Church and School in Ocala, Florida, preaching every week at a local mission congregation established by St. John’s. While living in Ocala, Stephen also met his wife, Jan, St. John’s fourth-grade teacher at the time. They have been blessed with a son, David, who lives in Green Bay with his wife and two children, and with a daughter, Kristen and her husband and child, who live in Green Bay.

After graduation Pastor Jennings accepted a call to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Auburn, New York. He served there for three years before accepting Trinity’s call in late 1988 and has been our pastor ever since.

Stephen has held a variety of jobs over the years, everything from busing tables to cooking to repairing grandfather clocks. Here at Trinity, Pastor Jennings teaches confirmation classes, offers weekly Bible studies, visits the hospitalized and the housebound, attends church meetings, prepares sermons, and leads worship services.

Besides working at Trinity, Stephen loves spending time with Jan, watching Netflix. He also enjoys cooking, especially on one of his six grills or flattops. And when he can spend time with his grandchildren, Grace and Luke and Izzy . . . well, it doesn’t get any better than that.

Pastor Jennings rests in the promises of John 10:27-28.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

pamling@trinityracine.com

Mrs. Pamela Amling brings a nurturing heart for children to the principalship of Trinity Lutheran School. She has served in many Lutheran schools since 1987, teaching grades K3–8 in urban Milwaukee and in a number of Illinois communities.

Mrs. Amling attended both Concordia University Chicago where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education and Concordia University Mequon where she earned a master’s degree in Administration.

In 1997 Mrs. Amling began serving as a principal/administrator. She believes that the Lord called her to be a servant-leader, and so she works diligently to improve life outcomes for children and their families. Since 2016 she has been doing just that here at Trinity. As our principal, Mrs. Amling encourages and enables her staff to use their God-given talents and gifts in service to our students.

Mrs. Amling keeps busy with five adult children and grandchildren.  Her husband, Albert, is also a church leader, working as superintendent for Hales Corners Lutheran School. She spends time supporting his ministry as well.

For fun, Mrs. Amling follows the Cubs. Originally from the great state of Illinois, she is indeed a passionate Cubs fan. Yelling “Go Cubs Go!” comes naturally to her, even in Trinity’s hallways. (We do admire our principal’s enthusiasm.)

Mrs. Amling is encouraged by Jeremiah 29:11.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

jblazei@trinityracine.com

Jake Blazei is an energetic servant of the Lord. He is especially interested in helping Trinity’s students build healthy lifestyle habits.

Jake was born and raised in Franklin, Wisconsin, and attended Hales Corners Lutheran Church and School from kindergarten through eighth grade. He went on to graduate from Martin Luther High School in Greendale. During his high-school years, Jake earned all-conference honors competing in football and baseball.

Jake attended Concordia University Wisconsin and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business with a focus in Sports Management.  While at Concordia, Jake played football for two years and was twice named an Academic All-America team member in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.

Here at Trinity, Mr. Blazei will serve as our athletic director, teach physical education to our 5K through eighth-grade students, and offer health classes to our middle schoolers.

In his spare time, Jake enjoys being around his family and closest friends. Jake likes to golf, hunt, fish, and, being an avid sports fan, he loves to follow the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers.

Jake strives to live by this important reminder in Colossians 3:17.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through him.”

aburke@trinityracine.com

Ann Burke enjoys the visual arts and brings her own graphic-design talent to the secretarial position she holds here at Trinity. She is happy for the opportunity to promote God’s Word and the Christian faith in engaging visual expressions for our students.

Ann was born in Racine and attended parochial schools until enrolling at UW-Parkside to study Fine Arts.  After transferring to UW-Milwaukee, she graduated with a degree in Graphic Design. Mrs. Burke worked as a graphic designer at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha and as a pre-press operator/designer at Lake County Press in Waukegan, Illinois.

In 2012, after being a stay-at-home mom for nine years, Ann joined the staff here at Trinity Lutheran Church and School where she shares the daily administrative duties with Becky Douglas. Ann is grateful for the sense of family at Trinity and for the opportunity to work with staff members so genuinely invested in caring for our school children.

Mrs. Burke and her husband, John (a retired Cudahy firefighter), have two children, Alissa and Johnny. Johnny is a firefighter and Alissa is pursuing a degree in Education. Ann and John enjoy antiquing for vintage advertising items and toys, taking spontaneous drives “in the country” with the family, eating good home-cooked meals, and sharing no-fuss moments with friends and family.

Ann appreciates God’s advice in Psalm 118:24.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 

arburke@trinityracine.com

dchase@trinityracine.com

bdouglas@trinityracine.com

Becky Douglas is a wife, the mom of two grown children, Grandma and someone who looks for the good in every situation.  She brings this positive approach to Trinity’s front office, where she serves alongside Ann Burke as an administrative assistant.

Mrs. Douglas was born and raised in Racine. She attended elementary and middle school here and in the surrounding communities of Sturtevant and Union Grove. Becky graduated from Racine Lutheran High School and has also studied at Carthage College, Moody Bible Institute, and UW-Parkside.

Like many of Trinity’s staff, Becky is a true fan of Wisconsin sports teams.  “Coaching from her couch” during the games is definitely one of her favorite pastimes.

Becky trusts in God’s promise given in Jeremiah 29:11.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

bfick@trinityracine.com

Rebecca Fick brings a faithful spirit of service to Trinity Lutheran Church and School. She is dedicated to teaching and enjoys seeing her students develop their talents and abilities.

Becky attended Concordia University Nebraska where she received a Lutheran teaching degree, majoring in Music and minoring in Speech and Drama. She also studied at Michigan State University, earning her master’s degree in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction with an emphasis in Music. Over the years, Becky has performed and toured with several choirs and served often as a soloist. Participating in a world mission tour with Concordia University’s A Cappella Choir was a highlight.

Mrs. Fick first worked as teacher, music director, and organist at St. John Lutheran Church and School in Ionia, Michigan. In Wisconsin she has applied these same talents at Concordia Lutheran in Sturtevant and Redeemer Lutheran in Racine.

Here at Trinity Mrs. Fick is our music director, music specialist, and organist.

Becky is married to Ken, who is retired from his sixth-grade teaching position here at Trinity. The Ficks are blessed with three adult children and three young granddaughters. When recreation finds its way onto Becky’s to-do list, she enjoys fishing with her family, walking, and swimming.

Becky finds hope in Psalm 119:105. Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

aflick@trinityracine.com

Ann Flick cares about children. They have been the focus of her service for many years, both in her own family and in her church family here at Trinity.

Ann was born and raised in Racine and graduated from Case High School. That same year she married her brother’s best friend, Keith Flick, who is now her best friend.

The Flicks are longtime Trinity members. Ann and Keith’s four children and four of their ten grandchildren attended school here. Their oldest granddaughter has already graduated from Racine Lutheran High School. Time apparently does fly!

Mrs. Flick began her career at Trinity in our before-and-after-school childcare program (TLC). After that she became an aide in the 4K classroom.

Ann’s favorite free-time activities include family dinners and get-togethers . . . and all things related to her grandchildren. They are the light of her life.

Ann is guided by Mark 10:14-15.

But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

mgehne@trinityracine.com

Mary Gehne loves words . . . their sound, what they say, and how they come together to tell a story. It is no surprise that she has developed an enrichment program for Trinity’s elementary students, teaching creative writing to our first through fourth graders. Mrs. Gehne also enjoys co-coaching Trinity’s Battle of the Books teams in the Racine Public Library’s countywide reading challenge.

Mary grew up in a large family with a strong tradition in Lutheran ministry and education. She graduated from Valparaiso University (VU) in 1988 with a degree in Communication. For two years Mary enjoyed traveling and representing VU as an admissions counselor. Continuing her schooling, Mary earned a second degree in Elementary Education from UW-Madison in 1992.

Mrs. Gehne has often combined ministry, teaching, and travel.  She studied overseas in Reutlingen, Germany; taught grade school in St. Petersburg, Russia; and served as a short- term missionary in Saskatchewan and in Guatemala.

Mary met her husband, David, at VU.  They have enjoyed traveling through life together, living in Madison, Russia, England, and St. Louis.  Since 2004 they have been delighted to call Racine home.  Together they embrace the ongoing adventure of life with their three grown sons.

Reading and hiking are favorite pastimes for Mary. She also enjoys camping, as long as David tends the campfire and chases away the bears (true story!).

Mary is guided by Colossians 2:6-7. 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

sgmirek@trinityracine.com

Sam Gmirek is Trinity’ sixth-grade homeroom teacher, middle-school ELA (English Language Arts) teacher, and curriculum planner. Mr. Gmirek especially enjoys designing student-centered activities that foster children’s love for reading and writing. He feels blessed to serve the Lord through the Lutheran-school ministry. Sam grew up in Wisconsin where he attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Mayville from fourth through eighth grade. After high school he attended Concordia University-Wisconsin and graduated with a degree in Secondary Education-English. Mr. Gmirek has been teaching at Epiphany Lutheran School in Houston, Texas, since 2020. He is excited to come home to Wisconsin to live and work.

Outside of the classroom, Sam enjoys being with his wife, Leah, and their two cats. He also likes to hike, camp, watch movies, and golf. Sam is looking forward to being around Wisconsin sports fans again and cheering for the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers.

Sam lives by God’s reminder in John 8:31b-32.
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the
truth, and the truth will set you free.”

rhansen@trinityracine.com

Richard Hansen is an outgoing, friendly sort . . . a master at meeting, greeting, and making friends. You may have heard him whistling or singing his way through Trinity’s halls.

Born and raised in Racine in a family of seven children, Rick reports that it was always a fun time. He grew up Roman Catholic and attended St. Edward’s Catholic School. Then it was on to Washington Park High School where he graduated in 1969.

Rick landed his first “big job” and met his wife, Carla, at Massey Ferguson, a manufacturing plant here in Racine. Shortly after meeting Carla, Rick converted to the Lutheran faith. He joined Trinity in 1982 when he and Carla were married, and he remains a devoted member. The couple are blessed with three daughters and four granddaughters.

Massey Ferguson gave Rick the work experience necessary to take on the maintenance job at Trinity in 1993. He also obtained his Boiler License from Gateway in 1994. After twenty-five years of service as our maintenance man, Rick retired in 2017 . . . or did he?  We still hear that familiar whistling in our halls because Mr. Hansen is back, serving Trinity part-time as our landscaper, morning TLC assistant and pm receptionist

Rick feels blessed for his past years of service and for the present stint that keeps him in touch with Trinity’s kids and lets him work alongside his daughter, Samantha Hansen. “Thank you, Jesus” expresses his gratitude for this and many other gifts from God.

In his spare time, Rick cheers for the Packers, the Cubbies, and coaches both children and adults on several of Trinity’s sports teams. He also enjoys golfing and going out to eat with friends and family.

Rick trusts in the promise of John 3:16. 

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

shansen@trinityracine.com

Samantha Hansen is enthusiastic about sharing the love of the Lord with everyone she meets, and it shows. Just ask the little children who get hugs from her every day here at Trinity.

Sam was born and raised in Racine and baptized at Trinity Lutheran where she is still a member. Sam also attended Trinity’s school from 3K to eighth grade. Then it was on to

Racine Lutheran High School and UW-Parkside where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education in 2010.

Ms. Hansen worked first for Kenosha Unified as a personal substitute teacher and then as an on-call sub for many of Trinity’s staff. She was eventually offered the 3K teaching position at Trinity in 2012. Sam remembers this as the best moment of her life. As she says, “There’s no place like home.” And there’s nothing like Sam’s positivity when it comes to coaching cheerleading, either. (Go Warriors!)

Sam also works as a server in a couple of downtown Racine restaurants and loves the job for all the people she gets to meet, of course. But when she needs to unwind, Sam goes fishing. She knows how to catch fish as well as clean, filet, and cook them! When the dishes are done, though, Ms. Hansen enjoys nothing more than relaxing with her friends, her coworkers, and her family.

Samantha is encouraged by Proverbs 31:25.

She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.

nholub@trinityracine.com

Ms. Holub loves being part of the Trinity team. She enjoys her teacher’s aide position and is especially grateful to help children learn and watch them succeed in school.

Nicole was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, and attended Lutheran High School. After graduating, she began her culinary-arts career.  Nicole worked in several restaurants, both as a chef and as an assistant manager.

Nicole has three children—Haley, Aiden, and Logan—and when Haley started preschool, she began volunteering at Trinity School. Nicole and family are members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and all three children attend our school.

Besides her teacher’s aide duties, Nicole helps out in Trinity’s kitchen, of course. Ms. Holub loves to serve wherever she is needed.

At home, Nicole simply enjoys being with her children and spending time cooking in her own kitchen. During the summer breaks, she looks forward to camping with her family.

Nicole appreciates the important reminders in Romans 12:12.  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

ahozey@racinelutheran.org

My belief is that anyone can enjoy, learn, and perform music whatever their skill level is. Starting my musical journey at a young age, I realized the effect that music can have on people. I have made it a mission to follow my passion of creating a positive musical environment for young musicians. I have earned degrees from Culver-Stockton College and Northwestern University. I have also had performance opportunities with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra. Currently, I perform with the Chicago Wind Symphony and teach privately at Skokie Park District and Harper College. I have dedicated my time to creating a music program that allows students to continue and enhance their passion.

phuth@trinityracine.com

ajung@trinityracine.com

Sharing God’s love with Trinity’s students and staff brings Amy Jung great joy!  Daily, Amy helps children to grow in their faith and succeed in their studies.

Amy and her husband, Todd, are blessed with two children, Ben and Emma.  Both were students at Trinity Lutheran School from preschool through eighth grade.

The Jungs are active members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Mrs. Jung volunteered here for many years before joining the staff as a librarian and first-grade teacher’s aide. She loves helping out each summer with Trinity’s Vacation Bible School and also attended the 2019 National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis with our high schoolers.

Amy shares her love for books and reading both in the classroom and in the school library. She assists with Trinity’s participation in the Battle of the Books, a countywide reading challenge sponsored by Racine Public Library that involves teams of students from area schools.

In her free time, Amy loves being up north, out on the lake with Todd and the kids, fishing, walking in the woods, reading a good book, and taking every opportunity to be with the family and friends she cherishes.

Amy is comforted by Philippians 4:6-7.

Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

llendvay@trinityracine.com

Lisa Ann Lendvay serves Trinity as an assistant in the lunch program and in the school office. Born in Chicago Heights and growing up in Des Plaines, Illinois, Lisa attended Oakton Community College where she studied Business.

Lisa and her family were members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Des Plaines. She and Mark Lendvay were married there in 1992. Mrs. Lendvay reports that the location of her home church on Lake Opeka offers the unique experience of enjoying beautiful Lake Park after services. Golfing, boating, picnicking . . . it all sounds good!

Lisa and Mark moved to Bartlett, Illinois, where they started a family. In 1998 they moved to Washington, DC. There they joined St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and also had the privilege of regularly attending services at the National Cathedral.

Lisa and her husband have three children (Megan, Nicole, and Nathan) who were born in three separate states (Illinois, Virginia, and Wisconsin). Lisa remembers the religious high points of each child’s baptism, in three different churches, and of Megan’s first communion at the National Cathedral on Easter Sunday.

Lisa is guided by her favorite Bible verse, John 3:16. 

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

jlohnhardt@trinityracine.com

Jess Lohnhardt is Trinity’s full-time art teacher. After graduating from Racine Lutheran High School, she continued her education at UW-Parkside where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Art. Jess is an accomplished artist. Her skills span several mediums, reflecting her passion for creativity. She is also dedicated to fostering her students’ creativity and artistic expression, integrating Lutheran faith principles along the way. Jess inspires students to discover their own talents and strives to deepen their understanding of both art and spirituality. Jess is inspired by the truth shared in James 1:17. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

dlupo@trinityracine.com

amarcado@trinityracine.com

Amanda Marcado was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin. She attended Racine Unified schools through high school and then continued her education at UW-Whitewater.

Most of Amanda’s family have been involved with education, and she has followed in their footsteps. Ms. Marcado serves Trinity as a kindergarten teacher’s aide and also assists in our childcare program (TLC) after school.

Amanda continues to make Racine her home, living a few miles from beautiful Lake Michigan. She loves Wisconsin with its changing seasons and especially likes being able to get to the beach in five minutes!  During her free time, Amanda enjoys being outside with her two dogs, gardening, soaking up the sunshine, and picnicking with her family.

Amanda lives by 1 Corinthians 16:14.

Let all that you do be done in love.

npike@trinityracine.com

cschult@trinityracine.com

Chris Schult enjoys teaching. He is especially interested in discussing with students the connection between God and His creation worldwide.

Mr. Schult grew up in Merrill, Wisconsin, where he attended Trinity Lutheran School and Merrill High School. In 2008 he earned his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Chris’s first call took him to Emmaus Lutheran in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he taught fifth and sixth graders. After a year, Mr. Schult accepted a call to Trinity in Racine and currently serves as our seventh-grade homeroom teacher and middle-school science teacher.

Besides classroom duties, Chris coordinates Trinity’s middle-school team for the yearly Academic Bowl at Racine Lutheran High School. He also organizes Trinity School’s science fair and has, in the past, coached track and field, volleyball, and basketball.

When the school day ends, Chris loves to spend time with his family. He and his wife, Taylor, have a young son, Landon. Chris is always happy to spend time outside and also pursues “the odd activity of running for fun.” (Those are his words.) He has even completed a few half marathons! As a native Wisconsinite, Mr. Schult roots for the Packers, the Brewers, the Badgers of UW-Madison, and the Golden Eagles of Marquette.

Chris is affirmed in his calling by Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19-20.

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them all I have commanded you. Surely, I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.”

mseager@trinityracine.com

Megan Seager is eager to share her God-given talents with Trinity Lutheran this school year.  As our “early childhood program support,” she will assist both students and staff in several ways: (1) offering her skills in speech and language pathology, (2) applying her knowledge of social and emotional learning, and (3) using her musical talents in the early childhood wing and during chapel services. Megan was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, and attended St. John’s Lutheran Church and School from kindergarten through eighth grade. She went on to graduate from Racine Lutheran High School and next attended Gustavos Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. After a year, Megan transferred to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Megan also holds a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from UW- Stevens Point.   Mrs. Seager worked for Racine Unified School District as an elementary-school speech pathologist for one year before shifting entirely to early-childhood speech and language pathology. During the last ten years, she served Racine Unified (1) in the Inclusive 4K Speech and Language Classroom, (2) as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in both the Phonological Classroom and the Speech and Language Classroom, and (3) as a Preschool Options SLP.

Megan and her husband, Joe, have three sons—Ben (2018), Danny (2021), and Jake (2023). Her favorite pastimes include spending time outside with the whole family and traveling whenever possible. In addition to family time, Megan enjoys sharing the stage with friends at the Racine Theatre Guild in musicals, comedies, and farces.

Megan accepts and expresses the truth shared in 1 Peter 2:9.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

fsmith@trinityracine.com

Felicity Smith will serve Trinity as our long-term substitute third-grade teacher. She feels blessed to have this opportunity, and we welcome her. Miss Smith is a lifelong resident of Racine. She attended and graduated from both St. John’s Lutheran School and Racine Lutheran High School. Moving on to Carthage College of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Felicity earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Cross Categorical Special Education. She has always loved working with children. Felicity’s interests are varied. She loves math and science, but she also enjoys spending time with the special people in her life. Watching her two younger siblings play sports is important to her, and planning a May 2025 wedding with fiancé David Voss is special, too. Exploring the outdoors and spending time with her small farm of animals are two more of
Felicity’s favorite activities.

Felicity’s favorite Bible verse is Romans 15:13.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

bstruck@trinityracine.com

Barbara Struck, Trinity’s first-grade teacher, is quick to tell her students how much Jesus loves them. Sharing her own love for books, she also helps students become proficient, lifelong readers and learners.

Mrs. Struck was born in West Allis, Wisconsin, and attended Hales Corners Lutheran School and Martin Luther High School. At Concordia University Wisconsin she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with minors in Adaptive Education and Speech Communication. Later she received a master’s degree in Literacy from Concordia University Chicago.

Barbara’s teaching career took her to four different Lutheran schools in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois before she accepted a call to Trinity here in Racine. Mrs. Struck strives to create a positive can-do classroom atmosphere, exploring recent teaching trends and working to meet the individual needs of her students.

Besides teaching first grade, Barbara has organized Trinity’s Community Nights, taught music in the lower grades, directed musicals, and led Christmas services. Presently she pursues grant moneys that can help Trinity’s students become lifelong learners.

Barbara is married to Chris Struck, Trinity’s eighth-grade teacher, and they have been blessed with twin sons. Together they enjoy hiking, visiting waterfalls, going to playgrounds, and cheering for the Packers and the Brewers. Barbara also enjoys doing crafts, being with friends, and reading.

Barbara lives by her confirmation verse, Joshua 1:9.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

cstruck@trinityracine.com

Mr. Struck is blessed with both a passion for teaching and a creative classroom approach. He has always wanted to teach, and by God’s grace continues to share Christ’s love with many children.

Chris was born in Milwaukee and attended Our Father’s Lutheran School and Martin Luther High School. He graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and later earned a master’s degree in Literacy. Chris has taught in Kansas and in Illinois but is happy to be home in Wisconsin, teaching at Trinity Lutheran.

All who know Chris, know that family is important to him personally and professionally. He is grateful for the encouragement of his parents and sister in his own life, and a strong family theme influences his teaching style. Mr. Struck teaches social studies and creative writing to our middle-school students and also serves as Trinity’s eighth-grade homeroom teacher.

Over the past decade, Chris has enjoyed stints as athletic director, volleyball coach, and as creator and performer in several chancel dramas. Mr. Struck currently teaches a drama class and also directs the middle-school play.

Chris is married to Barb Struck, Trinity’s first-grade teacher, and they have twin sons. Naturally, all free time is dedicated to family activities. The Strucks enjoy family vacations, playground time, and hikes in God’s great outdoors. Chris also enjoys keeping up with his favorite Wisconsin sports teams and watching movies.

Mr. Struck is encouraged in his calling as husband, father, and teacher by 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

aweil@trinityracine.com

Amanda Weil enjoys sharing God’s love with young children in her classroom and everywhere else she may meet them.

Amanda was born and raised in West Allis, Wisconsin, and attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School from pre-K through eighth grade. From there she went to Martin Luther High School and continued her education at Concordia University Wisconsin, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Amanda has also earned a master’s degree in Special Education.

At the beginning of her career, Ms. Weil taught for one year at West Park Lutheran in Cleveland, Ohio, and then for five years at Immanuel Lutheran in Marshfield, Wisconsin. After that she accepted God’s call to Trinity Lutheran in Racine, where she teaches second grade. Besides her classroom duties, Amanda coordinates amazing pep rallies, coaches volleyball, and leads our annual Mini Course/Interest Day event.

In her spare time, Amanda loves to watch sports and hang out with friends. She’s a big fan of the Packers, the Brewers, the Badgers, and, not surprisingly, of her former students. She often shows up to cheer for them at their own games.

Amanda looks to Proverbs 3:5-6 for direction.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

sweir@trinityracine.com

Sara Weir was born and raised in Milwaukee. After high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Culture. She also received her Early Childhood Education Credential.

While in college, Sara spent a semester living in Seville, Spain, and enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and Africa. After graduation, Sara returned home to Milwaukee where she began working with Futura Language Professionals, an organization dedicated to teaching Spanish to preschool through middle-school students. During this time, Sara realized her passion for lower elementary education and has never looked back. With experience teaching 3K through first grade, Mrs. Weir joins Trinity’s staff as our all-day 5K teacher.

Sara and her husband, Ryan, have two boys, Mason and Logan. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family, playing volleyball, and cheering for all the local sports teams. She is excited to join the Trinity Lutheran community and looks forward to building beautiful relationships with her students and their families.

Sara is strengthened by God’s message in Joshua 1:9.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

dzuberbier@trinityracine.com

David Zuberbier, Trinity’s middle-school math teacher and dean of students, has a true love for teaching. Mr. Zuberbier is honored to participate in our mission to provide students with an excellent Christ-centered education.

David was born in Bogota, Colombia, but raised by adoptive parents in Appleton, Wisconsin.  There he attended Immanuel Lutheran Church & School and Fox Valley Lutheran High School. David went on to graduate from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, with a degree in Elementary Education.

Initially Mr. Zuberbier served as principal at Peace Lutheran School in Bradenton, Florida, and then as dean of students at Wisconsin Lutheran School here in Racine. More recently, God led him back to the classroom at Renaissance Lutheran School, also in Racine. There he taught math and served as athletic director for two years before accepting a position here at Trinity. Continuing his education, Mr. Zuberbier completed his master’s degree in Education Leadership in the spring of 2022. He is now licensed as both an Administrator and as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Mr. Zuberbier brings his unique sense of humor to the world of math as well as to middle-school life. Whether in the classroom, in the halls, at school events, or on the athletic field, David takes every opportunity to teach life lessons and prepare young Christians to serve their Savior.

Mr. Zuberbier enjoys family life with his wife, Ashley, and their son, Bentley. He also loves the outdoors, taking long walks, hiking, and, as a die-hard sports fan, cheering on all Wisconsin sports teams!

David takes great comfort in 1 Corinthians 10:13.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”