Rev. Corey Shaffer—Administrative Pastor
Rev. Corey Shaffer has been a true blessing to St. Luke’s during our vacancy. What began with him advising us in our Call process grew into part-time service, then into full-time leadership as our advising vacancy senior pastor. He often shares how warmly St. Luke’s has embraced him and his family-and how much he has come to cherish this congregation and its dedicated staff and lay leaders.
By making his preaching practical and down-to-earth, Pastor Corey helps people grow spiritually in everyday life. As a big-picture thinker, he values collaboration, listening well, and equipping God’s people through God’s word. He earned his Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary (2021) and a B.A. in Youth Ministry from Southwestern College (2013). With a passion for youth and family ministry, he brings a heart for strengthening the next generation in the Church.
Pastor Corey met his wife, Katie, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbus, GA where they were married in 2008 while he was stationed at Fort Benning (since 2001). They are blessed with two children, Paige (2010) and Scott (2013), and he also has an adult daughter, Allie, from a previous relationship. Having experienced both the hardships of war and the pain of divorce, as well as the gift of God’s grace in family, Pastor Corey understands life’s struggles and seeks to share Christ’s hope with others in every season of life.
Having served 12 1/2 years in the Army, including seven between 3rd Ranger Battalion (Airborne Infantry) and the 75th Ranger Regiment, Special Troops Bn, Pastor Corey is a combat veteran. He deployed 5 times-four as a Ranger and once with 5th Special Forces Group-serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan, including parachuting into central Iraq on Day 1 of the ground assault, for which he earned a Combat Jump Star. His years of service, sacrifice, and hardship continue to shape his ministry today, giving him a deep compassion for those who carry heavy burdens or a rough past and a strong desire to point them to Christ’s lasting peace.
Katie is a Special Education Teacher at Port Edwards Middle School, and both Paige and Scott attend school in the Port Edwards school district. They recently bought a house in Grand Rapids, but their family is all over the map. Pastor Corey is from the Philadelphia area. Pastor Corey and Katie have close family in Pennsylvania and Arkansas, but they like our summers in Wisconsin (you know, that month after June)!
Elaine A. Herman—Youth Administrator
I have had a lifelong desire to help others, especially young children, youth, and anyone with special needs. My ministry here at St. Luke’s as the Youth Administrator has allowed me to continue to enjoy one of those desires, to be able to work with the youth.
I was born and raised here in Wisconsin Rapids. I attended Lincoln High School and took several classes at Mid-State Technical College. In 1986 I took a job with the Wisconsin Rapids School District as a Special Needs Teacher’s Aide. In 1990, I earned my Special Education Program Aide License from the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and have maintained that license since. My current license is valid through 6/30/25 and allows me to work with students from pre-school age through those in grade 12.
My husband, Ron, and I were married in 1976 and have been blessed with 4 children (Jeremy, Justin, Amy, and Heather), 9 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson. We are fortunate to own 8 acres just outside the city limits which allowed us to have an active hobby farm for many years and gave our children lots of opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors every day. Although we no longer have any farm animals, we do have a dog, Eddie, a very spoiled Maltese crossbreed.
In my spare time I like to garden, do crafts, volunteer and assist other ministries here at St. Luke’s, and travel. My mission as Youth Administrator is to grow the Youth Group by reaching out to our youth, making the program interesting and educational in the realm of spiritual growth, and offer a program that makes youth want to be active in the group. I feel that I have a very important position here as the future of our Church lies with our youth! If I do not know you yet I look forward to meeting you soon. God Bless.
Contact: 715-423-5990 ext.307
E-mail: eherman@stlukeslutheran.com
Paula Heil—Parish Administrator
Hello! My name is Paula Heil and I am the Parish Administrator here at St. Luke’s. I previously taught 3K and was the Director of St. Luke’s Preschool/4K.
I grew up in Wisconsin Rapids and graduated from Lincoln High School. My husband David and I were married in 1987 and have 2 married children and 4 grandchildren. We love traveling to South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming.
In my spare time I enjoy fishing, reading, crocheting, sewing, and baking but most of all spending time with the grandkids!
As Parish Administrator, I am pleased that I can be part of the team at St. Luke’s and assisting the needs of the congregation, staff and community.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Contact: 715-423-5990 ext. 302
E-mail: admin@stlukeslutheran.com
Victoria Hahnenberg – Staff Assistant
My name is Victoria Hahnenberg. I am excited to have accepted the Staff Assistant Position at St. Luke’s. Here is a little information about who I am. I grew up in Wisconsin Rapids and attend school in the area. My school years started here at St. Luke’s when I attended preschool. Our oldest son attended preschool here as well and even had the same teacher that I had. My husband Cody and I were married in 2017 and we have 3 boys that keep us very busy and on our toes.
As a family we like to go on hikes, bike rides and explore area parks and playgrounds.
I look forward to meeting you and feel free to stop in and introduce yourself!
Contact: 715-423-5990
Email: mail@stlukeslutheran.com