Staff

Rev. Dr. Carlton Andersen—Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Carlton Andersen enjoys being part of an energetic and welcoming church. Before coming to St. Luke’s in Wisconsin Rapids, he served Lutheran congregations in Barnesville, New York Mills, and Morris, MN. As a Pastor, he puts his focus on preaching and teaching in ways that connect scripture to life, and leading congregations in their own particular mission for Christ. He also has a passion for family ministry and developing great worship programs.

Growing up in the Minneapolis metro area, Pastor Carlton received an M.A. degree in Theology from the University of St. Thomas, and his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Before his ordination in 2006 he taught religion and theology at two Twin Cities area colleges.

Pastor Carlton met his wife Anna at St. Olaf College. Anna has had a variety of careers and enjoys keeping the family on track. The couple has been blessed with two children, Ingrid and Graham, both recently graduated from college and living in the Minneapolis area.  Pastor Carlton enjoys playing the guitar, weight training, following the Minnesota Vikings (oops! That should read: ’Green Bay Packers’), and hiking in State Parks with his family.

Deacon Jim Johnston—Pastoral Assistant

I have the honor of serving Jesus Christ through the Caring Ministries at St. Luke’s.

The Caring Ministries program seeks to work with the power of God to bring comfort and healing to people. The death of a loved one or the painful experience of a divorce often is overwhelming for people.  The GriefShare support group seeks to help people as they walk with God and each other.

Care Ministry support groups are for people who are hurting because they have a problem or are taking care of a person who is hurting.

I have had a number of problems in my life.  I know the importance of growing closer to God and being open with others.  All of our programs have people who love God and people. You do not need to be a believer in Jesus Christ to attend, but we do ask that you allow us to talk about our faith.

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.

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