BOARD OF ELDERS
Meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month, the Board of Elders plays a vital role in supporting Trinity’s pastoral staff through prayer, encouragement, and active assistance. Elders are instrumental in Sunday morning worship logistics and are deeply involved in building meaningful connections with our members. They meet monthly on the fourth Tuesday.
Each Elder serves as a spiritual support and model of discipleship, offering personal care through phone calls, texts, emails, and handwritten cards—tangible reminders of the forgiveness and love of the resurrected Christ. To strengthen this care, our Elders are organized into Family Groups, providing members with a recognizable face and trusted contact when prayer, guidance, or support is needed.
ELDER FAMILY CONNECTIONS
Elders are connected to a specific family group listed by alphabetical order.
“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly - not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.”
Justin Stanek
CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF ELDERS
Justin grew up in northeast Iowa and came to Bloomington-Normal to pursue his graduate degree. He later met his wife, Sara, and joined Trinity. Justin and Sara have two children, Adam, a sixth grader, and Evelyn, a fourth grader, both attending Trinity Lutheran School. Justin is a professor and Program Director for the Master of Athletic Training program at Illinois State University. In his spare time, he enjoys training for and participating in endurance events, including triathlons and marathons.
Ryan Kaiser
FAMILY connection GROUP ABBOTT - BILL
Ryan has been a member of Trinity since relocating to Bloomington with his family in 2016. He and his wife, Kassandra, have two children, Brayden, a sophomore at U-High, and Mackenzie, a sixth grader at Trinity Lutheran School. Ryan has worked in State Farm’s P&C Claims department for more than 20 years. He enjoys coaching and cheering on his children and supporting the Chiefs, Cardinals, and Mizzou Tigers. Ryan and his family regularly attend the 10:30 AM contemporary worship service.
Seth Stalter
FAMILY connection GROUP BILLINGTON - CASAGRANDE
Seth grew up in Bloomington-Normal and met his wife, Kathryn, in high school. After marrying in 2018, he began regularly attending Trinity. Seth and Kathryn have a two-year-old daughter, Ellie, who keeps life fun and full of adventure. Seth works as a Finance Manager at State Farm. In his free time, he enjoys cheering on the Green Bay Packers, staying active, visiting Siesta Key, Florida, and spending time with family and friends.
Andrew Offermann
FAMILY connection GROUP CASE - DITMAN
Andrew grew up in Decatur, attending St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and LSA School. He and his family have been part of Trinity since 2016 and live in Gridley. Andrew is married to Erin and they have four children. He has worked at OSF St. James Hospital in Pontiac for 26 years and manages the Rehabilitation Department. He enjoys hunting, fishing, home projects, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears with his family.
Mark Kosinski
FAMILY connection GROUP DITBENNER - FREITAG
Mark has been a member of Trinity since 2008. He and his wife, Laura, have two sons, Zach and Andy, both of whom attended Trinity Lutheran School. Mark works as a National Accounts Manager for ProAmpac, which produces packaging for food, pet, lawn, and garden products. In his free time, Mark enjoys traveling with Laura and relaxing at their lake cabin in Pana, Illinois. He especially enjoys time there with family and friends.
Jarrod Windhorn
FAMILY connection GROUP FRENCH - HARTKE
Jarrod grew up in Cissna Park, Illinois, and was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth before joining Trinity in 2005. He and his wife, Kelly, have two children, Parker and Alexis. Jarrod works in Fleet Maintenance for the Town of Normal. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, following sports, building hobby models, and spending time outdoors. Jarrod appreciates opportunities to stay active and enjoy time with family and friends.
Mike Ogden
FAMILY connection GROUP JONES - LEACH
Mike has been a member of Trinity Lutheran since 1992 and regularly attends the 8:15 AM worship service. He works as a Network Engineer at State Farm. Mike and his wife, Stephanie, have three sons. Outside of work and church, Mike enjoys spending time outdoors and making the most of opportunities to be with family and friends. He is also an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoys following the team throughout the baseball season.
Thomas Wirsing
FAMILY connection GROUP HARTRUP - JOHNSTON
Thomas was born in central Illinois and grew up in Michigan. He was confirmed at Wittenberg Lutheran Center at ISU and has been a member of Trinity since 1997. He lives in Bloomington with his wife, Angela, and children, Nathan and Elizabeth. Thomas works in accounting at Watershed Foods in Gridley. In his free time, he enjoys movies, history, and watching sports, especially cheering for his alma mater, Purdue, and Detroit teams.
Dan Becker
FAMILY connection GROUP LEAKE - MEYER
Dan has been part of Trinity since August 2010, when he was baptized and became a member. He works as an Underwriting Service Assistant at State Farm. Over the years, Dan has served Trinity in many ways, including as an usher, with Hearts Ablaze, Youth, Sunday School, church maintenance, and school custodial work. He has also participated in nine or more UKANDU mission trips. Dan enjoys the Cubs, Bears, NASCAR, movies, and time with family and friends.
Wally Bergmann
Family connection Group MICHAELS - OLSON
Wally and his wife, Karen, have been married since 1965 and have one son and three grandchildren. Originally from Minnesota, Wally’s military service and career took them to Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Illinois. He retired from the agriculture and chemical industry. Wally and Karen first joined Trinity in 1976. They enjoy reading, traveling, dancing, card games, senior classes at ISU, handbells, and choir. Wally looks forward to serving another term on the Board of Elders.
Mark Fryer
family connection group O'MADDEN - RICHARDS
Mark has been a member of Trinity since 2011. He and his wife, Whitney, have two children, Grayson, a junior at Normal Community, and Dawson, an eighth grader at Trinity Lutheran School. Mark has worked at State Farm for more than 20 years. He enjoys attending his children’s activities, going for walks, spending time outdoors, and making memories with his family. Mark and his family typically worship at the 8:15 AM service.
ERIC DEWERFF
family connection group RIDDLE - SHEPHERD
Eric grew up on a farm in Nokomis, Illinois, where he attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He has been a member of Trinity since 2012 and serves on the usher team. Eric is married to Cassie and they have two children, Gavin and Naomi. He works as Ag Product Manager at Altorfer Ag Products in Clinton. In his free time, Eric enjoys helping his dad farm, gardening, hiking, camping, and cheering on the Cardinals, Blues, Packers, and Illini.
SCOTT DUNT
family connection group SHIELDS - SWENSON
Born and raised on a dairy farm in northeastern Iowa, Scott and his wife, Gudrun, joined Trinity in 1982. They are parents of two adult children, blessed with a daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and five grandchildren—all connected to Trinity Lutheran School. After 47 years in IT with Hewlett Packard, Scott joined Precision Planting in Tremont, supporting agriculture through innovative technology. He enjoys restoring tractors, reviving old tools, caring for their acreage, and living by the motto, “I know things and I fix things.”
Norm Eborg
family connection group SWICK - WALKER
Norm was born and raised in Old Fort, Ohio, and began attending Trinity in 1989, becoming a confirmed member in 2007. He and his wife, Darlene, have six children, 13 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A retired insurance agent manager, Norm, in semi-retirement, works as a Notary, primarily for real-estate closings. He has served Trinity as an usher and Elder, including 11½ years as an Elder. Norm enjoys woodworking.
Dustin Currin
family connection group WALLACE - ZURKAMMER
Dustin grew up at Trinity before moving with his family to Lexington, Illinois, 30 years ago. He was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lexington and returned to Trinity as a member in 2022. Dustin works for McLean County Government in IT as the Lead Help Desk Technician. In his free time, he enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.
BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY
Meeting monthly on the second Tuesday, Lay Directors work closely with church staff, each representing a specific ministry area. Together, they help shape and report on both long- and short-term ministry goals.
Have a question or concern about a particular area of ministry? Your Lay Directors are here to help. Congregation members are encouraged to contact the Lay Director who oversees that area. Your Lay Directors welcome the opportunity to listen, answer questions, connect you with the appropriate staff member, or help address concerns within their area of responsibility.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
Vickie Kauffman
Lay Director of Assimilation
Helping people connect, serve, and belong at Trinity.
Vickie has been part of Trinity most of her life, where she was confirmed and married Chris in 1983. They have three sons, Adam, Aaron, and Nick, who passed away in 2012, along with two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren. Vickie regularly attends the 8:15 AM worship service and Bible study and has served Trinity and the community in many ways. Retired from State Farm, she enjoys volunteering, walking, biking, knitting, reading, scrapbooking, boating, and spending time with family.
Maribeth Lartz
Lay Director of Care and Concern
Connecting people with care, prayer, and support in times of need.
Maribeth was born and raised in Texas and moved to Illinois and Trinity in 1983 after marrying her husband, Casey. They typically attend the 10:30 AM worship service, where Maribeth often serves as an usher. She taught at Illinois State University for 37 years in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program. Maribeth and Casey have three daughters and five granddaughters. She enjoys baking, leading at Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Linda Ladage
Lay Director of Christian Growth
Helping all members grow in faith through Bible Studies and discipleship.
Linda grew up in Decatur, Illinois, and was baptized and raised at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, attending school there through eighth grade. She regularly worships at 8:15 AM and has served Trinity through VBS, choir, and the Giving Gardeners. A retired Special Education teacher, Linda has four married children and 11 grandchildren, whom she loves spending time with. She enjoys being outdoors, especially mowing, kayaking, and hiking, along with reading, writing, playing piano, and working on puzzles.
Teri Meismer
Lay Director of Communications
Supporting communications, outreach, and community engagement.
Teri is a Bloomington native and lifelong member of Trinity, where she regularly attends the 8:15 AM worship service. She and her husband, Mike, have three children and five grandchildren. After a career in social services and early childhood education, Teri enjoys staying active in the community and at Trinity. She and Mike love camping and spending time with their grandchildren. Teri also enjoys cheering for the Bears, Cardinals, and Illini. Her favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 13:2.
Justin Stanek
Board of Elders
Chairman of the Board of Elders, assisting pastoral ministry, worship, and congregational care.
Justin grew up in northeast Iowa and came to Bloomington-Normal to pursue his graduate degree. He later met his wife, Sara, and joined Trinity. Justin and Sara have two children, Adam, a sixth grader, and Evelyn, a fourth grader, both attending Trinity Lutheran School. Justin is a professor and Program Director for the Master of Athletic Training program at Illinois State University. In his spare time, he enjoys training for and participating in endurance events, including triathlons and marathons.
Melissa Lockwood
Lay Director of Family Life
Strengthening Christian homes across all life stages and supporting families in passing on faith to the next generation.
Melissa is a podiatrist, business owner, wife, and mom who lives in Bloomington. She and her husband, Scott, have two children, Lauren and James. Lauren graduated from Trinity Lutheran School in May 2026, and James will enter fifth grade this fall. Melissa enjoys helping others through her work, church, and community. Outside of work, she loves being with her family, cheering on her children, traveling, and building meaningful connections with those around her.
Lay Director of Fellowship
Lori Rusher
Coordinating meals, celebrations, and fellowship events to strengthen church community.
Lori has been a member of Trinity since 1961 and is a proud Trinity Lutheran School graduate from the Class of 1975. She and her late husband, Mark, have two adult children, Aimee and Austin, and a granddaughter, Crawford. Retired from State Farm Insurance, Lori regularly attends the 8:15 AM worship service. She enjoys baking, cooking, and creating crafts with her Cricut. Lori is also a proud Green Bay Packers fan and shareholder. Go Pack Go!
Doug Miller
Lay Director of Missions
Overseeing mission outreach, education, and Hearts Ablaze ministry.
Doug has been a member of Trinity since 2013 and regularly attends the 10:30 AM worship service. He and his wife, Michelle, have two sons, three daughters, and four grandchildren. After more than 35 years in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, Doug is retired. He coaches baseball at TLS and serves on the Wednesday Youth Connect Team. Doug also volunteers with Home Sweet Home Ministries and Special Olympics. He enjoys cheering on the Cardinals, Blues, and Redbirds.
Joe Elble Jr.
Lay Director of Properties
Overseeing church/school facilities, property maintenance, and stewardship.
Joe has been a member of Trinity since 1969, when his family relocated to Bloomington, and was confirmed here in 1971. He has served Trinity in many roles, including the youth committee, high school basketball coach, school board chairman, and Elder. Joe and his wife, Shann, met as counselors at Camp CILCA and have two grown children and four grandchildren. He retired after more than 20 years as Vice President of Operations at Hundman Lumber. In his free time, Joe enjoys golf and renovating their retro home.
Angie Frazier
Lay Director of School Administration
Overseeing school operations, enrollment, and financial administration.
Angie has been a member of Trinity since 2013. She is wife to John and mom to Ava, Brooke, and Claire. She enjoys fellowship, music, traveling, nature, outdoor activities, learning, and helping others along life’s journey. Angie has served through Trinity’s PTL, TLS Moms in Prayer, Trinity Kids, and Hearts Ablaze. Grateful for the warm welcome she received at Trinity, she treasures this community and the opportunity to share God’s love. She attends both traditional and contemporary worship.
Scott Heape
Lay Director of School Curriculum & Instruction
Ensuring strong curriculum and effective Christian instruction, supporting teacher hiring and evaluation.
Scott is a Bloomington resident, husband, father, and business owner who enjoys using his time and talents to support his family, church, and community. He and his wife, Melissa, have two children, Lauren and James. Lauren graduated from Trinity Lutheran School in May 2026, and James will enter fifth grade this fall. Scott enjoys spending time with family, attending his children’s activities, and helping others whenever he can. He values faith, integrity, and serving those around him.
Chris Giermann
Lay Director of School Student Services
Overseeing student activities, programs, and support services.
Chris was born and raised in Bloomington-Normal and attended Trinity Lutheran Church and School on Madison during his youth. He has served on Trinity’s School Council since 2020 while his daughters, Amira, Kharizma, and Kylie, have attended Trinity Lutheran School. Married to Jenn, Chris enjoys spending time with family, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and coaching youth soccer. Chris and Jenn are actively involved in their daughters’ activities and faith journeys. The family typically attends the 10:30 AM worship service.
Barb Wells
Lay Director of Stewardship
Encouraging stewardship education of time, talents, and treasure and supporting giving initiatives.
Barb has been a member of Trinity Lutheran since 1982 and attends the 10:30 AM worship service. She serves on the Hearts Ablaze and Hospitality teams and coordinates Trinity’s Operation Christmas Child program. Retired since 2015, Barb enjoys volunteering with Special Olympics, Healing Rides, Sheridan School, and other community programs. She and her husband, Michael, have three adult children and two grandsons. In her free time, Barb enjoys gardening, reading, traveling, and time with family and friends.
Valorie Daniels
Lay Director of Witness
Leading evangelism, outreach, faith-sharing efforts, and the Great Commission.
Val has been a member of Trinity since August 2019 and typically attends the 8:15 AM worship service, as well as Wednesday worship when possible. She is passionate about working with Jesus to share the Good News of salvation and helping others share the love of Christ. Val and her husband, Les, enjoy being part of the Trinity family and look for opportunities to serve, encourage others, and make a difference through their faith and willingness to help.
Lay Director of Young Adults
Supporting young adult faith growth, fellowship, and engagement.
Vacant
Amy Westbrook
Lay Director of Youth
Developing youth engagement, education, discipleship, and activities in partnership with Youth DCE.
Amy grew up in Cullom, IL, attending St. John’s Lutheran Church before moving to Bloomington for Illinois Wesleyan University. She and her husband, Chris, joined Trinity and were married here in 2001. They have one daughter, Emma, a freshman at Indiana University. Amy works at State Farm as a Budget Analyst and has volunteered in various roles at Trinity, Trinity School, University High School, and Kappa Delta at IWU. She has served as Lay Director of Youth since 2022. Amy attends the 8:15 AM worship service and participates regularly in Bible study.
Lorraine Gosnell
Congregation Secretary
Attends Board of Lay Ministry and Voter meetings and maintains the official minutes and records of the congregation’s business.
Lorraine was baptized at Trinity as an infant and has been part of the congregation for most of her life. Over the years, she has served in many ministries, including Good News Gang, Helping Hands, Hearts Ablaze, Altar Guild, Media, Dorcas Circle, ushering, the church office, and as Board of Lay Ministry Secretary. Lorraine enjoys her cats and her dog, Alex, whom she takes to visit nursing homes. She also loves raising Monarch and Black Swallowtail butterflies during the summer.
Alex Mikesell
Congregation Treasurer
Oversight of church finances, budgeting, and financial reporting.
Alex has served as Trinity’s treasurer since 2023 and regularly attends the 10:45 AM worship service. He and his wife, Heather, have three children, all of whom attend Trinity Lutheran School. In addition to serving as treasurer, Alex serves in the church’s basketball ministry and enjoys coaching youth soccer and softball in the community. He values opportunities to serve Trinity, support its ministries, and invest in the lives of children and families.
Craig Bertsche
Congregation Vice President
Supporting president, committees, and leadership succession.
Craig has been a member of Trinity since 2009 and typically attends the 10:30 AM worship service. He and his wife, Allison, have two daughters, Meredith and Caroline. Craig works at State Farm as a Risk and Compliance Analyst and has been with the company for more than 27 years. He also serves as sideline analyst for the Illinois State Football Radio Network. Craig has served as an Elder and enjoys family time, gardening, helping on the family farm, and sports.
Dave Wilcox
Congregation President
Leading congregational governance, meetings, and church leadership.
Dave was born and raised in Bloomington, graduated from Bloomington High School, and attended ISU. After being drafted in 1972, he served two years at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Dave spent 52 years in the office machine industry as a technician and supervisor. He and his wife, Teresa, joined Trinity in 1977 and regularly attend the 10:30 AM worship service. They have two children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Dave enjoys family activities, antiques, reading, and football.