Staff

Pastor Gerd Bents
Pastor Gerd seeks to provide sound leadership that guides our community into deep spiritual growth, hospitality for all God’s people, and service to God’s community and world. “I get energized when I hear about Good Shepherd’s desire to care for our neighbors in the local community and throughout the world,” he said. Joining the faith community in May of 2011, Gerd envisions, “Saturated in both scripture and culture, I imagine creating a safe place for our community to grow in the love of God, to be transformed by mercy and forgiveness, and then reach out to the world around us with that same love.” “Our hope as God’s people, as it is God’s hope for us, that we co-create a world worthy of trust.” Gerd is an avid fly-fisherman, paddler, homebrewer, snowboarder, and tree-grower. He and his wife, Gina Fruncillo, are a blended family and share five children.

Pastor Emeritus Donald Wisner
As Pastor Emeritus, Pastor Wisner will serve part time. He will coordinate adult education and shut-in visitation and assist Pastor Bents with worship and other pastoral duties. A retired ELCA pastor, Don served Lutheran campus ministry positions at UW-Stout for eight years and UW-Eau Claire for 22 years. He also served on the teaching faculty of Luther Seminary, St. Paul, for 10 years and most recently was an interim pastor at Good Shepherd. He is married to Janice, and he enjoys many outside activities, including fishing and biking.

DeAnne Swenson Office Manager
DeAnne joined the staff at Good Shepherd in October 2010, providing support to the pastor, program staff, committees, church council, and directing the office. DeAnne is often your first contact at Good Shepherd as she manages the phones, and creates a sense of Christian community in the office. She also oversees the pastor’s calendar, provides record keeping and bookkeeping support, and creates the weekly bulletins, and monthly newsletters. DeAnne is pretty much the “glue.” DeAnne and her husband have lived in the Good Shepherd neighborhood since 1992 and have two grown children. Knitting, sewing, crafting, walking, and reading occupy her time when she is not at work.

Jenny Hatleli Children, Youth and Family Director
Jenny Hatleli (last name is pronounced Hat–lee) joined our staff in November as the Children, Youth and Family Ministry Director.  She has been married to the love of her life, Matt, for 10 years and they have two daughters, Emily (8), and Jenna (6). Jenny was born and raised in San Bernardino, Calif., and moved to Eau Claire eight years ago when her husband finished serving in the Marine Corps. She loves the seasons that Wisconsin has to offer. In her spare time she loves to camp, hike, swim in our beautiful lakes and rivers, play volleyball with friends and relax when she can. She is currently enrolled at Regent University with a major in Biblical and Theological Studies. She has completed a certification program through the ELCA  synod, Vibrant Faith Ministries and Wartburg Theological Seminary, in Youth and Family Ministries.  “I am so excited to get to know the members of Good Shepherd! I love mission trips with youth and I am passionate about helping children, youth and their families experience God through different activities. I do believe that God has called me to lift up, educate and equip youth and families in their relationship with Christ. “

Linda Campana Education Director
Linda has been a member of Good Shepherd since August of 2004 along with her husband and two sons. Linda coordinates and plans our Sunday school program. She works closely with Sunday school teachers to offer a curriculum that will grow our children in the love of God. Linda also oversees Sunday school, Children’s handbell choir, Vacation Bible School, and the Children’s Christmas program. When she finds time to relax, Linda enjoys cross country skiing and kayaking on the Chippewa River.

Mike Walter Custodian
Mike joined our staff as custodian in June 2011. He is a familiar face to the family of Good Shepherd as he and his wife Deb have been members for many years and raised their daughters in this community of faith. A retired Eau Claire police officer, Mike’s knowledge and compassion for the local community is evident. His long time diligent service comes through in his work, as he provides custodial service to the building, grounds, and facilities of Good Shepherd.

Teresa Luginbill Youth in Action Crew
Teresa directs and teaches the Youth in Action Crew (YAC). YAC is a Wednesday evening group that invites all school-age children participate in fellowship activities intended to develop relationships, and take action in our world. She enjoys creating activities that provide fun and fellowship for the under confirmation-age children. She also directs the Children’s handbell choir on Sunday mornings – all children are invited to participate, and no practice is necessary! Teresa, her husband, Dennis, and their four kids, live in the immediate neighborhood.

Sue Kramer  Organist/Contemporary Worship Director
Sue is a gifted musician and worship leader. She plays an integral role in worship leadership by coordinating meaningful music, directing the adult choir and “the band,” and playing at most of our worship events. As a part-time music minister, Sue provides a full-time energy.

Lynn McFayden Organist
Lynn has a passion for sharing music within the faith community. She believes music touches our souls and can help to make the word of God come alive. Lynn coordinates organ playing responsibilities with her church colleague, Sue Kramer, rings bells, accompanies the choir, and is an avid vocalist. As a classically trained musician and a retired music educator, Lynn taught music at the Mondovi School District for 33 years. Lynn remains musically active in the Eau Claire area as an accompanist, soloist, and a member of the Eau Claire Master Singers choir. Lynn and her husband, Bob, live in Eau Claire and have been members of Good Shepherd since May of 2010.