Staff

 

Russ Leeper
Senior Pastor

Phone: 641-228-3397
rleeper@stjohncharlescity.com

Pastor Russ grew up in Waterloo, IA. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque where he earned a Master of Divinity degree. He served congregations in Nebraska and Wisconsin for 25 years before returning to Iowa as our senior pastor in August of 2017. Pastor Russ and his wife, Susan, are delighted to be back in Iowa and part of the Charles City community.

Beth Hurt

Pastor Intern

Phone: 641-228-3397
beth@stjohncharlescity.com

Beth grew up in Elkhart, Indiana and received her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialty in accounting from Davenport University.  She is a current student at Wartburg Seminary in the Master of Arts Diaconal Ministry program and in candidacy to become a Rostered Minister of Word and Service in the ELCA.  She is a mother of four children (Sydney, Marah, Finn (Ethan), and Matthew) and a grandma to one terrific grandson.  She lives in Dows, IA with her husband, Dan, their two youngest children, three cats and one goofy dog.

Tonia Olsen

Business Manager

 

NOW HIRING

Parish Secretary

Phone: 641-228-3397
 

 

Melanie Johanningmeier

Director of Music


Melanie Johanningmeier is our director of Music. She is the primary organist, director of choirs, and coordinates special music. She also accompanies on request. She says she’s very pleased to be able to offer her talents at St. John. When not making music at St. John, Melanie is a music teacher in the Nashua-Plainfield School District.

 

 

 

 

Carleen Laue

Assistant teacher, St. John Christian Preschool

Phone: 641-228-7274

Carleen Laue is our assistant teacher. Carleen and her husband Mike have two children, Hana and Joshua. They are members of St. John Lutheran Church.

 

 

Jamie Carolan

Head Custodian

Phone: 641-228-3397
jcarolan@stjohncharlescity.com

 “I live north of Charles City on my grandparents farm with my wife, Jesi. We have raised 4 children, Kristyn, Kaitlyn, Madi, and Trevor. Our family enjoys camping, fishing and racing together. I’m excited about my future with St. John!