Our Staff

Any of St. John’s staff may be reached at the Office phone number 608-291-4311.

Pastor Ellen Stelzle – Pastor

My name is Pastor Ellen Stelzle, and I’ve been the Pastor at St. John’s since September 2022. I enjoy Oregon and have found it to be a great place to experience an authentic, caring community.

As Pastor, I am excited to be a part of what God is doing here at St. John’s. I believe God calls each of us to grow in faith by using the gifts God has given us to serve others. Connecting to a faith community, and reaching out beyond ourselves in service to others are ways God grows our faith. Whether it be in our neighborhood, our local community, or somewhere around the world, there are all kinds of opportunites to serve others and share the love of Jesus for all people.

St. John’s is a community where all people are welcome to explore what it means to live out our faith in Jesus in everyday life. My goal is to help facilitate your faith journey, as you discover your unique gifts and God’s call on your life.

If you are new to St. John’s, whether near or far, I invite you to join us on this faith journey

Laura McGoveran – Coordinator for Congregational Life

I am originally from the Eau Claire area, grew up in Oklahoma, and returned to Wisconsin life in 1996. While living in Oklahoma, I began my church career quite by accident – I filled in for an acquaintance, while she recovered from surgery. It didn’t take long for me to discover that I love working in a church setting, and have been doing so since 1992! I joined St. John’s staff in 2017, and have appreciated the experiences that allow me to expand my faith, while working.

I live in DeForest, with my husband, Rydell. I love to spend time with family (four kids, and four grandchildren) and seeing what each day God blesses us with.

Ondra Williams – Director of Worship & Music

I have been serving as a pianist, music director, choir director, band leader, organist, and vocalist in churches since the age of thirteen. In March of 2014, I joined the staff at St. John’s as the Director of Worship and Music. Here is where I get to offer praise to our great God along with fellow worshippers as I direct the choirs, chimes, and band, and play piano and organ for worship services.

Working at St. John’s provides for me a shared connection in faith with colleagues and church members, and in turn a warm atmosphere to work in. I enjoy encouraging members to utilize their musical talents by sharing them!

Outside of church work, I enjoy accompanying ensembles in the schools, teaching piano lessons, serving as a pianist for auditions and competitions, and playing and singing jazz and popular music at small, local venues.

Please contact me if you are interested in being part of the music Ministry at St. John’s.

David Klarich – Audio Visual Operator

I’ve been working in churches since 1994. With a degree in Studio Engineering and an emphasis on Live Sound Reinforcement, I am always honing my talents, while keeping an open mind. There is always more to learn and different approaches to address challenges. God come first, and this fundmental value influences my life and career. Through experience, I’ve discovered that technology can play a significant role in helping people get what they need, including online worship and cnonnection to a faith community.

Aside from my work at St. John’s I run live sound event across Wisconsin.

Paula Gillett – Finance Director

I’m excited to be a part of the St. John’s Family. In my role as Finance Director, I strive to maintain the highest standards of accountability for the finances of the church.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and golf.

Barb Daane – Office Assistant

I was born and raised in Berlin, Wisconsin, a city about the size of Oregon.

My entire work experience was in the dental field, however, when I heard President Kennedy say “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” I took a couple years away my job and did just that. I joined VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America), and served in Texas for 2 1/2 years. I came back to Madison and worked 10 years in the Dental clinic, at Central Wisconsin Center.

My family and I joined St John’s around 1975.

The remainder of my 32 years of working, was in one Dental office. I retired in 2012, then I joined St. John’s Altar Guild, and started volunteering in Sunday School. I then volunteered in the office, before accepting the position of Office Assistant.

Elise Anhalt – Sunday School Coordinator

Hello! I’m Elise Anhalt, and I have the pleasure of serving as the Sunday School Coordinator at St. John’s Lutheran Church. I am a registered nurse and have worked in the operating room at the UW Hospital since 2012. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Andy, and we have three wonderful boys: Henry, Walter, and George. In my spare time, I love to crochet, read, and bird watch.

In my role here at St. John’s, I strive to create a nurturing and engaging environment for our children to grow in their faith. My nursing experience has taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail, qualities that I bring to our Sunday school program. It has been incredibly rewarding to see our young members flourish and deepen their spiritual understanding. I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive community and look forward to continuing to contribute to the spiritual growth of our children.