Trinity Church Council
Bob Olson
President
Bob grew up as a member of Trinity and was confirmed here. Then, after spending his entire working career in Iowa, he returned to Trinity and has served on the Council and as an usher. As the current President, Bob looks forward to a leadership role in contributing to Trinity’s mission as well as discussion and implementation of goals and needs as they are identified.
Joe Jones
Vice President
At Trinity, Joe has been involved in the men’s Tuesday-morning Bible study, Strategic Planning Team, and Trinity Choir. He was previously a council member for Our Savior’s in Iola in the 1980s and for Peace in Amherst in the 2000s. He also frequently preached at Hitterdahl, Peace, and Our Savior’s, just as he has now offered sermons and several temple talks at Trinity.
Dennise Ross
Secretary
Dennise moved to Waupaca in 2006 and enjoys getting to know members of our church and also the community. Dennise and her family get involved in many church activities, such as Strawberry Fest, the Pancake Supper, and many of the Faith Ventures events.
Pam Gusmer
Treasurer
Pam joined Trinity with her husband, Chris, and their three boys back in 2013. She has enjoyed being active in Christian music ministry since 2005, with much of that right here at Trinity. She took on the treasurer role in 2023 after a year on the Finance Committee. A lot of this is new to her, but she grew up in a Lutheran church witnessing both her parents joyfully serving their congregation, and she is happy to have the opportunity to serve here herself at Trinity.
Rev. Andy Behrendt
Lead Pastor
Pastor Andy was first called to Trinity as associate pastor of family life and youth. Installed in the church basement during a 2010 tornado warning, he became lead pastor at the end of 2019, just in time for a pandemic. Pastor Andy is a former newspaper reporter and occasionally still moonlights as an improvisational comedian. He’s married to Tracy, the Waupaca Historical Society’s director. Raised in the Green Bay area by an ELCA pastor and a piano teacher, “PA” is now a dad to two boys of his own, Ben and Christian. The four Behrendts feel enormously blessed to be part of the Trinity community.
Greg Hiltgen
Greg and his wife Wanda began their journey as devoted members of Trinity Lutheran Church back in 2015. With a fulfilling career as a full-time family physician, Greg is now looking forward to an exciting new chapter as he plans for retirement in just about a year. His commitment to the church shines through his involvement, whether it’s volunteering at Strawberry Fest, serving pancakes at the beloved Pancake Supper, or brewing up coffee for the congregation. With a heartfelt desire to deepen his service, he’s eager to take on a role in Church Council, feeling a strong calling to contribute even more to the vibrant community of faith.
Nate Ziemer
Nate has been a member of Trinity for nine years. He has taught Sunday School and has been a Confirmation small-group leader. He currently sings in the choir and helps with the live stream at Sunday services. As Trinity has focused on our new mission statement, Nate feels called to listen and serve.
Ron Wight
Ron is a new member at Trinity, having joined with his wife after transferring from another ELCA congregation in November 2024. He has previously served two terms on the Church Council and has acted as Chair of a Call Committee, successfully overseeing the process of calling a pastor to a congregation. Ron possesses substantial experience in leading Stewardship Committees and has a strong understanding of various giving processes, including capital campaigns. Additionally, he has extensive experience in long-range planning for ELCA congregations and has represented his congregation as a voting delegate at a Synod Assembly. Ron is confident that he can apply his skills and knowledge effectively to Trinity’s Church Council.
Colleen Hobson
Colleen and her husband Jim have been a vibrant part of the Trinity Lutheran Church community for a decade now. A true Waupaca native, Colleen dedicated her career to nurturing young minds in the childcare field until her well-deserved retirement. With a heart full of enthusiasm, she is eager to dive into Trinity’s mission and goals, ready to make a meaningful impact and bring her unique ideas to the congregation!
Randy Johnson
Randy joined Trinity’s Council in June 2026.
Patti Peterson
Patti joined Trinity’s Council in August of 2026.
Kale Murphy-Thompson
Kale joins the Council as our youth representative.
Kale is a new member of Trinity Lutheran Church, although his journey with us stretches back several years through our vibrant youth programs. Kale is a junior at Waupaca High School, and he enjoys the great outdoors, always seeking adventure and new experiences. His contributions have been invaluable during multiple mission trips with Faith Ventures. Additionally, his volunteering efforts at Strawberry Fest and other events have been greatly appreciated. With his unique insights and youthful perspectives, Kale is poised to bring fresh energy and ideas to Trinity’s Church Council, making him a fantastic addition to our community!