Our Faculty
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Mr. Jared Rathje
Principal
Jared Rathje and his family are excited to be a part of the Trinity family and began their ministry in Caledonia in 2020. Mr. Rathje graduated from Martin Luther College in 2002 and has served as principal in Tucson, AZ, Rapid City, SD and Deltona, FL prior to coming to Trinity.
Mr. Rathje and his wife Mary have been blessed with four children. Their youngest child, Ella attends Trinity and their three oldest, Lucas, Stephen, and Nathan attend Shoreland Lutheran High School. The opportunity to share God’s Word with students and their families is Mr. Rathje’s favorite aspect of being a principal. One of his favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
To contact Mr. Rathje directly you can email him at jrathje@trinitycaledonia.org. He would be more than happy to speak with you.
Mr. Joel Schultz
8th Grade
Mr. Schultz was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin and attended Mount Calvary Lutheran School. After attending Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Mr. Schultz continued his education at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1995.
Upon graduation, Mr. Schultz was assigned to teach fifth and sixth grade at King of Kings’ Lutheran School in Maitland, Florida where he served for five years. In 2000 he accepted a call to teach at St. John’s Lutheran School in Libertyville, Illinois. The Lord led Mr. Schultz to accept the call to Trinity in 2009 where he continues to teach to this day.
In addition to teaching Eighth grade, Mr. Schultz serves as the boys’ athletic director and coaches boys’ soccer, boys’ basketball, and track.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Schultz enjoys spending time with his wife Jenni and their children. Hunting, woodworking, and fixing things are among his favorite hobbies.
Mr. Schultz’s favorite Bible passage is Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work (faith) in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Mrs. Nicole Mueller
7th Grade
nmueller@trinitycaledonia.org
Miss Martha Lau
6th Grade
Miss Lau was born in LaCrosse, WI. She attended St. Paul's Lutheran School in Onalaska, WI, and from there, Luther High School, also in Onalaska. Following in her grandfather, uncle, and father's footsteps, she attended Martin Luther College and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 2006. Upon graduation, she was blessed with the assignment to serve at Trinity Lutheran in Caledonia where she is currently serving. Miss Lau graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology in May 2021.
In addition to teaching 6th grade, Miss Lau is involved in school technology as well as serving as the girls' athletic director, and coaching various sports throughout the year.
Outside of the classroom, Miss Lau enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as golfing when able. Miss Lau's favorite verse sits on her desk as a daily reminder to use God's word every day in every way: "Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." -Ephesians 6:13
Mrs. Julie Strassburg
5th Grade
jstrassburg@trinitycaledonia.org
Mrs. Strassburg was born in Hartford, Wisconsin. She grew up in Jackson, Wisconsin and attended David’s Star Lutheran Grade School and Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, where she had both of her parents as teachers. She graduated from Martin Luther College, in 2002, with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
After graduating from Martin Luther College along with her husband, Mrs. Strassburg’s husband, Jeremy, was assigned to teach at Arizona Lutheran Academy in Phoenix, Arizona. During their time there, Mrs. Strassburg taught piano lessons and substitute taught at both the high school and grade school levels and also served as Instrumental Music Coordinator at her church. She went back to school and received her Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certification through Estrella Mountain Community College in 2009. She followed that up with two years of classes in Speech and Communication Science through Idaho State University. Mrs. Strassburg worked for 5 years, in the public schools, as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant, administering Speech Therapy to both general education and special education classrooms. After living in Phoenix for 14 years, Mr. Strassburg accepted a call to Shoreland Lutheran High School and their family moved to Sturtevant in the summer of 2016. Before working at Trinity, Mrs. Strassburg was a Behavior Therapy Technician for children with special needs, in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
Outside of school, Mrs. Strassburg enjoys Wisconsin sports of all kinds, crafting, biking and water sports. She also loves to be up north.
Mrs. Strassburg’s favorite Bible passage is Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” She feels blessed to be able to share Jesus with the children at Trinity every day.
Mrs. Nicole Mielke
Spanish
Mrs. Nicole Mielke attended grade school at Faith Lutheran in Antioch, IL. She then graduated from Shoreland Lutheran High School and also Wisconsin Lutheran College. While her path to teaching was not a straight one, the Lord led her to where He had planned. She returned to Shoreland to teach first year Spanish and freshman English for eight years.
Upon becoming a parent through the gift of adoption, she took some time away from teaching. She returned part-time to begin a 5-8 Spanish program at St. John's in Burlington, WI. After transferring to Trinity, she was asked to again teach Spanish to grades 5-8. She and Mr. Mielke are thankful for the many blessings of a school like Trinity where God's Word is taught and shared with each student, in each class. She cherished her confirmation verse of John 8:12,
“You are the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Mrs. Cindy Grow
4th Grade
cgrow@trinitycaledonia.org
Mrs. Grow was born in New London, WI. She attended Emanuel Lutheran School in New London, WI and Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, WI. She graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 2001.
Mrs. Grow served at First Lutheran, Lake Geneva, WI from 2001-2003 and First Lutheran, Elkhorn, WI from 2003-2005. During those years, Mrs. Grow taught various grades, coached volleyball, taught Spanish, and gave piano lessons. Mrs. Grow took a break from full-time teaching for several years to spend more time at home with her children. In 2014, the Grow family moved to the Racine area. Mrs. Grow now serves as the 4th grade teacher at Trinity.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Grow enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters. She also enjoys time with friends, outdoor activities, and reading.
Mrs. Grow’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Miss Kimberly Ehlke
3rd Grade
Miss Ehlke was born in Beloit, WI, and attended kindergarten at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. She moved to Watertown, WI, and went to Trinity-St. Luke’s Lutheran School for her remaining grade school years. She graduated high school in 1996 from Luther Prep and continued on to Martin Luther College, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2000.
From Martin Luther College, she was assigned to teach kindergarten at Abiding Word in Houston, TX. She only taught K for one year before switching to 3rd and 4th grade. Miss Ehlke was in Houston for five years and then took a call to St. Lucas in Bayview, WI, where she taught different combinations of grades 2-4. After four years at St. Lucas, Miss Ehlke took a call again to Trinity Lutheran School in Caledonia, where she is currently teaching. Again, she has had a variation of grades 2-4.
In addition to currently teaching 3rd grade, Miss Ehlke also works with the school’s music to various degrees, teaches tone chimes to the upper grades, and directs the Junior Choir. She also enjoys coaching volleyball in the fall and contributing to other activities around school.
Outside of school, Miss Ehlke enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys various outdoor activities, but certainly doesn’t mind relaxation time, either. She likes to vacation and travel when she can, especially to the lake or the beach.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Mrs. Jamie Lindemann
2nd Grade
jlindemann@trinitycaledonia.org
Mrs. Lindemann was born in Beloit, Wisconsin. As a child, she attended Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Beloit and then Peace Lutheran School in Bradenton, Florida. Following her family’s move back to Wisconsin, she graduated from Shoreland Lutheran High School. In 1999, she graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
Mrs. Lindemann was assigned to St. Peter Lutheran School in Schofield, Wisconsin where she taught second and third grade for two years. After taking some time away from the classroom to be at home with her children, she began teaching second grade at Trinity Lutheran in 2012. Mrs. Lindemann enjoys discovering a good book and finding quiet moments in God’s creation. She and her family enjoy spending time outdoors together and raising chickens in the country.
Mrs. Lindemann treasures the moments to share the joy of Jesus with her students each day and feels blessed to be a part of the Trinity family. Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Mrs. Beth Gumm
1st Grade
Mrs. Gumm was born in Klamath Falls, OR but spent most of her childhood living in Green Bay, WI where she grew to be a huge Green Bay Packer fan and even spent many summers working at Lambeau Field. She attended First Lutheran School in Green Bay, WI, and then Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, WI. She attended Martin Luther College and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and an emphasis in Spanish in 2004. At graduation, Mrs. Gumm was assigned to teach upper-level Spanish and coach volleyball and softball at Shoreland Lutheran High School in Somers, WI. Mrs. Gumm spent eight years teaching Spanish and coaching at Shoreland. She took a few years away from teaching to stay home with her daughters. Mrs. Gumm has been teaching first grade at Trinity since 2015. Mrs. Gumm loves first grade and especially enjoys working with growing readers and writers.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Gumm enjoys being outside as much as possible - snowshoeing, kayaking, hiking, or relaxing on the beach are some of her favorite things to do. She also enjoys reading and playing games with her family. Mrs. Gumm loves to travel and has spent time in 15 different countries and the many United States National Parks. Her favorite trip was hiking the Inca Trail in Peru all the way to Machu Picchu with her husband. She loves exploring new places and meeting new people.
Mrs. Gumm’s favorite passage is her Confirmation passage, Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Mrs. Karen Dyke
Kindergarten Teacher
kdyke@trinitycaledonia.org
Mrs. Dyke was born in Caledonia, Wisconsin. She attended Trinity Lutheran School in Caledonia, Shoreland Lutheran High School in Somers, and Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in 1986. Upon graduation, she was Called to serve at Ocean Drive Lutheran School in Pompano Beach, Florida teaching grades 3-5 for two years and grades 1-4 for one year.
Mrs. Dyke was married in Florida in 1989 and moved to Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband, Ed Dyke. Together with three additional families, they started a WELS mission church in Winston Salem, North Carolina. In 1998 they moved back to Caledonia with their children, so they could attend Trinity Lutheran School. Mrs. Dyke was Called by Trinity in 1999 to teach preschool for two years, preschool and kindergarten for seven years, and five full-day kindergartens from 2008 to the present.
Mr. and Mrs. Dyke have two adult children, Dan and Amy. Dan and his wife, Grace, live in Kenosha. Amy and her husband, Tyler, live in Racine.
In addition to teaching kindergarten, Mrs. Dyke assists with the Speech Program and organizing parents to help with recess supervision. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Dyke enjoys spending time with her family, walking, working in the yard, and puzzles.
Mrs. Dyke's favorite verse is "Serve One Another in Love."
Mrs. Joanne Beischel
Church Secretary, School Choice Manager and Tutor
jbeischel@trinitycaledonia.org
Mrs. Beischel was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin. She graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Welfare - Economics Emphasis. Her student teaching experience was in the San Diego public schools. After a career in business, Mrs. Beischel stayed home to raise her two small children. From 1999-to 2008 and 2010-present she has been at Trinity Lutheran Church & School in numerous roles including preschool teaching assistant, tutor, Kindergarten teaching assistant, music teacher School Choice manager, and church secretary.
Mrs. Beischel enjoys music - especially playing the flute and singing. She bowls in leagues, plays golf, and likes to hike, swim, and work out. Mrs. Beischel especially loves spending time with her husband, son, daughter and son-in-law, and German Shepherd Dog. She is also an avid reader.
Mrs. Beischel considers herself to be truly blessed with this opportunity to serve her Lord and others at Trinity. "And he will raise you up on eagles' wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of his hand." (Christian Worship Hymn #821)
Sue Proeber
School Secretary
Mrs. Proeber was born in Milwaukee, WI. She attended St. John's Lutheran School in Milwaukee and Wisconsin Lutheran High School. She has been married to Bud Proeber since 1981. They currently live on his family’s farm which was purchased by his grandfather in 1920. Their four children all attended Trinity and Shoreland LHS. They enjoy spending time with their two granddaughters.
Mrs. Proeber has served as Trinity's School Secretary since 1994. She enjoys working with the teachers, students, and parents to advance the ministry of Trinity Lutheran School.
(One of many) favorite hymn verses: (In Christ Alone - vs. 4)
"No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
Mrs. Amy Preston
Preschool Teacher/Director
amypreston@trinitycaledonia.org
Mrs. Preston was born in Monroe, WI. She grew up in Glenwood City, a small town in northwestern Wisconsin. She attended Luther Preparatory School in Watertown for high school. After high school, she attended Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Preston was assigned to be the kindergarten teacher and head organist at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cudahy, WI. She taught kindergarten there for 14 years before staying home for 2 years with her family. Mrs. Preston was the Preschool Director at the Academy of Performing Arts in Oak Creek during the 2019-2020 school year. In May of 2020, she was called to be the Preschool Director and teacher at Trinity.
Mrs. Preston and her husband, Scott, have been blessed with three children. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, camping, hiking, and playing the piano. She loves music and enjoys concerts/live music. She is looking forward to sharing God’s Word with his littlest lambs.
Mrs. Preston’s favorite Bible passage is John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Mrs. Debbie Sonntag
Teacher's Aide
Mrs. Sonntag was born in Mobridge, South Dakota. At age 5, she moved to Clarkston, Michigan. She attended Martin Luther Grade School and Michigan Lutheran Seminary. In 1998 she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Martin Luther College. She received a call to teach K-2 at Our Savior's in Bylas, Arizona on the Apache Reservation. She taught for three years. In 2001, she married Matt Sonntag and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. She was a teacher at a secular Preschool-K for a year. She then received a call to teach 3-4 grade at Emmaus Lutheran. From 2003-2014 she stayed home to raise her 4 kids but was able to do daycare for others during that time. For the next 4 years, she had a variety of positions at Grace Lutheran in Glendale, AZ, as a preschool assistant, tutor, teacher's aide, and sub. Also during that time, she was employed by ESA to be a tutor. In 2018 Matt received a call to Shoreland Lutheran. They now live in Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin. She is so happy and blessed to be able to work with the faculty and students here at Trinity.
Her hobbies include camping, hiking, and playing games with her family and friends. Reading a good book, watching Hallmark, and wine-tasting are also at the top of her list of things she enjoys.
Mrs. Sonntag has several favorite Bible passages that she relies on, but her favorite one right now is "Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7
Mrs. Emily Schmidt
Resource Teacher
emily.schmidt@trinitycaledonia.org
Mrs. Schmidt was born in Birmingham, Alabama but spent most of her years growing up in Sioux Falls, SD. She graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2003. She first taught in a 1st-4th grade classroom for 4 years at Trinity Lutheran in Aberdeen, SD. In 2007 she moved to Doral, FL and taught first grade at Divine Savior Academy for 4 years. She got married in 2011 and moved to WI to then teach 2nd grade at St. John’s Lutheran in Burlington, WI for a year. After that she taught part time here at Trinity for 2 years before taking time off to be home with children. During those years at home she also substitute taught, taught piano lessons, and did child care. From 2020-2022 she was the Teacher’s Aide in the kindergarten classroom at Trinity.
Mrs. Schmidt has been blessed with 3 children who attend Trinity. Her husband is a history teacher at Shoreland Lutheran High School. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing cards, watching movies, and reading! She also loves to be outdoors, especially at the beach!
Mrs. Schmidt is looking forward to serving the students and families at Trinity as the resource teacher. Her go-to Bible verse is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” She treasures this verse as a reminder that God is always in control of our lives.
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