Church Staff

Pastor Brent Hartwig began his ministry at Our Redeemer in June of 2008. He completed his vicarage assignment here, and was ordained June 21, 2009. He has been married over 20 years and is blessed with five children. Pastor Hartwig was born, raised, and married in Pekin, Illinois. After graduating from Illinois State University in 1993, he worked for twelve years at Walt Disney World. Prior to going to seminary, Pastor Hartwig served as the Youth Coordinator at Woodlands Lutheran Church, Montverde, Florida.

Vicar Tyler Simmons is a third year seminarian at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, currently serving his Vicarage (internship) here at Our Redeemer.  Prior to attending seminary, Tyler served for 11 years as active-duty military during which time he received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Liberty University.  Tyler, his wife Rachel, and their children are excited to be part of the family here at Our Redeemer for this year.

Kaja graduated May 2004 from Concordia University - Saint Paul, Minnesota as a Director of Christian Education (DCE). She moved here in October 2004 to focus on High School and Middle School Youth Ministry. Following that, Kaja became the Children's and Youth Director here at Our Redeemer. In 2017, Kaja became the full-time Preschool Director and lead teacher for the Our Redeemer Preschool. Kaja and her husband, Aaron, live joyfully with their family in Iowa City.

Lorrie first came to Our Redeemer when her father was pastor here from 1984 to 1992, having just been discharged from active service in the United States Army.  She transferred back to Our Redeemer in 2013.  She is active the church praise team band.  She attended and graduated from Kirkwood Community College with associate degrees in liberal arts, criminal justice, and business administration management with a certificate of completion in human resources. She became Office Coordinator in June of 2019.

Christie graduated from University of Bangalore, India, majoring in Literature and Psychology. Iowa City has been home for us for the past 15 years. She has volunteered at St. Patrick's Church and Table 2 Table, and has been subbing at Our Redeemer Preschool for the past 4 years. Her training also includes Indian classical dance and yoga, and she has been involved in teaching them to children. Christie is excited to be involved in the journey of each child through Our Redeemer Preschool.

Sara Cross has been a substitute Preschool Assistant during Director Kaja’s last two maternity leaves and now will become the Tuesday/Thursday Preschool Assistant Teacher. Sara and her husband Alan, along with children Ava and Connor, are members of Our Redeemer.

A member of Our Redeemer, Sarah joined Our Redeemer staff in March of 2016. Sarah's husband Rob and children Marek, Abby, and Karsten are all members of Our Redeemer.

Kara joined Our Redeemer in June 2008. She graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, IL. She is married to Pastor Hartwig and enjoys her vocation as mom to their five children. Kara became the youth coordinator in 2015 and feels blessed to be at Our Redeemer.

Denise has been a member of Our Redeemer since 1983 and accepted the Director of Small Group Ministry position in 2009. She then became Adult Coordinator in 2018. She has been active in small group ministry for the past several years and has completed small group leadership training. Denise graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master's degree. She is board certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Denise and her husband, Myrl, have two grown children, Matthew and Jenna.

Louise joined Our Redeemer in 1993. Originally she was employed as the Children's Choir Director and Bell Choir Director, and served in that capacity for 3 years. Louise took a hiatus, and then was asked to lead the Adult Choir and Bell Choir. Later she was asked to direct the Praise Team as well. Most recently, she added Properties Coordinator to her list of duties here at Our Redeemer. Louise has a degree in Music Education from Northeast Missouri State University (now known as Truman State), and a Master's Degree in Humanities.

Brian Manary is the third generation to fill the custodian position at Our Redeemer. He has worked with his parents since his mother, Cheryl, began in 1992 and has now taken over this role. Previous to that time his maternal grandfather held the position. Brian was baptized and went to preschool at Our Redeemer.

Marilyn Paetz celebrated 30 years as organist at Our Redeemer in January of 2017. She was trained as a pharmacy technician and retired from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

Kevin joined Our Redeemer in 1998 along with wife Laurel and daughter Krista. He became Director of Technology in February of 2014. He retired from the College of Dentistry in the Technology and Media Services department in 2015. Kevin has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and mathematics from Wartburg College, A Master of Science degree in chemistry from Purdue University, and a Master of Science degree in computer science from Northwest Missouri State University.

Laurel joined Our Redeemer in 1998 along with husband Kevin and daughter Krista. She became office coordinator in June of 2011, having previously served in a similar position at Faith Lutheran in Orange City. As of July 1, 2019, the position became part-time Consultant. Laurel has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and mathematics from Wartburg College.