Our Ministry Staff:

Pastor: Rev. Ken Rankin email

Ken Rankin is the Pastor at Peace Lutheran Church.  He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Jacksonville Florida. He attended Florida State University and graduated with a degree in Music Education. After graduation, he auditioned for the USAF Band Career Field, and enlisted as a bandsman in the Air Force. During his career as a military musician, he traveled all over the world and was stationed in Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Massachusetts and Hawaii. While in the Air Force he earned his masters degree in Administration and Management and was active in his local church as Choir Director, Cantor, School board member, and Elder.   Upon retirement from the Air Force, Pastor Rankin went back to school and received his Master’s of Divinity Degree from Concordia Theological Seminary.  After graduation he was called to Loving Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hiram, Georgia, where he served for 4 ½ years as pastor. He began his ministry at Peace on February 4, 2007.   Pastor Rankin and his wife Debbie met while serving in the Air Force, and have been married for over 28 years. They have four children and one grandchild.   “This is a tremendously exciting time at Peace as we look forward to greater opportunities for our congregation by offering many ways to experience Christ in our community.  In a celebrating, connecting, and care-filled atmosphere, the people of Peace are passionate about doing ministry together.  Therefore, we exist to Connect people to Christ, and open wide the door of God’s love and grace.  With our focus squarely on mission and outreach, we continually seek to share our faith at, around, and through Peace.”

Lay Minister: Gary Plopper email

Gary Plopper serves Peace Lutheran Church as Lay Minister, with emphasis on the congregation’s Senior Ministry.  Gary was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin, formerly Concordia College.  During his forty years of ministry he was privileged to serve three churches in the greater metro area: Chapel of the Cross, Our Redeemer and Blessed Savior Lutheran. In retirement, he continues to teach Bible studies and ministers to the residents and families of a variety of nursing and group support homes.  He and his wife, Carol, have been trained in their synod’s Marriage Enrichment Experience, facilitating many marriage and family retreat sessions.  They are the parents of three married children and grandparents to six.  Gary was installed in May, 2007.

Director of Christian Education: Kathleen Gridley email

Kathleen Gridley is the Director of Christian Education at Peace Lutheran Church. She was born and raised in Newton, Kansas. She attended Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in Theology and certification as Director of Christian Education. Prior to beginning her DCE internship, Kathleen served as an ESL Teacher for English Language Institute China in Shanghai, China. She completed her DCE Internship at King of Kings Lutheran in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, accepting a call upon completion of a one year internship. She served as Director of Christian Education at King of Kings for six years working in the areas of youth and children's ministries. She was installed as Director of Christian Education at Peace on April 22, 2007.

Preschool Director: Heather Culli email

Heather Culli is the Director of Little Lambs of Peace Preschool. She was born and raised in Menomonee Falls, WI.  Heather graduated from Concordia University in River Forest, IL with a BA in Early Childhood Education.  She has experience teaching Kindergarten at Immanuel Lutheran School in Baltimore, MD, third grade at Our Savior Lutheran School in Houston, TX and Elm Grove Lutheran School in Elm Grove, WI.  In 2005, Heather began teaching Infant and 2 Toddler classes at Little Lambs of Peace.  She has been an active volunteer in the Children's Ministry at Peace; as Sunday School Director and VBS Preschool Director and Station Leader.  Heather and husband, Ben, live in Milwaukee and are the parents of three young children.  She was installed as Preschool Director in June, 2009.

Administrative Assistants: Arlene Schneider and Dori Kuchler email

Adult Choir: Tom Halverson email

Children's Music: Rachel Chapin

Rachel Chapin is the Children’s Music Director at Peace Lutheran Church, leading Joyful Noise children’s choir and Sunday school music.  A lifetime resident in the Muskego area, she holds a B.A. degree in Piano Pedagogy from Alverno College.  In addition to teaching piano, she enjoys composing and has published hymn settings for piano through Concordia Publishing House.

Praise/Journey Choir: Brandon Garavet email

Handbell Choir: Carol Plopper email

Carol has 12 years of experience as director of handbells both at Peace and her previous church. She has played the organ and has directed both youth and adult choral groups. Throughout her years of service to the Lord in worship Carol has provided accompaniment with keyboard and percussion instruments. Her professional career is as a RN for a doctor of internal medicine in West Allis.

Stephens Minister: Arlene Schneider email

Trustee: Gary Barg

Custodian: Chris Caron

Nursery Attendant: Jennifer Langbauer and Sarah Nievinski