Staff
Pastor Jon and Pastor Jean Schmidt
Pastoral team
Pastor Jon is the son, grandson, nephew, cousin, and spouse of a pastor! He was born in New York City, and grew up near Buffalo NY and suburban Chicago. He graduated from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Pastor Jon has served congregations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Wisconsin since his ordination in 1986, most recently in Gladstone, MI. Over his career he has served in a variety of synod and community ministries, including Synod Secretary, Synod School of Theology Board of Directors (in two different synods), Wartburg Theological Seminary Board of Directors, and LuMin (Campus Ministry) Board.
Pastor Jean grew up in suburban Chicago. She graduated from Valparaiso University (IN) with a degree in Home Economics/Secondary Education. She spent her first career as a Patient Relations Coordinator at Loyola University Medical Center. She also worked as a congregation office secretary and at a paper mill (ask her about that one!) In 2009 Pastor Jean completed her studies at Wartburg Theological Seminary and was ordained. Her first call was serving a small congregation in Perkins, MI. She is currently the Dean of the West Conference of the La Crosse Area Synod, and a member of the Synod Council. She serves on the Synod’s Evangelism and Outreach Committee, and Gundersen Health System’s Institutional Review Board.
Pastors Jon and Jean were married in 1999 and adopted their daughter, Rebecca, from Novosibirsk, Russia in 2002. The Schmidt family enjoys bike riding, cross country skiing, watching sports, listening to music, visiting small wineries (though Rebecca looks for grape juice!), traveling, and spending time as a family.
pastorjon@oursaviorswestsalem.org / pastorjean@oursaviorswestsalem.org
Theresa Feldhammer
Administrative Assistant
Theresa is originally from Bangor but now lives in West Salem. She and her husband, Wade, have been happily married for over 26 years and are the proud parents of Lindsey (Nick), Isaac, and Ethan, and they have one grandson, Adrian, plus Lucy (dog) and Vesper (cat.) Theresa is an active member of Shepherd of the Hills in Onalaska. She enjoys gardening and canning with Wade and creating wooden crafts together. Family adventures include exploring scenic trails and waterfalls, mini golf, shopping in Amish country, board games, and relaxing together in the pool. Theresa has taught piano lessons for over 28 years, working with students of all ages and abilities, helping them develop their musical skills and confidence while fostering a lifelong appreciation for music. This blend of faith, family, creativity, and teaching reflects Theresa’s passion for investing in others and making meaningful connections within her community.
Linda Berg
Director of Music and Worship Musician
Linda and her husband Gary joined OSLC in 1988. As organist/pianist, she plays for services, accompanies the Senior Choir, plays piano in the S.O.S. Band, and accompanies special music as needed. Linda started playing piano in 1965 and started playing organ for church services at Northwest Prairie Lutheran Church at age 16. She graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in Music Business. She is a member of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians and the American Guild of Organists. Her day job is at Davig Financial in Holmen, and Gary and Linda have two grown children, Kyle and Alyson.
Laurie Noelke
Handbell Choir Director and Assistant Worship Musician
Laurie is a native of La Crosse and currently lives in West Salem. She has three children (Nick, Madeline, and Jack), and two “spoiled rotten” dogs! Laurie has a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music, a master’s degree in Servant Leadership, and taught for 12 years. She has always been very active in church life. Among other things she has taught Sunday School, directed both children’s choir and handbell choir, served as director of Parish Education, and has been a worship musician for over 20 years. Most recently she was the director of music ministries at Halfway Creek Lutheran Church.
Wendy Amundson
Director of Youth Ministry
Wendy has been a member of OSLC since 2010, when relocating to West Salem for her daughter Kamryn to attend sixth-twelfth grade here. Her full-time job is being a live-in care provider to 12 individuals with special needs. This job keeps her busy and very fulfilled in life. Being a Youth Director part-time fulfills another part of her life watching young adults learn and get excited about following their faith path. Confirmation kids know her office is a safe space, and filled with goodies like snacks, water and at times a Nick’s token for ice cream. Most important, they also know that she is always available to talk about their day or struggles. The rest of her free time she very much enjoys spending time with family, and she enjoys many different activities to explore the world.
Jill Iliff
Treasurer
Jill joined Our Savior’s in 2010. Before that she belonged to Wesley United Methodist Church in La Crosse where her father-in-law was pastor for 19 years.
Jill has a finance degree from WTC & has been involved in accounting for over 20 years. Jill has been married to Eric for over 20 years. They have 4 children (Jennifer, Jacob, Josh & Jon), a cockapoo named Charlie. When Jill has time to herself she enjoys reading, bowling, going on walks, getting a pedicure and hanging out with the kids
treasurer@oursaviorswestsalem.org
Joey Barnett
Choir Director
As of September 9, 2026, Joey Barnett joins us as our Choir Director. Joey had served previously as our winter director and was a close friend and colleague of Eric Sorenson. Joey takes over after Eric's unexpected death, but is already familiar with our choir - and they are excited to have Joey working with us. Watch for Joey's story coming here soon!
Karen DeSchepper
Financial Secretary
Josh Corning
Custodian
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
359 N. Leonard
West Salem, WI 54669
Phone: 608.786.0030
