Our Ministry Staff:

Senior Pastor: Rev. A. Mark Schudde email

Mark Schudde is the Senior Pastor at Peace Lutheran Church. He is married to Kris and has two daughters, Emily and Erin. Pastor Schudde has a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Concordia University-Portland and a Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Pastor Schudde was the Pastor at Shepherd King Lutheran in West Bloomfield, MI for 10 years, at Ascension Lutheran in Atlanta, GA for 3 years and has been the Pastor at Peace Lutheran since 1997. Pastor Schudde is a circuit counselor for the Milwaukee Churches and has been nominated into the Pastoral Leadership Institute Program. He enjoys gardening, home restoration and mountain biking.   “I am thrilled to serve such a dynamic congregation as Peace-New Berlin. God has positioned us together in this growing area of southeast Wisconsin for such a time as this! It’s a joy to serve people who know their mission of being Care-filled, Bible-founded and Outreach-focused. These are more than words. Time and time again I’ve seen this mission lived out. We are truly a people who are excited to see lives transformed by God’s love in Christ Jesus. This is an amazing time . . . and I am privileged to see an amazing God at work both at Peace and in our community.”

Associate Pastor: Rev. Ken Rankin email

Ken Rankin is the Associate Pastor at Peace Lutheran Church, focusing on Discipleship ministry.  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, and enlisted as a bandsman in the Air Force. During his 26 year 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 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 attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduation he was called to Loving Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hiram, Georgia where he served for 4 years as pastor. He was installed as Associate Pastor 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 25 years. They have two children - Laura, 23 and Steve, 22.

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 Mills email

Kathleen Mills 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: Heidi Szczupakiewicz email

Heidi Szczupakiewicz is the Director of Little Lambs of Peace Preschool at Peace Lutheran church. She grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Heidi attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison graduating in 1989 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. Prior to directing Little Lambs of Peace, Heidi directed and taught a 6th though 8th grade At Risk program in the Wauwatosa School District for 7 years. She also served as the High School Swimming coach for Wauwatosa West for 10 years. She stays involved in High School swimming through officiating. She has been a WIAA Swim Official for the past 10 years. Heidi was installed as Little Lambs of Peace Director on August 1, 1996.

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

Custodian/property Maintenance: Chris Caron / Gerald Martin

Nursery Attendant: Lauren Banach