About Us

EMAIL | Executive Director



A.A. – St. Paul’s College, Concordia, MO 1980
B.A. – Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI 1982
M.Div – Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO 1986

Rev. Mehl vicared at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Calgary, Alberta in 1984-85. He served as the pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran and St. John’s Lutheran Parish in Rural Milbank and Revillo, South Dakota from 1986 to 1994. In 1995 he accepted the call to be the pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Batesville, Arkansas. While in Batesville, a Lutheran grade school was begun in 1997 and Pastor Mehl also served as the principal of Hope Lutheran School till 2004. In 2004 he was called to be the Executive Director of Saint Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, MO.
Rev. Mehl is married to Lucinda (nee Bingenheimer) and they have 4 grown children and four grandchildren.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

EMAIL | Principal, Math Instructor

B.S. in Secondary Education, Concordia University-Nebraska 2005
M.Ed. in Secondary School Administration, Concordia University-Nebraska 2014
Ed. S. Educational Leadership, Arkansas State University 2019

Mrs. Marsh taught for one year at Cannon Valley Lutheran High School in Morristown, MN, before accepting a call to teach at Saint Paul in 2007. From 2007 - 2012, Mrs. Marsh was a full-time mathematics instructor at Saint Paul. In 2012, Mrs. Marsh began working in the principals' office. In addition to her duties as principal, Mrs. Marsh teaches two sections of precalculus. Mrs. Marsh is married to Aaron Marsh, and they have a son and a daughter.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6

EMAIL |Assistant Principal, English Instructor

B.A. in English/ Secondary Education, Iowa State University 1988
LTD Colloquy, Concordia University-Nebraska 2003
M.S.E. Curriculum & Instruction, University of Central Missouri 2010

Mrs. Schmidt began teaching English at Field Kindley Memorial High School in Coffeyville, Kansas (1989-1991). She taught and coached at Ballard High School in Huxley, Iowa, from 1991-1993. From 1994-2001 she taught English at Southside High School in Batesville, Arkansas. From 2001-2005 she served as upper grades instructor at Hope Lutheran School in Batesville. In 2005 she accepted the call to teach at SPLHS where she currently teaches English I and Composition courses. In addition, she leads ACT/SAT prep nights, co-sponsors the Class of 2022, acts as faculty marshal, and serves on various committees. Mrs. Schmidt is married to chemistry instructor, Dr. Luther Schmidt. They have two grown sons and a daughter-in-law who are all proud alumni of SPLHS.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

EMAIL | Development Director

B.S. in Criminal Justice, University of Central Missouri 2001

Mr. Kunkel grew up in Concordia and is an alumna of Saint Paul. Prior to joining Saint Paul as Director of Development he worked at State Bank of Missouri in Concordia as a Vice President and Loan Officer for 11 years. He is also a Disaster Coordinator for the LCMS MO District and has a passion for serving others. Besides his love for his family, friends, and Saint Paul High School, he enjoys bow hunting and hiking. Kent is married to Jennifer and they have 2 sons. Josiah is a sophomore at University of Central Missouri and Ryan is a freshman at Saint Paul.

“That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

EMAIL | Business Manager

B.S. in Accounting, University of Missouri 2015
Masters in Accounting, University of Missouri 2015
Certified Public Accountant

Mrs. (Nebel) Hemme worked as a manager in the Business Tax Services practice at KPMG before accepting the position at Saint Paul. Mrs. Hemme and her husband Michael are both proud alumni of Saint Paul. In her free time Mrs. Hemme enjoys spending time with her husband (tagging along with him on the farm), listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and spending time outside attempting to have a green thumb. Mrs. Hemme and Michael have 10 nieces and nephews that bring them much joy.

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b - 14

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B.S. Concordia University-Nebraska

Mr. Brandt graduated from Saint Paul’s College High, Concordia, MO, in 1986 and from Concordia Teachers College with a degree in Commercial Art in 1991. He then received his K-12 Missouri teaching certificate from Central Missouri State University. He taught Art in public schools for 16 years before coming to Saint Paul Lutheran High School in 2012. He and his wife Charlotte, who works for Lutheran Bible Translators, are the parents of 5 children. During the summers, they enjoy camping with their kids, traveling to 49 of the 50 states (hard to drive to Hawaii), and watching their children work on their Jr. Ranger collection. They are currently working on badge number 150 out of roughly 400 national park sites.

“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:4-5

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B.S. in Secondary Education, Concordia University Nebraska 2002
M.A. in Theatre, University of Central Missouri 2013

Mrs. Brandt had the opportunity to student teach at Saint Paul Lutheran High School before being called in 2003, which was her first call. She currently teaches English II, Introduction to Speech, Shakespeare, Adolescent Novel, and Dual Credit Experiences in Human Communication. Mrs. Brandt directs two theater performances a year and serves on several school committees. Mrs. Brandt is married to food service director, Mr. Mark Brandt, and together they have two children.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

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High School Diploma, Saint Paul’s College High, Concordia MO, 1971
A.A., Saint Paul’s College, Concordia MO, 1973
B.A., Concordia Senior College, Ft. Wayne IN, 1975
M. Div., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, 1978
S.T.M., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, 1979
Th. D., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, 1981

After more than a quarter century as a parish pastor, Dr. Deterding began his service to SPLHS in 2012. He is a contributor to The Apocrypha: Lutheran Edition with Notes (2012), edited the Concordia Popular Commentary volumes on Revelation (2009) and 1 Corinthians (2010), and served as a consultant, an author, and an associate editor for The Lutheran Study Bible (2009). His publications include the Bible studies Daniel: Encouragement for Faith (1996) and Haggai/Zechariah/Malachi: Return to the Lord (2005) and the Concordia Commentary volume Colossians (2003). He and his wife, Donna, are the parents of three adult sons: Stephen, Andrew, and Jason.

“We speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.” 2 Corinthians 4:13-14

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B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Emphasis in Education (4-8)

Mr. Drefs was a Youth Director for eight years at St. Paul Lutheran Church in McAllen, TX. He then worked for a law firm as their Office Coordinator before accepting his position to teach at Saint Paul in 2022. In addition to his academic schedule, Mr. Drefs is an Assistant Volleyball Coach. Mr. Drefs is married to Katie Drefs, and they have four sons.

"Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life." Revelations 2:10

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B.S. in Business Administration / Sport Management, Columbia Southern University 2022

Mr. Gerdts was born and raised in Concordia, Missouri where he attended Saint Paul Lutheran High School. He attended College of the Ozarks for a brief time before transferring to Columbia Southern where he finished his degree, then accepted the position of dorm supervisor/instructor at Saint Paul in 2022. Mr. Gerdts assists in teaching Health classes along with coaching boys' basketball and baseball. His interests include exercising, watching movies and sports, and being an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Prov. 16:3

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B.S. in Secondary Education, University of Central Missouri-Warrensburg 2016

Mr. Gifford graduated from SPLHS in 2005. He served in the United States Navy from 2007 to 2012 as a Hospital Corpsman with the United States Marine Corps. During this time he worked in the Emergency Room at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and was sent on a combat deployment to Afghanistan. He used his G.I. Bill to attend the University of Central Missouri where he graduated with a BS in Secondary Education with a Social Studies emphasis. Prior to coming to Saint Paul (2016-2019), he taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies at Lafayette Co. C-1 in Higginsville and coached football and track. He currently lives in Concordia with his wife, Elizabeth (Hemme) Gifford (SPLHS Class of 2010), sons, Charlie and Titus, and daughter, Ruth. In his free time, he enjoys reading, football, fishing, and grilling.

"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Rev. 2:10b

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B.S. in Secondary Education, Concordia University-Nebraska 2011
M.A. in History, Sam Houston State University 2020

Mr. Gramenz grew up in Steeleville, Illinois and attended Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School. He played baseball at Concordia Seward before graduating and taking a teaching/dorm position at Saint Paul in 2011. Mr. Gramenz's responsibilities include teaching Social Studies courses and coaching. He enjoys watching sports especially the St. Louis Cardinals and traveling.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Eph. 2:8-9

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A.A. St. Paul College, Concordia, MO 1973
B.A. Director of Christian Education, Concordia College, St. Paul, MN 1975; Teacher Certificate 1977
M.S. in Educational Administration; Curriculum and Instruction - Concordia University, Wisconsin 1997

Mr. Ingwersen (Mr. I) began his career as a DCE at Prince of Peace Lutheran in Davenport, IA from 1975-1976. From 1977-2000 he served as teacher, youth director, athletic director, and/or principal at Emmaus Lutheran in Denver, CO; St. John Lutheran in Red Bud, IL; and Trinity-Freistadt Lutheran in Mequon, WI. He then spent 10 years as Adjunct Instructor at Concordia, University, Mequon, WI. Mr. I then served as principal/teacher in a number of schools from 2000-2019 including St. Paul Lutheran in Lapeer, MI; Immanuel Lutheran in Crystal Lake, IL; Immanuel Lutheran in Palentine, IL; St. John Lutheran in Lombard, IL; and Grace Lutheran in Lancaster, CA. He then retired and became a caretaker for his spouse, Kim who had been diagnosed with ALS and passed away in February 2021. They have four adult children and eleven grandchildren. Mr. I has been teaching science at SPLHS since 2021.

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B.S. in Secondary Education, Concordia University-Nebraska 2009
M.Ed. in Educational Design and Technology, Concordia University-Wisconsin 2014

Mrs. Ivie taught for two years at St. John’s Lutheran School in Racine, Wisconsin, before accepting a call to Saint Paul in 2011. She teaches a variety of classes in the math and technology departments, works with the freshmen ladies in Saints Seminar, and coaches volleyball. Mrs. Ivie is married with a young daughter and two dogs. She enjoys being active, cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, and spending time with her friends and family.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

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B.A. in English, Concordia University Chicago
Masters of Divinity, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Pastor Lange served congregations in Lafayette, Indiana, and Farmington Hills, Michigan, as a parish pastor for almost 16 years before beginning his teaching career. He taught upper grade religion classes at Lutheran High School Westland in the Detroit Metro area for four years, coaching the varsity volleyball team for two of them. His wife, Beth, worked as a Director of Christian Education for four years, after receiving her degree from Concordia University Chicago. She is currently a Mary Kay Sales Director. They have three children: Allie, Jonah, and Brooke.

"During a dark time when a family member was struggling with a serious illness, I was taking a much needed break from preaching. Our family visited a pastor friend's church where they were receiving adults as new members of the congregation. One of them had chosen this verse for the occasion. It reminded me that though I didn't know the outcome of the illness, God did, and I could praise him even for those deeds that were 'past my knowledge' at that time. It has been a special passage to me ever since." "I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge." Psalm 71:14-15

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B.S. Concordia University-Nebraska
M.Ed. University of Missouri-Columbia

Mr. Laubenstein was born in Illinois and grew up in Denver, Colorado. He attended Denver Lutheran High School, and after graduating from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, his first call was to Saint Paul. Mr. Laubenstein has served the ministry at Saint Pau for over 50 years. He enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, watching sports on TV, and hanging out at the mall.

“Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.” Rev. 2:10b

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B.M. in Piano Performance, Portland State University-Oregon 1992
M.M. in Piano Performance, The University of Texas at Austin 1995
D.M.A. in Piano Performance, The University of Texas at Austin 2000
LTD Concordia University-Nebraska 2017

Dr. Jerrode Marsh directs the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Saint Paul Orchestra, and German classes. She is also the conductor and Artistic Director of Sedalia Symphony Orchestra, the second-oldest orchestra in Missouri, and is the Executive Director of the Concordia Music Conservatory. She performs regularly as a solo and collaborative pianist in the region and often serves as organist at churches in her circuit. Dr. Marsh came to SPLHS from Frankfurt, Germany, where she worked for nearly two decades as a professional musician, performing as a solo pianist, conductor, and collaborative artist throughout Europe. She has worked with the Frankfurt Opera, the Austrian-American Mozart Academy, and was the Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran Church in Frankfurt, Germany and the founder and Artistic Director of the Trinity International Concert Choir. She has two children: a daughter, Vanessa Rodewald (married to Seth), and a son Christoph, who is a student at Concordia University Nebraska.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

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B.S. in Secondary Social Science Education Northwest Missouri State University 2005
M.A. in History from Northwest Missouri State University 2010
LTD Concordia University Nebraska 2013

Mrs. Nelson grew up in Emma, Missouri, and is an alumna of Saint Paul. Upon graduating from Northwest Missouri State University, she taught for three years at Sainte Genevieve High School. Mrs. Nelson earned her Master’s degree and began teaching at Saint Paul in 2010. She also serves as the NHS, Student Government, and Prom sponsor. Mrs. Nelson is married to Steve Nelson, and they have three children: 2 daughters and 1 son.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

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B.A. in International Business and Spanish, William Jewell College, 2005
M.Ed. in World Language Instruction, Concordia College, 2014

Mrs. Payne worked in marketing for an economic development organization in Kansas City, prior to becoming a Spanish teacher. Upon moving to Concordia, she became Saint Paul Lutheran High School’s Spanish Instructor. Mrs. Payne learned Spanish in a Spanish immersion elementary school, continued her studies throughout the rest of her education, and studied abroad in Spain during college. She enjoys learning about other cultures and languages. Mrs. Payne also enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with her family. She lives in Concordia with her husband Josh and three children.

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

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B.S. in Secondary Education, Concordia University – Nebraska 1994
M.Ed in Secondary Education, University of Missouri – St. Louis 1998

Mr. Pitsch taught one year at St. John’s Lutheran grade school in St. Louis before accepting the Call to teach at Saint Paul in 1996. In addition to teaching Physical Education, Mr. Pitsch serves as Athletic Director, In-service Committee member, and Head Coach for boys basketball. Mr. Pitsch is married to Marta and has 3 girls. Madison is an SPLHS 2015 graduate, Malaina is an SPLHS 2019 graduate, and Maggie an SPLHS 2021 graduate.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

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B.S. Major in Chemistry, Minor in Mathematics, Kansas State University
Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, Iowa State University
LTD Concordia University-Nebraska


Dr. Schmidt was previously employed as a practicing chemist for 12 years by the Kodak Company and subsequently Eastman Chemical Company. Dr. Schmidt came to Saint Paul, along with his wife, English teacher and Assistant Principal Andrea Schmidt, in 2005. He currently teaches both high school and College Physics, high school and College Chemistry, Forensic Science and Introduction to Engineering. He also serves as Assistant Boys Soccer Coach and Assistant Softball Coach. In his spare time Dr. Schmidt enjoys exercising, science fiction, and crossword puzzles. He has two sons that are both SPLHS graduates.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

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B.S. in Secondary Education, Concordia University-Nebraska 2015
M.S. in Mathematics, Emporia State University 2021

Mr. Toensing graduated from Concordia University, Nebraska in May of 2015. His first teaching call was to Saint Paul. Currently, he teaches Geometry, Algebra 2, and College Calculus. Alongside teaching math, Mr. Toensing is the Math Team sponsor as well as head coach for the boys' and girls' soccer teams. He is married to Morgan, who is a physical therapist in Concordia. They have a son, Judah, and a daughter, Ava.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25