Pastor was born in Freemont, Ohio, the second son of Reverend Robert O. and Jane Huff.  Upon graduating in 1983 from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Pastor Huff joined his father as an Associate Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Janesville, Wisconsin where he served for five years. 

In January 1989 Pastor Huff entered the Armed Forces chaplain school and in March was assigned his first tour of duty in Brunswick, Maine at the Naval Air Station. From 1995 to 2009, Pastor Huff served with Marines.  When he wasn’t spending time with Marines, Steve worked at Monterey Mills in Janesville as their corporate chaplain.  Pastor Huff joined the staff at Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hartland,

Wisconsin in 2004 and went through the colloquy process of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod during the spring of 2005.  In August of 2009 he was installed at Hope Lutheran.

Pastor Huff is married to the former Barbara Lynn Shella of Jasper, Minnesota.  They have three children:  Leah, Megan, and Sam.

Contact Pastor Huff at:  shuff@lifeathope.org

Pastor Hilgendorf graduated from St. John's College, Winfield, Kansas, in 1950 and Concordia Seminary in 1956.  He served congregations in Hill City, Minnesota and in Sheboygan, Appleton and Shawano, Wisconsin.  Pastor Hilgendorf served here at Hope from 1986 to 1996 when he retired.  He also served as Administrative Assistant in the areas of Stewardship and Evangelism of the South Wisconsin District from 1979 to 1984.

Ken graduated from Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois, in 1978.  He came to Hope from Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Twin Falls, Idaho, in August of 1997.  Ken oversees and administers the entire music program. 

Ken and his wife Marie have three children:  John, Beth and Melissa.  They enjoy boating, canoeing and skiing.

Contact Ken at:  khill@lifeathope.org

Jean graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing in January of 1953.  As a Registered Nurse, she worked in maternal and child health including patient education in four Wisconsin hospitals until 1995.  In January of 2000 she completed the Parish Nursing Intensive Training and received her certificate from Concordia University-Wisconsin.  Jean was installed at Hope Lutheran as Parish Nurse in May of 2000.  She continues to participate in regional workshops and conferences at Concordia and is involved in the South Wisconsin District-LCMS and local Parish Nurse Networks.

Contact Jean at:  nurse@lifeathope.org

Barb will bring her experience and training in Youth Ministry to expand the small group ministry at Hope.  She grew up in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota; but has added Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Maine, Florida and Virginia to the list as she's followed her husband, Pastor Steve, in his ministry.  "Bloom where you're planted" has been a motto for her.  Her passions include serving, praying and flowers that bloom.  She and Pastor recently became grandparents to Claire Cosette Strong.  Their children include Leah married to Brandon Strong, Megan married to Shawn Heinen and Sam Huff.

Contact Barb at:  smallgroupministries@lifeathope.org

Mimi Sager received her  degree in Elementary Education from Valparaiso University and taught in both public and private schools.  Mimi and her husband have been members of Hope since 1968 and their children were all baptized and confirmed here.  She taught Sunday School for several years and feels it is a privilege to help children learn about their Lord and grow in their faith.  She has been greatly blessed through the wonderful friends she has here at Hope.

Mimi and her husband Steve have four children: Kathryn, Matthew, Paul and David and five grandchildren: Eli, Ava, Adelyn, Lily and August.  She loves to cook, knit, read, travel, volunteer and especially spend time with her wonderful family.

Contact Mimi at:  childrenseducation@lifeathope.org

Beth is currently pursuing a degree in Human Services and Leadership at UW-Oshkosh.  She was instrumental in developing Hope's Family Ministry program with children being her favorite kind of people.   As Director of Children's Ministries, Beth's responsibilities are to develop and coordinate activities for children in grades 1-8.

Beth and her husband Richard were married in 1987.  They have three children which they have homeschooled. 

Contact Beth at:  childrensministries@lifeathope.org

Marci worked part-time in the office at Hope Lutheran before becoming the full-time Office Manager in September of 2002.  Her responsibilities include those of secretary and treasurer for both the church and preschool.

Marci and her husband Mike have three children and one grandson:  Adam, his wife Kim and their son Eli, Kylene and Erica.  In her spare time she enjoys reading, crafting and scrapbooking.

Contact Marci at:  hopelutheran@lifeathope.org

Diane began working part-time at Hope Lutheran in December of 2007.  She assists in the church office twice a week.

In her spare time, Diane enjoys spending time outdoors biking and hiking, and spending time with her family.

Portraits courtesy of Ahrens Photography www.TheAhrensImage.com