Our Staff

Any of St. John’s staff may be reached at the Office phone number 608-291-4311.

Pastor Ellen Stelzle – Pastor

My name is Pastor Ellen Stelzle, and I’ve been the Pastor at St. John’s since September 2022. I enjoy Oregon and have found it to be a great place to experience an authentic, caring community.

As Pastor, I am excited to be a part of what God is doing here at St. John’s. I believe God calls each of us to grow in faith by using the gifts God has given us to serve others. Connecting to a faith community, and reaching out beyond ourselves in service to others are ways God grows our faith. Whether it be in our neighborhood, our local community, or somewhere around the world, there are all kinds of opportunites to serve others and share the love of Jesus for all people.

St. John’s is a community where all people are welcome to explore what it means to live out our faith in Jesus in everyday life. My goal is to help facilitate your faith journey, as you discover your unique gifts and God’s call on your life.

If you are new to St. John’s, whether near or far, I invite you to join us on this faith journey

Laura McGoveran – Coordinator for Congregational Life

I am originally from the Eau Claire area, grew up in Oklahoma, and returned to Wisconsin life in 1996. While living in Oklahoma, I began my church career quite by accident – I filled in for an acquaintance, while she recovered from surgery. It didn’t take long for me to discover that I love working in a church setting, and have been doing so since 1992! I joined St. John’s staff in 2017, and have appreciated the experiences that allow me to expand my faith, while working. 

I live in DeForest, with my husband, Rydell. I love to spend time with family (four kids, and four grandchildren) and seeing what each day God blesses us with.


Ondra Williams – Director of Worship & Music

My name is Ondra Williams and I was not named after anyone. My mom dropped the ‘S’ from Sondra, and that’s how my name was created. I have a twin brother, older twin sisters, and a younger brother and we enjoy spending time together. I have been serving as a pianist, music director, choir director band leader, organist, and vocalist in churches since the age of thirteen. In March of 2014, I joined the staff at St. John’s as the Director of Worship and Music. My basic duties include directing the choir, chimes, and band, and playing for and planning worship services.

Working at St. John’s provides for me a shared connection in faith with colleagues and church members, and in turn a warm atmosphere to work in. I enjoy encouraging members to utilize their musical talnets by sharing them with others during worship and at church events.

Outside of church work, I enjoy accompanying ensembles in the schools, teaching piano lessons, serving as a pianist for auditions and competitions, and playing and singing jazz and popular music at small, local venues.

Please contact me if you are interested in being part of the music Ministry at St. John’s.

Paula Gillett – Director of Finance and Operations

Paula comes to St. John’s after serving the last nine years as a managing director for a nonprofit community center in Machesney Park, IL.  There she was responsible for overseeing the finances and operations of the organization. She is excited about her new position with St. John’s and looks forward to meeting everyone. Paula resides in Orfordville, WI. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and golf.

Elise Anhalt – Sunday School Coordinator

Claudia Patterson – Nursery Attendant & Confirmation Assistant

Gage Klarich – Custodial