Parents and Family Council

LaDonna Corn
Chandler, Ariz.

LaDonna is the parent of Donovan Corn, a senior at Luther majoring in Political Science. Donovan is one of the 197 lb. wrestlers for Luther and also a member of the Nordic Choir. LaDonna and Donovan were residents of Chicago, Illinois before moving to Chandler, Arizona in 2016.

LaDonna a Senior Vice President at the Northern Trust Company were she works for the Investment Department within the organization. LaDonna holds a MBA in Finance and MPA in not for profit. LaDonna likes to volunteer at the Feeding My Starving Children organization as well as the high school with Donovan’s previous wrestling program.

In LaDonna’s spare time she enjoys traveling all over with her best friend and watching Donovan wrestle across the Midwest.

Eric ’91 and Kim (Latzke) ’93 Muller
Urbandale, Iowa

Kim and Eric are parents to Josh, a senior double majoring in Math and Physics. Josh is also a member of the Symphonic Band and very active in FOCUS, the on-campus ministry. Kim and Eric are both Luther grads (Classes of 1993 and 1991) with B.A.s in Accounting and have lived in Urbandale, Iowa since 1993. They also have another son, Robert, who graduated from Luther in 2020 and is currently in seminary.

Kim is Controller for HomeServices of Iowa (parent company of Iowa Realty). In her free time, Kim enjoys working on Diamond Dots, reading, going for walks with their two beagles, and is Treasurer on the Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp Board of Directors. Eric is the Senior Vice President / Senior Operational Risk and Compliance Officer for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. In his free time, Eric enjoys watching the Hawkeyes in most every sport and playing golf.

Kim and Eric enjoy traveling (especially to Luther!) and family, friends, and new places and spending time with their kids and beagles (Gus and Gabby).

Mike and Dana Ottesen
Eagan, Minn.

Dana and Mike are parents to Jane, a senior Social Work major. Jane is a member of the Social Work Association (SWA), Luther College Democrats, Concert Band, tuba and euphonium ensemble, and low brass ensemble. You can find her working in the music department where she is the low brass area assistant.

Dana received her B.A. in Business in 1992 from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN and Mike is a received both his BBA and MBA from the University of Iowa in 1991 and 1994 respectfully. They are also parents to Caroline, who is a junior in high school and Junie, who is their 8 year old mini golden doodle. They have made their home in Eagan, MN since 2003, with a brief temporary move to Warsaw Poland from 2014 – 2016.

While Dana is a stay at home parent, Mike works for 3M where he serves as Senior Vice President of People & Operations. In her free time, Dana enjoys listening to podcasts, taking Junie on walks, and appearing on the Peloton leaderboards. Mike is an avid cook when time permits and he actively follows and cheers for The University of Iowa athletic teams (Go Hawks!). Both Dana and Mike enjoy traveling together, including to Iowa football games and golfing from early spring to late fall.

Dana and Mike thoroughly look forward to opportunities to make the 2+ hour drive to visit Jane, Luther College, and the town of Decorah. They enjoy band concerts, Family Weekend, and Christmas at Luther which is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Decorah is a charming town full of beautiful vistas, plenty of outdoor activities, welcoming people, and great beer. They are looking forward to bringing friends to visit Decorah this spring.

Chad ’92 and Melissa (Bonikowske) ’93 Thomley
Verona, Wis.

Chad and Melissa (Bonikowske) Thomley are the proud parents to Luther students Anna Thomley (Class of 2023) and Allison Thomley (Class of 2025). Anna is majoring in Data Science and minoring in Spanish and Management. She is a member of the Luther College Swim and Dive team and has been captain her junior and senior years. She also plays trumpet in the Symphonic Band and Trumpet Studio. She is a member of SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) and is a student worker in the alumni office. Allison is majoring in Visual Communications and minoring in Art. She is a member of the Luther College Track and Field Team.

Chad is a Wealth Advisor for Thrivent Financial. He graduated with a B.A. from Luther College (’92) double majoring in Mathematics and Management. He has his Master of Science in Financial Services degree from The American College. Chad is an avid Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badger fan. He also sings and plays piano in a praise band at our church, Good Shepherd Lutheran in Madison, Wis.

Melissa was a high school math teacher and instructional math coach. She graduated with a B.A. from Luther College (’93) majoring in Mathematics with minors in Computer Science and German. She has a M.A. in Educational Technology from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. Melissa enjoys crafting, cooking and walking outside.

Both originally from Wisconsin, after graduation from Luther, Chad and Melissa moved to Southern California. They moved back to Madison in 2003 to raise their daughters. In their spare time they enjoy traveling and attending their daughters’ swim and track meets. They have had the opportunity to connect with parent alumni of current students and form new friendships with other parents of athletes on the swim and track teams. Although they visited Luther while living in Southern California, they appreciate the closer proximity to Decorah allowing them frequent visits for family weekend, homecoming, Christmas at Luther and band concerts.

Sarah and Loren Wiltgen
Decorah, Iowa

Sarah and Loren are parents to Christian Johnson, a senior Health Promotions major. He is a member of the Collegiate Chorale, swims and dives for Luther, and plays Ultimate Frisbee. He enjoys being active and including his friends in the fun.

Sarah is an Account Manager and Leader of the Direct Sales team with GrandPad. In her free time, she likes to listen to podcasts or audiobooks while walking the dog (Milo), do Pilates, swim with the Decorah Masters swim club, and ride horses every chance the Midwest weather permits.

Loren is an Operations Supervisor at Stanley Engineered Fastening. In his free time, he likes to listen to audiobooks, tend to his yard (or move snow), go to the gym, work on projects around the house, and watch TV with Milo on his lap to cuddle.

Sarah and Loren both enjoy spending time on the patio with friends in the summer. Christian sometimes arranges for friends to come enjoy the patio, a game of bags and grilled food for a change from campus life. They also have a daughter at home, Lauren, who will graduate from high school this year. She is still contemplating college choices but planning a career in the medical field.

Both Sarah and Loren grew up in the northeast Iowa area and, while Sarah moved away for a few years after college, they now live in Decorah. They feel fortunate to live so close to campus and be able to easily partake in the activities like Christmas at Luther, swim meets, choir concerts, and other events. If you need information about the area feel free to ask them!

Jacqueline Bonneville and Darrin Witucki
Menomonie, Wis.

Jacqueline Bonneville and Darrin Witucki are proud parents to Luther student, Carly Witucki (Class of 2024). Carly is studying music education (instrumental), plays trumpet in Concert Band, and is an Assistant Hall Director in Miller Hall.

Their family is from Menomonie, Wisconsin. Jacqueline serves as Associate Dean of Students and Darrin is the Director of the Memorial Student Center at UW-Stout. Since their life’s work has been college students, they are enjoying the college search process with Cole (high school senior) and his desire to play college tennis. They were also thrilled that Carly is currently working as an RA in Brandt Hall since Jacqueline and Darrin credit so much to their RA positions in college.

They have a very loved Goldendoodle, Brooke, and seem to spend most of their free time watching tennis and soccer, attending concerts, playing some tennis, traveling, and lots of activities involved in their work with college students and volunteering in their Menomonie community.

They have loved learning about Luther College and the private school experience. Even during these challenging years, they have all felt confident that Luther was the right place for Carly.

Sara (Baltz) ’94 and Michael (Mike) ’93 Dietz
Plainfield, Ill.

Sarah and Michael are parents to Jamison (Jami), a music education major graduating in 2024. Jami is a member of the Nordic choir, works as a writing tutor and in the music department, is a resident assistant (RA) in Ylvisaker, and participated in opera scenes. Jami likes going to sporting events and arts productions to support her friends. Sarah (’94, psychology) and Mike (’93, anthropology and biology) are both Luther grads. They have a daughter who is a senior at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., and a daughter who is a junior in high school. They live in Plainfield, Ill.

Sarah is a human resources VP. She has an MBA from Columbia College in Columbia, MO, and several designations in HR. She is an active member of our church family, volunteering mainly with music ministry. She likes to attend arts performances of all kinds, supporting our local schools and professional companies. In her free time she likes to spend time with her friends and family.

Michael is a Professor at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Ill., where he teaches courses in Anthropology, and runs an archaeology field school. He holds a MS from the University of Utah, and a PhD from the University of Missouri, both in Anthropology. He also serves as a member of the education committee for Rep. Lauren Underwood. He likes to play and watch sports, read, travel, and get back to the mountains whenever possible.

Sarah and Glenn Maston
Hudson, Mass.

Sarah and Glenn are parents to Sam, a junior Biology major. Sam is a clarinetist in the Symphony Orchestra and the Concert Band. He also does some piano accompaniment on the side. They reside in Hudson, Massachusetts, with their daughter, Abby, who is in her first year of college, two dogs, and six chickens.

Sarah is a mechanical engineer. She graduated with her BSME from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and works for Colliers Project Leaders in Boston. She is a Director in their Commissioning and Energy Systems Division. She is also a Vice-President for ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers), a professional society that focuses on building indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and carbon standards. Sarah enjoys playing soccer, snowshoeing, reading, and history.

Glenn is a senior staff scientist at Quest Diagnostics, working in the area of genetic testing. He has a B.S. in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Harvard University. Glenn enjoys baking, especially decorating cakes, and has recently taken up playing disc golf.

As a family, they enjoy hiking and sightseeing in the National Parks. They have visited Olympic NP, Yosemite NP, Sequoia NP, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons NPs, Everglades NP, Shenandoah NP, and Acadia NP, as well as many other smaller National and State Parks.

Alicia Anderson ’86 and Bob Skelly

Alicia and Bob are parents of Mara Anderson-Skelly who is a sophomore majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Identity Studies. Mara is enjoying her classes at Luther and finds her professors engaged with students and excellent educators. In fall 2021 and fall 2022, Mara works as an Intern with the Raptor Resource Project, catching and tagging birds of prey as they migrate through the area. Mara works as a Sustainability Intern, helping educate the campus community through a variety of projects like First Year Experience, Recycling, and a community conservation project. She also sings in Cathedral Choir and takes piano lessons. Mara is finding Luther to be just the right place for her on every level.

Alicia graduated from Luther (1986) and serves as campus minister at Penn State with an ELCA campus ministry. Originally from the Chicago area, she has lived in Pennsylvania for more than 25 years now. In her free time, she likes to bike, walk and train her dogs (Aspen and Lola), listen to podcasts, read biographies, and watch PBS documentaries. She enjoys knitting simple socks and hats, and baking bread.

Bob is from rural Pennsylvania and recently retired from his career as a clinical psychologist. He enjoys spending time outdoors hobby farming and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. He reads non-fiction, history and current events, enjoys biking and projects around the house.

Luther has been part of family life for many years. They regularly spend time in Decorah in the summer, biking the Trout Run Trail, enjoying pizza and ice cream, and getting together with friends. Their older daughter Jessa Anderson-Reitz and lives in St Paul. Jessa and her husband, Luke Hanson, are Luther graduates (2014) and help transport or host Mara for school breaks or trips to the airport.

Ami Berger and Brian Lindeman
St. Paul, Minn.

Ami Berger and Brian Lindeman are the parents of Noah Lindeman, a sophomore at Luther with interests in exercise science, data science, economics, intramural basketball, and hanging out with his friends. Ami and Brian live in St. Paul, Minnesota, and are thrilled to be officially part of the Luther family, as they have many family members and friends who are Luther alums. Their family also includes Noah’s younger brother Aaron, a current high-school junior, and Macy, a somewhat overweight Wheaten Terrier.

Ami is the Director of Communications at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, a private K-12 school in St. Paul, and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Jewish Community Center as the Vice President for Communications. She is a graduate of Bates College (BA ’92) and the University of Virginia (MA ’95). Brian is the Associate Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid at Macalester College, which is also his alma mater (BA ’89). Before returning to Macalester, Brian served in financial aid and admissions roles at Buena Vista College, Smith College, and Oberlin College.

Jenny Kunka
Great Falls, Mont.

Jenny is the mom of Ethan, a sophomore at Luther College. She lives in Great Falls, Montana with her husband where they are trying to get used to an empty nest and having both their sons far away in the Midwest. Buying cross country skis seems to have helped, as did a trip to Decorah in December to see Christmas at Luther!

For work, Jenny serves as the Director of the Northern Rockies Institute of Theology, a continuing education arm of the Lutheran Church, ELCA in Montana. She is also a freelance writer for various publications in the state. For fun, Jenny loves to spend time outside, walking and hiking, as well as time inside, reading and writing.

Through her experience as a parent of a Norse, Jenny has become a big fan of Luther College.

Gilbert Saldivar
Houston, Texas

Christin and Cory Stoutner

Whitehall, Wis.

Hello we are the “Stoutners”. Cory, Christin, Carli and Hannah (sophomore). We live in the small city of Whitehall, Wis. Cory teaches Special Education at the local high school and Christin manages a local insurance agency. Carli is a fourth-year student at UW-Stout, majoring in Hospitality and Tourism.

We have thoroughly been impressed with the campus and community here at Luther College. Hannah has settled in and has found her new home. Hannah is a communications major,though she is very active in the music community choir, Concert Band, and orchestra. As a family we enjoy musical theater, singing in the car, eating fabulous food but most importantly spending time together.

Cory enjoys golfing, reading a good book, and usually has a rack of ribs smoking in the smoker. Christin enjoys attending Broadway productions, volunteering in multiple organizations, and cooking alongside Cory. We are empty nesters besides the two puppies we acquired once Hannah left home. We were always present in our girls’ high school careers and with Hannah’s permission we are happy to continue to serve with the Parents and Family Council here at Luther College.

Chad ’92 and Melissa (Bonikowske) ’93 Thomley
Verona, Wis.

Chad and Melissa (Bonikowske) Thomley are the proud parents to Luther students Anna Thomley (Class of 2023) and Allison Thomley (Class of 2025). Anna is majoring in Data Science and minoring in Spanish and Management. She is a member of the Luther College Swim and Dive team and has been captain her junior and senior years. She also plays trumpet in the Symphonic Band and Trumpet Studio. She is a member of SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) and is a student worker in the alumni office. Allison is majoring in Visual Communications and minoring in Art. She is a member of the Luther College Track and Field Team.

Chad is a Wealth Advisor for Thrivent Financial. He graduated with a B.A. from Luther College (’92) double majoring in Mathematics and Management. He has his Master of Science in Financial Services degree from The American College. Chad is an avid Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badger fan. He also sings and plays piano in a praise band at our church, Good Shepherd Lutheran in Madison, Wis.

Melissa was a high school math teacher and instructional math coach. She graduated with a B.A. from Luther College (’93) majoring in Mathematics with minors in Computer Science and German. She has a M.A. in Educational Technology from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. Melissa enjoys crafting, cooking and walking outside.

Both originally from Wisconsin, after graduation from Luther, Chad and Melissa moved to Southern California. They moved back to Madison in 2003 to raise their daughters. In their spare time they enjoy traveling and attending their daughters’ swim and track meets. They have had the opportunity to connect with parent alumni of current students and form new friendships with other parents of athletes on the swim and track teams. Although they visited Luther while living in Southern California, they appreciate the closer proximity to Decorah allowing them frequent visits for family weekend, homecoming, Christmas at Luther and band concerts.

Karin Trail-Johnson
St. Paul, Minn.

Karin Trail-Johnson is a parent to Elise, a Luther sophomore. On a recent visit to campus it was exciting to see how Elise is fully immersing herself in the small liberal arts college experience and also connecting with the dynamic town of Decorah. She has found faculty eager to engage with students, made friends from places near and far, enjoys her student employment job and choir as well as other co-curriculars. Decorah has become a second home with a welcoming downtown, events and places to experience the beauty of the natural world.

Karin has worked as a higher education administrator for over 30 years and has a deep commitment to the transformative influence small liberal arts colleges can have on students and communities. Thankfully, Luther is a place that nurtures a holistic, student-centered approach to learning.

Karin would love to talk with others interested in supporting students in thriving and building a sense of belonging to the Luther community for students and parents. Besides working in higher education, personally, Elise is her third child to attend college so the transitions towards empty nesting is also a welcome conversation! Karin and her husband, Doug, live in St. Paul Minnesota.

Julie and Tim Halverson
Oak Creek, Wis.

Julie and Tim Halverson are the parents of Colin, a first-year student enrolled in the Nursing program at Luther. Colin is a diver for the Luther Swimming and Diving team and looks forward to getting involved in several of the clubs and student organizations that Luther offers. Julie and Tim live in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, along with Colin’s younger brother, Kai, and their overly energetic orange tabby cat, Henry.

Julie works as an Immigration Paralegal for Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and has been working in the field of immigration for over 20 years. She enjoys cheering on her boys in all of their athletic and musical pursuits, working out, volunteering, and watching mindless reality shows. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (’97).

Tim works as a Senior Regional Director for Russell Investments and has been in the financial services industry for 25 years. He is a graduate of Coker University (’97) and currently serves on its Board of Trustees. Tim also loves watching his sons participate in their activities and is an avid golfer, reader, and a lifelong Milwaukee Bucks fan.

The Halversons’ first love is traveling as a family, and their favorite destinations include Mexican beaches and the southwestern U.S. They also enjoy hiking, attending local sporting events together, and participating in extremely competitive miniature golf and UNO games.

Julie and Tim are excited to be part of the Luther family and fell in love with the campus on their first visit. They look forward to participating in campus events, cheering on the Norse athletic teams, and exploring the natural beauty of Decorah as much as possible. As active parents in their local school district, Julie and Tim are happy to have this opportunity to continue to be involved at the collegiate level.

Betsy and Steve McElroy
Carmichael, Calif.

Betsy and Steve are the parents of Evan, a first-year student at Luther. Evan is currently undecided about majors but is interested in political science and social justice. Evan runs on the Cross Country team and is looking forward to becoming more involved in the musical opportunities Luther offers. Betsy and Steve live in Sacramento with their younger son, Kyle.

Betsy is currently in her final year at Church Divinity School of the Pacific, an Episcopal Seminary located in Berkely Calif. Steve is the Chief of Neonatology at the University of California, Davis Children’s Hospital and runs a biomedical research laboratory studying injury and repair of the premature intestine. One of our greatest joys is watching our kids in their various athletic and musical activities. The McElroys love traveling together and finding new places to explore, especially while wearing hiking boots!

We were first introduced to Luther through the Dorian Summer Festivals. Evan was drawn to Luther through the emphasis on the student experience, community, and the opportunity to explore multiple interests. Despite living many miles away, we are confident that Evan has the support to thrive in college and we are thrilled to be part of the Luther family. We look forward to participating in the Parents and Family Council.

Kristine Rellihan
Asbury, Iowa

Kristine’s son, Caleb Christiansen, is a first-year student majoring in Biology. Caleb is also a member of the percussion ensemble and orchestra at Luther. Caleb spent the last 13 years playing soccer, but recently hung up his cleats to focus on academics and music. He is looking forward to the Rochester semester and going on to Mayo Clinic for graduate school in Cytology.

Kristine graduated from Winona State University (’99) and has been working in Marketing for over 20 years. She is currently a Marketing Manager for Dupaco Community Credit Union. Kristine, and Caleb’s younger brother Garren, live in Dubuque, IA. Kristine, Caleb and Garren spend as much time outdoors as they can – hiking, kayaking, white water rafting and mountain biking. Vacations each year include all of the above at various National Parks in the U.S. Kristine enjoys volunteering for non-profits in the Dubuque area.

Kristine has always loved the Decorah area and is thrilled that Caleb chose Luther for his next big step in life. The staff and students made this an easy decision for them both.

Andrea and Jay Schwake
Solon, Iowa

Dustin ’98 and Sarah ’98 Smith
Grinnell, Iowa

Dustin and Sarah Smith are the parents of Alex Smith who is undecided on his major with an interest in sports management. Alex was a four sport athlete in high school but he has always loved baseball above other sports and was excited to join the Luther baseball team. Dustin and Sarah are excited for Alex to be at Luther where he will be embedded in a liberal arts education and participate in a competitive athletic program.

Dustin and Sarah (Pohlson) both graduated from Luther College in 1998. They met while washing dishes at Peace Dining Room and loved their experience both on campus and in Decorah. At Luther, Dustin was on the baseball team and Sarah was on the swim team and participated in choir.

Dustin and Sarah also have a younger daughter Josie who is a 10th grader at Grinnell High School. Josie states she won’t join her brother at Luther, but she wears lots of Luther gear and loves her brother so there’s still hope.

Dustin is an independent Financial Advisor with Cirks FInancial Services. Outside of work hours he serves on the Board of Education for Grinnell Newburg School District as Vice President. Dustin is also Vice Chair for the Hotel Motel Tax committee for the City of Grinnell. Dustin enjoys watching sports of all kinds, but particularly enjoys watching his kids compete on the baseball and softball fields, in the swimming pool, and on the soccer field.

Sarah is the Director of Outreach Programming and Events at Grinnell College. She focuses on events and programs that connect campus and community and showcase Grinnell as a thriving, vibrant community. She is also active in community service by serving on the UnityPoint Health-Grinnell Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, coaches high school girls swimming and diving, and is running for the Iowa House.

Diana Trejo
Whittier, Calif.

I’m the parent of Abraham Galicia, a first-year student at Luther, majoring in Data Science. Abraham is one of the 174 lb. wrestlers for Luther. Abraham and I are from Whittier, Calif.

I’m the president of a trucking company in Southern California, where I manage the company’s overall operations. I have always been involved and love to volunteer for any of my children’s school activities when able to. However, my favorite volunteering is helping the wrestling team. We are a wrestling household!

Current fun activities are planning monthly trips to Decorah to visit Abraham. I also love to visit different states which I tend to do when traveling with my boys for wrestling tournaments.