— MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF GRACE
The History of Crown of Life Lutheran
From a few acres of land to a thriving church and school, God has faithfully led Crown of Life Lutheran Church and School through every season. Here are some of the milestones along the way.
August 18, 1971
A place to begin - Six acres of land were purchased at the corner of Hubertus Road and Tally Ho Trail — the future home of Crown of Life.
1973
Ground broken, first pastor called - Ground was broken on July 22, and on August 5, Pastor Paul Pankow was installed as our first resident pastor. Construction of the church began that October.
December 1, 1974
Our church is dedicated -The new church was dedicated to the glory of God, with a community open house welcoming neighbors on dedication Sunday. A day school was provided at Peace, Hartford, for those families who were interested.
April 1975
Joining the KML Federation - Crown of Life joined the Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School Federation, expanding Christian education opportunities for our families.
August 28, 1978
Our school opens its doors - Crown of Life Lutheran School opened with 30 children enrolled — the beginning of a ministry that continues to grow today.
August 1995
A new K4 program - The school launched a new K4 program, welcoming some of our youngest learners into the Crown of Life family.
1996
The Senior Vicar Program begins - The congregation established a Senior Vicar Program, welcoming its first senior seminary student that September to assist our pastor in ministry.
2000 - 2001
A new education & fellowship facility - Ground was broken in July 2000 for a new facility, and a K3 program launched that fall. The building — classrooms, a gymnasium and fellowship hall, and an enlarged narthex — was completed in May 2001.
June 2004
The first Pig Roast - Our first Pig Roast was held as a community outreach — an opportunity to build friendships with neighbors and share the good news of Jesus.
April 29, 2012
Breaking ground on a major expansion - Ground was broken for a significant expansion project to serve our growing congregation.
May 12, 2013
Our new sanctuary is dedicated - A joyful dedication service was held for our new sanctuary — a beautiful space to gather around Word and Sacrament.
2020
Celebrating 50 years - Crown of Life marked its 50th anniversary with a series of special services. Though the COVID-19 pandemic scaled back some plans, the year was a time of thanksgiving for God's faithfulness.
Senior Vicars Who Have Served
Since 1996, seminary students have gained hands-on ministry experience serving alongside our pastors.
Seminarian Michael Helwig (Sep 1996 – May 1997)
Seminarian Daniel Heiderick (Sep 1997 – May 1998)
Seminarian Matthew Kuske (Sep 1998 – May 1999)
Seminarian Anthony Fix (Sep 1999 – May 2000)
Seminarian William Ritchie (Sep 2000 – May 2001)
Seminarian Christian Christenson (Sep 2001 – May 2002)
Seminarian William Cornelius (Sep 2002 – May 2003)
Seminarian Peter Sulzle (Sep 2003 – May 2004)
Seminarian James Hoogervorst (Sep 2004 – May 2005)
Seminarian Timothy Berg (Sep 2005 – May 2006)
Seminarian Brad Krause (Sep 2006 – May 2007)
Seminarian Zach Gerbert (Sep 2011 – May 2012)
Seminarian Jeffrey Grundmeier (Sep 2012 – May 2013)
Seminarian Jeremy Wosje (Sep 2013 – May 2014)
Seminarian Ben Zuberbier (Sep 2014 – May 2015)
Seminarian Greg Sitzman (Sep 2015 – May 2016)
Seminarian Christian Marquardt (Sep 2016 – May 2017)
Seminarian Jacob Brohn (Sep 2019 – May 2020)
Seminarian M. Andrew Dey (Sep 2020 – May 2021)
Seminarian Anthony Pflughoeft (Sep 2021 – May 2022)
Seminarian Samuel Helwig (Sep 2022 – May 2023)
Pastors Who Have Served
We give thanks for the faithful shepherds who have preached God's Word and cared for our congregation through the years.
Pastor Ralph Martens - interim pastor (Dec 1969 - Aug 1970)
Pastor John Raabe - interim pastor (Aug 1970 - Aug 1973)
Pastor Paul Pankow - senior pastor (Aug 1973 - April 1985)
Prof. Wayne Mueller - vacancy pastor (Apr 22 -Jun 1985)
Pastor John Schneidervin - senior pastor (Jun 1985 - Jul 2003)
Pastor Michael Helwig - senior pastor (Sep 2003 - Jun 2018)
Pastor John Mattek - associate pastor (Jul 2007 -Nov 2009)
Pastor Johnold Strey - associate pastor (Sep 2016 - Jun 2018) / senior pastor (Jul 2018 - present)
Pastor Jordan Massiah - associate pastor (July 2025 - present)