Our Pastor

Pastor Dan Hermanson - Interim Pastor

I've served the church as a pastor for 28 years.   I've had three settled calls and five interims. I enjoy teaching, preaching, pastoral care, ministering in times of crisis and working with the youth, as well as helping congregations navigate the call process.  My wife Sharon and I live in Buffalo, MN.  We have seven children and five grandchildren.  I enjoy spending time with my family, riding motorcycle, hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and building houses.  I look forward to serving as Trinity's interim pastor and getting acquainted with the community of Spooner.

Church Staff

Julie Rankila - Office Manager

Julie joined Trinity's staff as the Office Manager in 1999.  She was previously employed by a local law firm and Honeywell, Inc.  She and her husband David have two grown children and enjoy traveling, fishing/hunting, playing cards and reading.  Julie enjoys working with the youth, planning mission trips, and office ministry.  So stop in the office and say "Hi", as her door is always open to you!

Krista Lyons-Hartwig - Bookkeeper

Krista has been a member of Trinity since 2011.  She is currently employed by the City of Spooner as the City Treasurer.  She and her husband, Paul, live in Trego with their son, Jake.  Her daughter, Katherine, has been on multiple youth mission trips during her high school years thanks to the generous support at Trinity.  Krista enjoys spending her free time with her family doing many outdoor activities and going to sporting events.  

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Tamara Smith - Choir Director

Tamara is a life-long Lutheran and received her B.M.E. - Instrumental from UW-Eau Claire, with many many years experience as Choir Director and Choir Accompanist.  She has assisted in the church's ministry since 1972 in several capacities.  Most recently, Tamara served as Minister of Music at Bethel Lutheran Church (Aurora, Colorado) for sixteen years before returning to her native Shell Lake where she served as Music Director and Coordinator of Lay Ministries at Salem Lutheran Church until 2013. 

Gary Frederickson - Janitor/Custodian

Gary lives in Sarona, is married with 3 children and 2 grandchildren.  Gary has been a custodian at the Shell Lake School for 22 years. He has owned and operated his own commercial cleaning business for 23 years, serving customers from Trego to Cameron. He now looks forward to serving the Trinity Lutheran congregation.