Overseers (Pastors)
Luke Geraty (Teaching, Preaching, Community Groups / Overseer) – Luke is our resident self-professing book collector. He considers himself a “church junkie,” having grown up in churches across the US, and will serve wherever he’s needed (or so he says!). If you have questions, he might have answers, but he’s been known to respond to questions with other questions. Luke is married to his college sweetheart – Dawn, and together they have three beautiful daughters (Allana, Mikenna, & Sadie)… oh, and a dog, Jack.
Academically, Luke holds a Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.). He plans on continuing his education with post-graduate studies in the near future. Luke has traveled in every state of the U.S. (mostly for ministry purposes) and has also done ministry in Europe and Nepal. Luke is a regular speaker at conferences and other training opportunities. You may have heard a silly rumor that he was a Christian rapper, but this cannot be proven (or can it?). While in Europe, Luke fell deeply in love with espresso, and has been sipping coffee drinks ever since.
John Ciolkosz (Creative Arts / Overseer) – John is passionate about God and passionate about people! After spending a number of years on the road running concrete plants, John now spends the majority of his time working with people and helping his wife Lana with their business and raising their three children (Elena, Jacob, & Anna). John’s heart for Jesus is obvious to everyone he comes in contact with and he’s constantly challenging people to pursue the Lord and to grow. His focus within our community groups ministry is discipleship and other facets of spiritual growth.
Mike Wirtala (Helps Ministries / Overseers) – Mike oversees basically everything connected to our helps ministries (you name it, he does it). If you need help with anything involving manual labor, Mike’s got connections! After growing up in the Withee area, Mike headed off to the University of Wisconsin, Superior and graduated with a B.S. in Education (P.E. Major, Health Minor). Mike wrestled and played football while dating his childhood sweetheart, whom he later went on to marry – Linda.
Mike worked on the road for a number of years before becoming the co-owner of Trophy Trailers in Stanley, WI. He has four grown children (2 sons, 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-laws, & 1 daughter-in-law) along with five grandchildren. Mike’s goals are to be a better husband, father, and brother as well as to leave behind a good inheritance and fond memories and to be in heaven! He also desires to be a useful Christian as well as a benefit to God and his fellow man.
Don Hakes (Outreach Ministries / Overseer) – Born in Stanley, WI, Don attended Chippewa Valley Technical College and has two agricultural degrees which has probably helped him as a farmer. He is married to Linda Hakes and together they have three sons, two daughter-in-laws, and two grandsons. During the Vietnam conflict, Don served in the United States Army and he’s also had the opportunity to travel to Niagara Falls, Yellowstone, and San Francisco!
Don came to TCF due to the leading of the Lord and with a desire to worship Jesus more. Don currently oversees the outreach ministries of TCF, including missions.
