Serving in Christ's Love and Sharing the Good News

Our Staff

The pastors at Trinity Lutheran believe the church is a faith community that excels in bringing the good news of God's unconditional love alive in people's lives.

Pastor Peter Bredlau

Pastor Peter Bredlau was raised in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. After graduation Pastor Peter moved to the east coast and attended the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. In the east Peter served a Lutheran camp, a Lutheran college, and two Lutheran congregations.

He returned to Wisconsin to be Lead Pastor at Trinity. Pastor Peter has gifts for preaching, teaching, strategic planning, and vocational discernment.

Contact Peter Bredlau, Lead Pastor
Phone Extension 216

Pastor Dave Whelan

Pastor Dave Whelan was born and raised in Mondovi and currently lives in Menomonie with his wife, Amy. Dave and Amy have two sons, Sean (Krista) and Mark (Lori), and eight grandchildren.

Dave served as a pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie for seventeen years. Since his retirement in 2013, Dave has worked as a Bridge Pastor at several area churches. Prior to earning a Master of Divinity degree, Dave practiced general law with Whelan, Morey and Ricci. He was Family Court Commissioner in Buffalo County and City Attorney in Mondovi. Dave piloted a US Navy helicopter from 1965–1970. Dave was Vice President of the Northwest Synod of WI from 1987–1992 and currently serves as chaplain for the Menomonie Police Department, and a team member of “CVSS” which provides critical incident stress debriefings for law enforcement and emergency services personnel.

Contact Dave Whelan, Bridge Pastor
Phone Extension 217

Pastor Sarah Semmler Smith

Pastor Sarah is originally from New London, MN and was new to the Trinity staff in 2013. After graduating from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, she completed studies at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and served as pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Stanley, WI. Pastor Sarah is energized by helping others see God at work in their lives and nurturing the development of faith in children, youth and families.

Contact Sarah Semmler Smith, Pastor
Phone Extension 215

Pastor Brahm Semmler Smith

Pastor Brahm is originally from Whitewater, WI. He graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He served as pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cornell, WI before coming to Trinity in 2013. Pastor Brahm enjoys forming life-giving relationships in faith communities and working with youth.