Principal Peter Buege

  • Education:

    Bachelor of Science in Education from Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN

    Ministry Experience:

    Good Shepherd, Burnsville, MN

    Zion, Torrance, CA

    King of Kings, Garden Grove, CA

    First German Lutheran School, Manitowoc, WI

  • View Mr. Buege's Wishlist here.

  • pbuege@firstgerman.org

    principalteam@firstgerman.org

    (920) 682-7021 Ext. 101

Grades 5-8

Vice Principal Philip Miller

  • Education:

    Bachelor of Science in Education from Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN

    Ministry Experience:

    St. John's, Fox Lake, WI

    Mt. Lebenon, Milwaukee, WI

    St. Paul's, Rapid City, SD

    First German Lutheran School, Manitowoc, WI

  • View Mr. Miller's Wishlist here.

  • pmiller@firstgerman.org

    (920) 682-7021 Ext. 108

Grades 5-8 | Athletic Director

Emma Tesch

  • Education:

    Bachelor of Science in Education from Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN

    Double Major: Elementary Education and Secondary Communication Arts and Literature

    Ministry Experience:

    Dorm supervisor and English teacher at Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, WI

    First German Lutheran School, Manitowoc, WI

  • View Mrs. Tesch's Wishlist here.

    View Spelling lists and games here.

  • etesch@firstgerman.org

    (920) 682-7021 Ext. 106

Grades 5-8 | Technology Director

Karen Wordell

  • Education:

    Bachelor of Science in Education from Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN

    Ministry Experience:

    First German Lutheran, Manitowoc, WI

  • View Miss Wordell's Wishlist here.

  • kwordell@firstgerman.org

    (920) 682-7021 Ext. 107

Grades 3-4

Jen Knutson

  • Education:

    Bachelor of Arts Degree from Albion College

    Major: Music Education Grades K - 12

    Ministry Experience:

    Assistant Conductor of Albion College Symphony

    Music throughout the Manitowoc Public School System

    Private violin and piano lessons

    First German Lutheran School

    Manitowoc, WI

  • View Mrs. Knutson’s Wishlist here.

  • jknutson@firstgerman.org

    (920) 682-7021 Ext.

School Music Teacher & Coordinator | Grade 3

MacCartney Durkee

  • My name is MacCartney Durkee. I grew up in Green Bay. My parents, three brothers, sister-in-law, nieces, and nephew all live in Green Bay. I attended grade school at St. Paul’s and high school at Fox Valley Lutheran. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in physical education at MLC. I met my husband, Paul, while I was there. I taught 5th-6th grades and was an athletic director for three years. I took a break from teaching and was an assistant store manager at Kohl’s for four years. In January, my husband and I had a son, William. He is a joy. In my free time, I love to play volleyball. Paul and I love to go thrifting together. We have two dogs, Daisy and Bear, and two cats, Floyd and Piper. 

    I am excited to serve at First German and teach Jesus’ precious lambs.

  • View Mrs. Durkee's Classroom Wishlist here.

  • mdurkee@firstgerman.org

    (920) 682-7021

Grade 2

Karen Mendoza

Grade 1

  • I was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. I attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School from 2012- 2016. I am a 2020 graduate of Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education. 

    While attending MLC, I worked at McDonald's. After graduating, the Lord had me stay to continue serving the New Ulm community the freshest fries you could ever ask for (ask any of the MLC students). Last July, I moved to Manitowoc, WI. After moving here, I was hired as a Floater Teacher at Headstart. As much as I loved working with these young children, something was missing: sharing God's love and promises. 

    Earlier this year, God guided me, and I reached out to Immanuel's pastor, Matt Zimpelmann, who was able to help me get on the call list. In March, I was blessed to receive my first call to teach 1 st grade here at First German. I cannot express enough how blessed and excited I am to be here and for this new journey!

    Hobbies: spending time with family and friends, traveling, listening to music, sea glass hunting, cuddling with my cat and reading.

    Fun Fact: My first language is technically Spanish.

  • View Miss Mendoza's Wishlist here.

  • cungemach@firstgerman.org

    (920) 682-7021 Ext. 102

Abigail Kesting

  • View Miss Kesting's Wishlist here.

  • akesting@firstgerman.org

    (920) 682-7021 Ext. 102

Kindergarten

Kristen Buege

  • View Mrs. Buege’s Wishlist here.

  • krisbuege@firstgerman.org

    (920) 682-7021 Ext. 104

3K & 4K Preschool | Early Childhood Director

Learn more about Preschool

Lacey Schneider

  • Education:

    Bachelor of Science in Education

    UW--Oshkosh

    Dual licensure in regular education and special education

    Teaching Experience:

    Special Eduction Teacher and Traditional Classroom Teacher in Appleton Area School District

    Appleton, WI

    Traditional Classroom Teacher in Two Rivers Public School District

    Two Rivers, WI

  • View Mrs. Schneider’s Wishlist here.

  • lschneider@firstgerman.org

    (920) 682-7021 Ext.

Special Education Teacher and Coordinator

Meet our Helpers

  • Kristine Krueger

    Before & After Care

  • Hannah Webster

    Preschool Aide

  • Heidi Reis

    Preschool Aide

  • Brooke Weidmayer

    Kindergarten Aide

  • Pang Pappathopoulos

    2nd Grade Aide

  • Amy Bartz

    3/4th Grade Aide

  • Marlene Pleuss

    Upper Grade Aide and 1:1 Tutoring

  • Sara Schaller

    Algebra 1 Teacher