Meet our Staff
Rev. D.J. Chatelaine, Pastor
Hello, and welcome to First Lutheran Church! My name is D.J. Chatelaine, and I serve as Pastor here. I was called to First Lutheran in August 2024, and have enjoyed getting to know folks in the community. I grew up in Owatonna, went to Duke University in Durham, North Carolina for college, then moved back to Minnesota where I worked in children and youth ministry for a handful of years. I graduated from Luther Seminary in 2024. I am married to Carrie (who is also a pastor) and we have a daughter named Asha. Our dog, Suki, and cat, Dani Rojas, keep things interesting in our home. Some of my passions and hobbies include music, spending time outside, cheering for MN sports teams, history, and getting lost in a good story. I believe God's love is for everyone and that we are called to reflect that love in our everyday lives. I want you to know that you are welcome here and that you are loved for simply being the person God has created you to be. Contact me if you'd like to connect more about life and faith, set up a conversation, or just say hi!
Annette Thunhorst, Administrator
My family and I have attended worship at First Lutheran since 1976. I joined the music staff shortly thereafter and continued to serve in various capacities throughout the years. I have been an Administrative Assistant since 2019. I like keeping busy — there are always new things to learn every day. Some of my Happy Favorites besides formatting & piano are: reading, sudoku, ‘Castle’ and ‘Twilight Zone’ reruns. I am fascinated by angels, butterflies, hummingbirds, dragonflies, and bats too. I also love puppies, but don’t have one.
Bryana Lothert, EdYou Coordinator
Greetings! I was hired as Youth Director in 2023, and have been enjoying every minute of it! I spent 10 years as a dental hygienist until I decided to open an in-home childcare in January 2023. My husband Brent and I have two daughters and enjoy the excitement, love, and challenges they bring. I am grateful for this opportunity, to build relationships, and support our children during their walk with Christ, regardless of where they are in their journey. I enjoy learning alongside the kids of our church, offering a listening ear, sharing lessons learned, and giving encouragement along the way. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, weekends at the cabin and reading! My favorite bible verse is: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” ~ Psalm 23:6
Yvonne Godfrey-Roesel, Intern Pastor
I’m Vicar/Intern Yvonne Godfrey-Roesel, a student at Luther Seminary doing my “student pastoring” year here with the Kenyon Area Internship Program (nine congregations in Kenyon, Dennison, Nerstrand, Wanamingo, and West Concord). Here at First, I’m blessed to be working with the young adults in our confirmation class and happy to have an office right in the heart of my territory. Our Lutheran heritage of historical liturgy and hymnody are near to my heart, so connecting our roots to the lives we are living today means a lot to me. I hope that all who visit First Lutheran find open arms, kind smiles, and caring folks, regardless of the things that divide us. Take some time to look at the stained glass and the architecture, ask questions, and leave with the assurance of your belovedness as a child of God.
I enjoy drinking coffee, reading historical fiction and realistic fantasy, finding the witty moments in period dramas (think Downton Abbey), tending my houseplants, curling up with my two feline fur balls, and exploring with my spouse, Tom.
My favorite cookie is a chocolate chip cookie a “Mrs. S” made when I was in high school; I’ve been trying to figure out her recipe for years, but haven’t gotten there yet and the one her family gave me wasn’t the one. If I ever interrogate you about your chocolate chip recipe, it probably means you’ve gotten close!