Rev. Krysta Deede, Lead Pastor
(she/her/hers)
pastor@onalaskaumc.org
608-783-3380 x22
Pastor Krysta Deede was appointed to Onalaska UMC in July 2022.
Her passions in ministry are missional outreach, children, youth and families, and assuring ALL people of their sacred worth and place at God’s
table. She enjoys preaching, creating community partnerships, and nurturing faith.
Pastor Krysta formerly served at First UMC – Tomah and Cargill UMC – Janesville in Wisconsin. While in
seminary at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, she was on staff as the Director of Youth
Ministries at her home church, Emmanuel Community UMC – Menomonee Falls. Before being called
into ministry, Krysta worked as the Corporate Administrator for her family’s manufacturing business and
co-owned a multi-site gift shop with her mother. Her undergraduate degrees are in Business
Administration and Communication.
Pastor Krysta’s family includes her mom, Claudia, a retired UMC pastor; son, Jevon, daughter-in-love,
Callie and world changing 1.5 year old granddaughter, Lynley. Her brother and his family plus two dogs
and one cat round out her family. In her spare time, Krysta enjoys reading, watching sports, and
traveling the world.
Zoe de Boer, Director of Youth & Music
youth@onalaskaumc.org
608-783-3380 x23 
Zoe has been an active member of Onalaska UMC since she was in elementary school, with her involvement ranging from the chancel choir, to youth programs, to mission trips, to volunteering at community dinners. In spring of 2020, Zoe stepped into the role of Praise & Worship Director to help navigate the music programs in the midst of the pandemic. As the months went by, she realized that OUMC was her home, and took on the role of Youth Director in January of 2022!
Zoe graduated from Viterbo University with her undergrad in Religious Studies & Theology, and is currently a grad student in Viterbo’s Masters of Servant Leadership. Zoe lives in Onalaska with her partner, Ben. In her free time, she is an avid reader and crafter, she loves hanging out with her cats, family, and friends.
Jessica Gobel, Director of Children’s Ministry
kidmin@onalaskaumc.org
608-783-3380 x25
Jessica Gobel’s ministry at OUMC began several years ago as a volunteer for Vacation Bible School and Children’s Ministry. This evolved into the position of Director of Children’s Ministry and she officially joined the OUMC staff in June of 2012. Jessica plans and oversees programming for ages preschool through fifth grade. This includes Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and a children’s chimes choir. She enjoys getting to know the families as well as the many volunteers that make up Children’s Ministry. Jessica is also one of the Lay Members to Annual Conference. She and her husband, Matt, and their children, Katelin, Amy, and John have been part of OUMC since 2003.
Gretchen Massenburg, Office Administrator
office@onalaskaumc.org
608-783-3380 x10
Gretchen came on board in February of 2023. She has extensive church office experience from having been the office manager for six different area churches over the years.
Rev. Bruce Bartel, Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Bruce Bartel has served as Pastor Emeritus at OUMC since 2009. He served as Senior Pastor at OUMC from 1994 until his retirement in June, 2005. As pastor emeritus, Bruce preaches once a month and offers his gift of teaching. He and his wife, Kathy, have three adult children and enjoy their role as grandparents.
Dean Gunnarson, Music Director
Sandy Koster, Accompanist
Sandy Koster has been the organist and musical accompanist at OUMC since 2003 and substituted in the same position for three years prior. Sandy plays piano with the Praise worship team and sings with the Joyful Noise group. She plays for many special worship services in addition to weddings and funerals. Sandy was a chemistry professor at UW-La Crosse until her retirement. She and her husband, David, have three adult children.