LCC Chainsaw LERT Teams Help Residents in Mountain, Wisconsin with Tornado Recovery

Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Pastor Andy Weden, North Wisconsin District Disaster Response Coordinator and Pastor Paul Scheunemann from Tabor Lutheran Church in Mountain, Wisconsin to deploy chainsaw Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) and much needed heavy equipment to help the residents with tornado recovery. Mountain is a small rural town of approximately 850 people located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin. 
 
Lutheran Church Charites LERT team members deployed August 22 through August 25 with chainsaw operators, draggers and heavy equipment, such as the boom lift, bobcats and tractors with grapples. Thirty-six LERT team members were able to complete work for 23 elderly or disabled congregation and community members that had multiple trees down or damaged surrounding their homes.

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Several LERT team members spent three days cutting and removing about 50 fallen or damaged trees that completely covered the yard of a congregation member’s home, as well as removing dangerous leaning and dangling limbs. He told the team tearfully that he was truly amazed with all that had been done and was thankful that we were willing to help him. He said that it was a pleasure to watch the team members work so hard with joy, laughter and comradery for many long hours. He felt truly blessed.

A woman called Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, after receiving the phone number from one of our teams working in the area. The woman’s elderly mother had a tree on her roof and needed help to have it removed. Within an hour, we had a team begin working at the home. The next day, the daughter sent a message of thanks to Kathy for all who responded.

Another team worked for two days on a congregation member’s home that had many downed trees and several dangerous limbs hanging horizontally in his yard. He never thought all of the yard would be cleared and made safe again in such a caring and professional manner.

“I just want to thank you for adding us to your busy schedule for the tree removal on my mother’s home. Words can’t express how grateful we are the tree is off the roof. Your crew did an excellent job! You are all truly angels doing God’s work on earth and are all shining examples of how we should live our lives. Thank you all so much again!”

On Sunday, August 25, Rev. Dwayne Lueck, North Wisconsin District President traveled to Tabor Lutheran Church in Mountain. He visited the LCC LERT teams work sites with Kathy O’Day and personally thanked each team member for their willingness to serve in their district and to let them know what a blessing they are for what they do. It was very special that he took the time to come and express his appreciation to all.

The following LERT teams from several districts were represented:

Northern Illinois District

Immanuel, Belvidere
Bob Schwarzkopf
 
Immanuel, DeKalb
Pete Springmire
 
Lord of Life, Elburn
Matt Byars, Ken Johnston, Kevin Krage, Terry and Mary Kramer, Chris Lewis, Larry  Zagorski
 
Shepherd of the Hills, McHenry
Alan Holm, Erica Jackson
 
St. John, Lena
Stuart Luedtke
 
St. John, Wheaton
Steve Chester, Palmer and Judy Goodwin, Marty Johnson, Anna Piro, Tom Prickette, Ken Rosenwinkel, Rich Wren
 
St. Paul, Rockford
Dean and Carol Ulrich
 
St. Peter, Schaumburg
Tom Amundsen
 
Trinity, Lisle
Ed and Jan Boerman, Mike Kostecki,
Barb Lehl
 
Trinity Roselle
Kristin Bilar

Central Illinois District
 
Heartland, Normal
Tony Buchberger
 
Immanuel, Shobonier
Fran Collier
 
Indiana District
 
St. John, Dillsboro
Steve Black
 
North Wisconsin District
 
Peace Lutheran Campus Center, Stevens Point
Pastor Andy Weden, LCMS North WI DDRC
 
South Wisconsin District
 
St. Paul, Grafton
Mark and Beverly Bruggeman

LCC LERT teams continue to make a difference by showing those affected by disasters LCC’s mission to share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need as we serve in this community.
 
LCC never goes where we are not invited. We NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We put boots on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.

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