Meet the Staff

  • Pastor Kurt Jensen

    Lead Pastor

    Kurt Jensen serves as Lead Pastor at Immanuel. He grew up in Iowa and attended Luther College in Decorah and Luther Seminary in St. Paul. He recently completed a Doctor of Ministry degree through Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. Before coming to Immanuel, Pastor Kurt served two churches in Michigan, where he met his wife Sarah. Sarah is a secretary at Roland-Story High School. They have two kids, Cassidy and Travis. Pastor Kurt and his family came to Story City in 2011. Kurt served as Associate Pastor with Senior Pastor Stephen Anenson until Pastor Anenson's retirement in October 2016. In 2018, the congregation voted to make Pastor Kurt Immanuel's Lead Pastor and begin searching for a new Associate Pastor. Email Pastor Kurt

  • Pastor Andrew Potratz

    Associate Pastor

    Andrew Potratz serves as Associate Pastor at Immanuel.  Andrew grew up in Northeast Iowa and attended Wartburg College in Waverly and has his Masters of Divinity from The Master’s Institute Seminary in St. Paul, MN.  He also has a Youth and Family Ministry Certificate from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque. Prior to coming to Immanuel, Andrew served churches in various roles in Kentucky and Altoona, IA. Andrew also spent about five years and various summers service at Riverside Bible Camp. Andrew has a passion for Worship through music, dreaming, and seeing people of all ages experience the love and peace that the Holy Spirit brings! Andrew’s wife, Allison is currently at Immanuel as well (see below)! Andrew and Allison have three kids, and as a family they love traveling, exploring coffee and ice cream shops, playing music, and discovering all that God has created us to be! Email Pastor Andrew

  • Allison Potratz

    Pastoral Intern

    Allison Potratz serves as the Pastoral Intern at Immanuel.  She grew up in Iowa and attended Wartburg College in Waverly where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.  She currently attends seminary at The Master’s Institute in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and plans to graduate in 2022.  Before coming to Immanuel, Allison served in various churches as a Children’s Ministry leader.  Allison is married to Andrew Potratz, Immanuel’s Associate Pastor, and together they have three kids: Josiah, Annabelle and Samuel.  Allison and Andrew came to Immanuel in 2018 but have many past connections with Story City and Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp. Email Allison

  • Milianna Carlson

    Church Office Secretary

    Milianna is a Story City native, and graduated from UNI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and a minor in Business Concepts. She teaches piano lessons, and serves as choir accompanist at Grace United Methodist Church. She accompanies school and community concerts and musical productions. During Scandinavian Days, she acts as lead pianist for Judge Story's annual musical. Milianna enjoys living life in Story City with her five furry four-legged companions. Email Milianna

  • Kelly Dahl

    Senior Choir Director

    Kelly Dahl serves as the Senior Choir director at Immanuel. She grew up in Eastern Iowa and graduated from Luther College with a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts and Nursing. She also completed a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education through Allen College. Kelly is married to Chris, and together they have three children: Joshua, Isaac, and Eli. In addition to caring for her three children, she works PRN (per diem) as a nurse at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ambulatory Care and volunteers at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp where her family resides. Kelly is also passionate about small group ministry and has led as a small group coordinator at Immanuel.



  • Jeff Baker

    Custodian

    Jeff began serving as Immanuel's custodian in early 2018. Jeff married his wife Andrea in 2004. They have 2 children: Brinley and Evan.

  • Emily Anderson

    Organist/Accompanist

    Emily has been serving as Immanuel's organist and accompanist for over 20 years. She stays busy with teaching piano lessons, and lives in Story City with her husband, Chuck.