Deputy Directors
What is a deputy director? …..
The on-site volunteer Deputy Directors are devoted church lay-leaders. They serve a 6 week rotation in Wittenberg during the six months from May through October when this ministry is in operation.
The Deputy Directors are responsible for guiding and facilitating all activities and matters pertaining to the Wittenberg English Ministry. They are there to ensure that all pastors are properly oriented upon their arrival, assist the pastors in every way possible so as to maximize their effectiveness, and generally are the “go to” person to whom the pastors may look for assistance in any aspect of this ministry. They also promote the ministry among the tourists, assist in publicizing the ministry within the town, serve as liaison between WEM and the local churches, and provide assistance in English when called upon by local town folk.
The Deputy Directors operate from our WEM office located in the Wittenberg Information Center, directly across the street from the Castle Church.
Harold and Susan Boxberger, Deputy Directors
Harold and Susan Boxberger became Deputy Directors in 2020. Harold is a retired IT project manager, and Susan is a retired school psychologist. The two met in church choir and have been active in congregations to which they have belonged ever since. They have both served in a variety of congregational, synodical and churchwide capacities, as well as volunteering with nonprofit organizations in the community. Their current home and church membership is in Olathe, KS. They enjoy traveling in their motorhome in addition to travels abroad. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Serving May 20 – July 1, 2025
Steve and Deb Kukuk, Deputy Directors
Steve and Deb Kukuk joined WEM as Deputy Directors in 2019 and Steve accepted the position of WEM Treasure in 2023. Deb is a retired jewelry store manager and creates custom jewelry by appointment in her spare time. Steve is a registered professional electrical engineer. He retired from the US Air Force in 1998 and worked in private industry until his retirement as President of Wolf Creek Federal Services, Inc. in 2019. Both Steve and Deb are active at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, where they have served on various boards and committees and Steve served as President of the congregation.
Serving July 1 – August 12 2025
Peggy and Jeremy Pera, Deputy Directors
The Pera’s are new Deputy Directors but not new to Wittenberg, as they have both visited and volunteered in Lutherstadt several times. The Pera’s reside in Clay Center, Kansas where Jeremy served as DCE at St. Paul’s for forty years. He has also served the church at large in the Kansas District and in Synod His special interests are family, church and family history, music,
theology, travel and gardening. Peggy, a retired para-educator for special needs students and stay at home mom, has and continues to lend her services in community and church. Her special interests are vocal music, travel, and gatherings of family and friends. They continue as active volunteers in their local community and beyond in retirement. They have four grown sons and six grandchildren. They look forward to serving the Lord as Deputy Directors!
Serving August 12 – September 23, 2025
Charlotte and Darryl Tweed, Deputy Directors
Charlotte is a writer and certified travel coach specializing in helping people relocate to a new country. Darryl also works from his laptop as a real estate researcher by helping people retrieve rightful funds due them after mortgage or tax foreclosure once their properties have gone to auction. Both Darryl and Charlotte have been active in the Lutheran church for decades on church council in roles as president and secretary. Charlotte has taught Sunday school and also sang in the church choir. In June 2021, they left Canada to seek a new life in a warmer climate. Working from home has blessed them with the ability to live in Ajijic, Mexico.
Serving September 23 – October 31, 2025
