Peace Lutheran staff
Rev. Dr. Luke Biggs
Senior Pastor
I was born in New Orleans and grew up in San Antonio, Texas where I spent most of my childhood years. I guess that explains my love for spicy food and football. I am married to Anne and we have two children, Matthew and Faith. We have 4 wonderful grandchildren, Leighton, Caitlynn, Kamryn, and Chloe.
I love barbeque of all kinds and spending time smoking good meats! I enjoy reading and doing some writing. I have been at Peace since 2014 and in ministry for over 35 years.
Carl Eliason
Associate Pastor
I grew up in Rapid City, SD. I am married to my lovely wife, Joan, and have two children, Isaac (married to Sarah) and Lydia. I enjoy doing and learning creative things like music and the arts, writing, and woodworking. I am an avid reader, love movies, and like spending time in the garage puttering and building something. I also love to sing and used to do it full time in opera and musical theater.
I have been at Peace since 2007, starting as the Director of Youth Ministry and then transitioning to Associate Pastor in 2012. I have served in the church since 1995 in Kansas, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
Mike Reiners
Associate Pastor
I grew up on a farm outside of McCook, NE and the oldest of 6 kids. I graduated from University of Lincoln with an Electrical Engineering degree. I am married to a wonderful lady, Char, who I met while in college. We have a son, a daughter and son-in-law, and one grandson who all live in the Omaha area.
My current hobbies include all kinds of history, traveling anywhere, card/board/strategy games, along with camping, backpacking, hiking and rappelling through slot canyons in southern Utah. I’ve had the privilege of serving as a pastor for over 31 years, and have been at Peace since 2001.
Daniel Deida
Director // Worship & Technology
I was born in San Antonio, TX but have lived in Grand Island a lot of my life (1999). I am married to my lovely wife, Beth and we have 3 amazing children, Allison, Brianna, and Landon.
I enjoy movies (superhero and fantasy), love playing serious board games, and spending time with family. I began serving full-time at Peace in 2018, but have worked in ministry since 2004.
Julie Keeley
Director // Youth & Young Adults
I am originally from Milwaukee, WI. I have 2 dogs that I love, Tika (a black lab) and Bailey (a golden retriever). I haven’t done this in a while, but I used to love hiking and camping in the mountains; now it’s hanging out with my dogs and occasionally driving Uber for fun.
I have been here at Peace since 2016 and have served 8 years in congregational ministry. I also did a couple years in Camp Ministry.
Sherri Probasco
Director // Children & Family
I was born and raised in Seward, NE, and went to college at Chadron State. I married my high school sweetheart, Jason. We have 2 children, Brennan and Alaina. I love reading, walking, cooking and baking for my family.
I'm a Wish Granter for the Make A Wish Foundation, and have been in ministry since 2001, all at Peace!
Shannon Seim
Associate Director // Children & Family
I was born in Auburn, NE but grew up here in Grand Island. I am married to Noah Seim, and we have 2 children, Ethan and Kyndall. I enjoy getting away with my husband for a weekend, bike rides with the kids, helping on the farm, and spending time with my siblings and our 25 nieces and nephews.
I started in Children's Ministry in 2015, and then added Administrative & Accounts Payable to my duties in February of 2016.
DeeAnn Dupler
Director // Preschool
I grew up in the Red Cloud, Nebraska area and moved to Grand Island about 10 years ago with my husband Mike and our three kids, Austin, Addison, and Nate- who are all out of high school.
We have been blessed to be a part of Peace since we made our home in Grand Island. I served a number of years as a classroom teacher in our Preschool and became the Director in 2020.
Rachel Rathman
Director // Outreach & Missions
I am from Ulysses, NE, married to my terrific husband, Darrin. We have 2 kids, Devin and Zachary. My hobbies include traveling, camping, reading, gardening, and attending my kid’s activities. I have been in ministry since 2014, all here at Peace.
Amanda Meyer
Director // Nursery
I was born in Kearney, NE and grew up in Ansley, NE. I am married to my husband, Dan, and we have 3 kids, Hannah, Abigail and Nathan. The 2 things I enjoy doing the most are reading and listening to books on tape.
I have been a Preschool teacher and assistant since 2015 and also began serving as the Nursery Director since then as well.
Pat Haynes
Administrative Assistant
Born in Omaha, NE, but I have lived in Grand Island since 1980. I am married to John, and we have 2 grown children, Brian and Briana. I also have 4 grandchildren, Dillan, Colten, Chloe, and Camille. My hobbies include gardening, walking, photography, bike riding (motorcycle), camping, hiking, reading, and of course, time with family.
I have been serving at Peace since 1998. I have been serving in ministry or education pretty much all my life.
Kari Cornelius
Administrative Assistant
I am originally from Grant, NE and have lived in Grand Island since 2006. My husband, Jared, and I have two children, Alyssa and Shane.
We enjoy shooting sports, going to the mountains, fishing, and pretty much doing anything together as a family! I have been serving in ministry at Peace since 2017.