OUR STAFF
Kroonblawd
Pastor James
Kroonblawd
Senior Pastor
What a joy to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serve the Lord with the wonderful people of God at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church and School. I have been blessed to serve TLO Church and School as Senior Pastor since 2004. I previously served 3 LCMS congregations: St. Paul, Dolton, Ill.; Zion Lutheran, Aniwa, Wis., and Trinity Lutheran, Rochester, Minn. While serving as pastor I enjoyed serving as North Wis. District Editor; traveling on Mission trips to India, Panama and Canada. I have participated in 5 National LCMS Youth Gatherings and 8 LCMS Youth Servant Events, and as a Regional Director for Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ. I currently serve on the Minnesota South District Public Policy Committee and as District Life Ministry Coordinator.
I'm married to Lynn. We have three children and three grandchildren. All three of our children attended LCMS Lutheran schools for elementary, middle, high school and college.
I especially enjoy volunteering to support TLO's 12 Baskets Ministry, Trail Life Troop 2950, and as an Eagan Police Chaplain. Outside of ministry I enjoy spending precious time with family, playing board games, working on home projects, walking, biking, playing golf, and taking in a great cup of coffee with friends.
I attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Edina, Minneapolis Lutheran High School in Bloomington, and Concordia University in Portland Oregon. I taught 5-8th grade students at two Lutheran school and also coached basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading. For 17 years before becoming principal at Trinity Lone Oak, I was a teacher, assistant director, and director of a preschool. My husband, Terry, and I enjoy spoiling our dog, Newton.
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My favorite Bible verse is: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 I love this verse because it teaches me to always give thanks to God in everything I do. This verse shows me that I should have a God-centered approach to life, where every action and word is done in the name of Jesus with a thankful heart. It reminds me that everything I have comes through Jesus Christ.
What brings me the greatest joy in working in a Christian setting is doing outreach projects that teach the kids how to share God’s love with others. To watch kids, realize what a difference they can make in another person’s life is truly amazing.
It’s rewarding to share the Gospel every day in my vocation. I get to meet interesting folks who are seeking to know Christ and follow His will for their lives. My husband and I are grateful our four children could attend TLO School, benefitting greatly from the Christian instruction in their school day. We feel blessed to have TLO as our church home.
In addition to playing organ for services, I enjoy accompanying church and school music groups, and coordinating the Young Investors program at school. I also enjoy teaching piano lessons, and am blessed by staying active in Bible study. My husband, Layne, and I have two sons who are graduates of TLO School.
Amber
Poppe
Administrative Assistant
Amber joined the Trinity Lone Oak School family August 2024. She loves working in such a supportive and welcoming environment that cares about the people they serve. She's enjoying getting to know the staff, parents, and students, and is very thankful for God's guidance leading her here.
My greatest joy in working in a Christian setting is leading uplifting worship services. The sound of joyous singing while I’m playing gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I have over 40 years experience and am excited to play at Trinity Lone Oak.