Mrs. Kari Gakstatter grew up in the small farming community of Munger, Michigan. She spent a lot of her childhood in her parent’s fields with a hoe in hand. She learned about hard work while working on a potato farm at the age of 13. She married her high school sweet-heart, Paul Gakstatter, in 1985. After spending several years as a beautician; Kari decided to pursue her degree in education. She earned her Associate’s Degree from Delta College and her Bachelor’s Degree from SVSU. Further studies at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan, led to her certification as a Lutheran school teacher. After teaching three years at Trinity-St. James Lutheran School in Merritt Township, and four years at Trinity Lutheran School in Monitor Township; Mrs. Gakstatter took on the role of Learning Consultant at Immanuel in 2000. In 2015, Kari went back into the classroom as the third and fourth grade teacher for Immanuel. Paul and Kari have two sons, Kyle and Russell. Kyle is married to Megan Frost. Paul and Kari enjoy camping, biking, and kayaking.