About Us

Emmanuel Lutheran Church is located on the west side of Owatonna, just south of Northwoods Cinema. You'll find us to the right and just beyond the two three-story apartment complexes on Allen Avenue. The entry to our parking lot and the church's main entrance is off of Jeffrey Street. Our street address is 750 Jeffrey St. Owatonna, MN 55060. 

This is actually our second location in Owatonna. Our first church home on State Avenue (opposite West Hills) was destroyed by an arson fire on Easter Sunday, 1986. The contemporary-styled red brick building where we worship now was dedicated in 1987. The first resident pastor was Rev. Wernor Wagner. From 1992 to May of 2021 the members of Emmanuel were shepherded by Rev. Thomas Smith. Emmanuel is currently led by Rev. Roger Rockhoff with his call beginning in November of 2021.  


Like many WELS congregations Emmanuel aims to offer a well-rounded program of worship, spiritual growth, and Christian fellowship to individuals and families as they are variously composed (two-parent, single-parent, blended, or serior).



Mission Statement:
 
As a Christian congregation Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church exists to share with people everywhere the message of Jesus Christ, the world's only Savior from sin, and to encourage those who hear and believe this gospel to live their faith daily in all their relationships.  
 
Our Pastor:


 
Emmanuel Lutheran Church is served by Pastor Roger Rockhoff.  Pastor Rockhoff is a 1988 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and has served congregations in Minnesota, Hawaii, Florida, Kansas, and North Carolina.  He began serving Emmanuel in November of 2021.  He was raised in Michigan and attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, MI for high school and Northwestern College in Watertown, WI for college before entering the Seminary in Mequon, WI.

Pastor Rockhoff is married to Cindy.  Cindy graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota and taught in WELS schools in Wisconsin and North Carolina.  Cindy has also taught piano lessons and is currently teaching piano online and in person in Owatonna, MN.  They have four children, Alex who teaches at Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Sioux Falls, SD, Jenny, a teacher at Gethsemane Lutheran School in Omaha, NE, Emily, a full time mother in Castle Rock, CO, and Carrie who lives in Fort Collins, CO.