Newsletter 8/27/2025

MRS. MARKGRAF

My name is Rachel Markgraf, and I am excited to be the new first and second grade teacher at Immanuel Grace Lutheran School.

I have been blessed to attend Lutheran schools throughout my life. I grew up in the Stillwater area with my parents and younger brother. After graduating from St. Croix Lutheran High School in West St. Paul, I went on to earn my degree from Martin Luther College in December 2013.

Following graduation, I received a divine call to teach third and fourth grade at Prairie Lutheran School in Gibbon, where I served for nine years. I then took some time off to care for our daughter, Willow, who is now one and a half years old.

My husband, Zach, works at 3M, and our family lives in Hutchinson. We are members at Immanuel and are grateful to be part of this church and school community.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, and traveling—I’ve been blessed to visit 13 countries so far! I’m truly looking forward to partnering with you this year as we grow together in faith and knowledge. It is a joy and a privilege to share the love of Jesus with His little lambs.

God’s blessings,Rachel Markgraf

MRS. HORN

My name is Hope Horn. I am a recent graduate of Martin Luther College and will be teaching grades 3-5 at Immanuel Grace Lutheran School for this next school year.

I come from a family of 8 and have lived in a few different homes. My parents, Peter and Paula Sulzle, and younger siblings currently live in Cottonwood, Arizona. My family moved there about a year ago when my dad accepted the call to serve as pastor at Peace Lutheran Church. Previously, we lived in Rapid City, South Dakota for 10 years, followed by Redwood Falls, Minnesota for 10 years. I am the second oldest of 5 siblings (4 brothers and 1 sister). My oldest brother, Camden, is beginning his second year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. His wife, Kaitlin, is also a recent graduate of MLC and beginning her first year of teaching. Alana and Noah are beginning their senior and sophomore years at MLC. My youngest two brothers, Gabriel and Josiah, are at Luther Preparatory School, as a junior and sophomore. My mom has taught and served in grade schools in past years, but now volunteers at church and enjoys her time at home. 

On July 11, I married Jason Horn. We were blessed with a beautiful day filled with God’s goodness and love, and surrounded by our closest family and friends. We now live in New Ulm. My husband will finish his senior year at MLC and graduate in May. He is in the pre-seminary program studying to be a pastor. Next year, he will continue his studies at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI. 

My favorite hobbies include playing piano, running, going on hikes or walks, reading, playing games, and spending time with my family and friends. 

Thank you for all your prayers, support, and encouragement over these last couple of months. I look forward to meeting everyone and beginning my ministry at IGLS. 

In Christ’s service, 

Mrs. Hope Horn