Patti Kruse, known by many as Ms. Patti, has worked at New Covenant Lutheran Church for 23 years in the Worship and Music Ministries and is currently the Director of the New Covenant Arts Academy. She is married to Pastor Steve and they have two married daughters, Meredith (married to Seth with a four children, Wynne, Sidney, Sandy and Nell) and Katelyn, (married to Stephen with three daughters, Lila, Maeve and Goldie) and one son, Peter.

Patti began taking piano lessons when she was seven and studied at the Joliet Conservatory of Music for 11 years as well as while she was a student at St. Olaf College for 4 years. She has taught piano for 37 years and loves teaching children and young adults how to play the piano and sing with great joy! Her love for God shines through her work in everything she does – from conducting choir musicals to building relationships with people.

Her other interests include running, hiking, baking, reading and traveling to see family and friends. Seeking a healthy lifestyle of prayer, worship, exercise, rest and good nutrition describes Patti well – although she absolutely loves M & M’s!