Welcome, Charles Russell
Charles Russell
Lutheran North
Choir Teacher
We are so excited to welcome Mr. Charles Russell to our ministry team. Please take a moment to learn a little more about Mr. Russell and his journey to becoming part of our ministry team here at Lutheran North.
My name is Charles (Charlie) Russell, and I’m excited to be joining the faculty at Lutheran North as choir director for this school year! My full-time job is serving as Director of Traditional Music next door at St. Peter Lutheran Church & School. You can find me there playing the organ for services, directing the choir and handbell choir, preparing service folders, and working with the pastors and others in the church office. My hometown is Geneseo, Illinois (two hours west of Chicago, close to Iowa), and I received both my bachelor’s degree (History and Parish Music) and master’s degree (Church Music/Organ) from Concordia University Wisconsin. At CUW, I met my wife, Anna (Loest) while we were both in the Wind Ensemble; her hometown is Frankenmuth, Michigan. We got married in 2020 while I was serving in my first call to Grace Lutheran Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. In July 2025, we welcomed our little girl, Miriam Elizabeth!
Please warmly welcome Charlie as a Mustang and get to know him through our Staff Spotlight 20 Questions below!!
Staff Spotlight: Charles Russell
20 QUESTIONS
What’s your role at Lutheran North?
Choir Teacher
Where are you from?
Geneseo, Illinois
When did you know that you wanted to be in the Lutheran high school environment and what led you to pursue that path?
For three years, I've served as an accompanist for the Lutheran Northwest choir. Having enjoyed that experience, I was very interested when the opportunity came to teach choir at North this year!
What’s your favorite Bible verse?
Revelation 2:10
What are three words to best describe you?
Musical, Approachable, Patient
What was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Gas Station Cook
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Long-distance bicycling
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
Ability to read minds
What’s your favorite food?
Pizza
What’s your least favorite food?
Mushrooms and pickles
What’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled and why?
Hawaii - I love the beach, weather, and the food!
Where would you like to travel next and why?
Japan - Experience the culture and historical sites, plus visit Tokyo Disneyland!
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I've flown a plane before
What’s one hobby you’d like to get into?
Surfing
What’s your favorite sport to watch and which team do you root for?
Football - Chicago Bears
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
Are you a dog person or a cat person (neither or both)?
Cat person
What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year?
My daughter being born in July
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Shake hands firmly when meeting someone (my grandmother).
Is there any advice you’d offer to current and future Lutheran North students?
Enjoy the experiences that you share with your friends and fellow students and always remember that God is with you.
