I’m so pleased to introduce you to my good friend, Clare Sedlacek! With family in this community for generations, knowing her is being in a true circle of friendship. I first met Clare in high school. She was always the gal to welcome friends with a big hug and smile, presenting a positive attitude and a “can do” spirit. She was a “band geek” and an athlete, two passions that have followed her into her adult life.
Some of you long time residents may remember her mom, Sue, who was commonly seen riding her bike EVERYWHERE around Oconomowoc in the 1970’s. Today, you can find Clare following in her mom’s footsteps, riding her bike to work or on an errand. She’s a passionate lover of music and has a long history of coaching youth sports. When Clare decided to shift gears and change careers, her calling as a pastor brought her back to her hometown of Oconomowoc. Her contribution to the community is already strong, and will continue to grow as she fulfills her role as a faith leader and community resident.
About Clare Sedlacek
Clare Sedlacek graduated from OHS in 1978. Like many people, she grew up on and around all the lakes. Her grandparents had a house on Lower Nashotah Lake and her siblings and she would ride out to their house from town in the summers. She also spent a lot of time on Lac La Belle, taking swimming lessons at City Beach, along with spending time at Park Street Beach and Marjorie Ward’s, now Bender Beach. In the winter, she enjoyed ice skating at the rink at City Beach.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, she moved to northern Georgia and was a teacher at a private boarding school. Then attended graduate school at The Ohio State University. Once married, she and her husband moved to metro Atlanta for nine years before returning to Plymouth, Wisconsin in 2001. There they lived for twenty years before moving to Oconomowoc in May of 2021. Her photo shows her standing in front of her childhood family home on Lower Nashotah Lake. Recently, she had the opportunity to visit it and do some wonderful reminiscing. She searched for and found a tree that holds a set of “lucky horseshoes”. They were placed there back in the day by her family, as a reminder of the good will and spirit that follows in the footsteps of her and her family in this community. Enjoy getting to know Clare Cheney Sedlacek!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Jim and I have been married for thirty-one years and we have one daughter, Anne, who is a college senior. My husband is a teacher with the Milwaukee Public Schools.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am the pastor at Dr. Martin Luther Church in Oconomowoc, having been called there in May of 2021. Beginning adult life as a teacher and a coach, I coached softball, basketball, tennis, and track and field from 1984 until 1994. Then continued as a coach until 2018, finishing off thirteen years as the head coach of Plymouth High School’s Boys Swim and Dive Team. After we moved to Plymouth in 2001, I began my work in ministry as a Children’s Ministry Director. I went back to seminary in 2016 to get my Masters of Divinity in the Evangelical Church of America. Just a year after graduating from seminary was called as pastor to Dr. Martin Luther Church. I have always felt called into my vocations, and have been passionate about working with people. First as a teacher and now as a pastor. I consider myself to be an encourager.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
The sense of community that a church creates is unique. There is always an opportunity to create a relationship with those who worship together. In particular, a sense of community that is only found in places of worship as we are invited into a time together of prayer and praise, especially as we gather as people of God to share the table of Holy Communion together and then are sent out with the love of God in our hearts.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
I consider every difficulty or challenge I have experienced as an important step along the journey. While there have been numerous disappointments in my life, there is no doubt in my mind those experiences brought me here at just the right time. I never imagined myself as pastor in my home town.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Around every corner of my life here are memories of my past, especially of my mom, who lived in Oconomowoc almost her entire life. Even though she died over twenty-five years ago, there are still people who were important in her life who are still here. It is wonderful to run into them on occasion and I enjoy reminiscing about what she meant to all of us. There is no doubt in my mind that my mom would be extremely pleased my family was able to settle here because she loved living here.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
The mission statement of the congregation of Dr. Martin Luther Church is “Centered on Christ, we are called to be an inviting beacon of light in our community.” Living that out with my congregation is something I find extremely rewarding. It is my hope we will continue to find ways to inspire our congregation and serve the Lake Country community, while striving to welcome all who come.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
God has a place for you. God wants everyone to find their passion and calling in life. He wants everyone to share their gifts and talents in their own special unique way.
Clare Sedlacek & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love?
One of the best parts of living where we live is the access to the water. I love to paddle from Fowler Lake up the Oconomowoc River all the way to Oconomowoc Lake. We are also so close to wonderful cross country ski trails, which is another favorite activity of mine. I have really come to appreciate the community events at the Village Green and the City Band Shell. These events are unique to Oconomowoc and they bring great energy to our community. I love it that Oconomowoc is such a walkable community.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
I hate to single one person out, as everyone has their own story and experience. If I had to choose one person it would be Betty Schumacher. With her husband, Dr. Bernie Schumacher, they established the Lake Area Free Clinic over twenty years ago. Their vision for providing medical, and now dental, care to Lake Country residents with limited access previously, has served our community incredibly well. Betty’s heart as a nurse, caring for each patient who comes through the doors, has been invaluable to patients as well as those who volunteer their time.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
I love The Roots for coffee, the croissants at Fresh Baked Cafe, and Friday Fish Fry at Schwefel’s and the Golden Mast.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Active, beautiful, inspiring.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I worked at CNN in Atlanta for six years.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Top Chef, I love the competition and the competitors. They have such interesting life stories.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
A smoothie with all different kinds of fruit. Variety is the best part of life.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
My mom, one more time, one more conversation. I miss her every day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To visit our AFS exchange students in one trip to Europe.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Listening to my daughter sing.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Find something you’re passionate about and do it. Try not to let money be the thing that drives you to do what you do.
Where to Find Clare Sedlacek
Email: pastorclare@icloud.com
Phone: (920) 698-1880
Website: drmartinlutherchurch.org
