Mr. Pahlkotter received his teaching degree from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He reached his Masters in Educational Leadership (School Administration) from Saginaw Valley State University. He continued on with his education and graduated from the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in June of 2023. He was ordained in December of 2021 by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. His specific ministry area has been education and congregational administration.

He and his wife, Debbie, the School Success Teacher at Valley, have three adult children. Henry Garet lives and works in the greater Chicago, Illinois, area and is seriously dating Katie, an Education student at Concordia, Chicago. Olivia works in the Pharmacy of Mercy One in Waterloo. Gavin, having special needs, continues to live at home and attends REM in Cedar Falls.

Rev. Pahlkotter loves working with students, families and congregations. He and Debbie thank God for the opportunity to serve their Lord here in the Cedar Valley with the students and families of Valley.