Meet Our Staff
Fr. George Puthenpeedika
Our Pastor
I was born in India, had Seminary training in India, and was ordained a Priest for the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, part of an Eastern Rite Catholic Church (Syro-Malabar Church). After 17 years of service in different capacities, with the blessing and approval of my Archbishop, I came to serve in the Diocese of Lansing in September 1998. I served as an Associate Pastor at St. John’s in Jackson and St. John’s in Fenton, as the Hospital Chaplain for the Flint hospitals and nursing homes, and as the Pastor of Holy Rosary in Flint. I was blessed to come to St. Peter in Eaton Rapids in July of 2015.
Melissa Gangluff
Bookkeeper
My family moved to Onondaga from Lansing in 2002 and includes my husband, Brian, and our 2 beautiful children, Mitchell, and Brianna. Brian and I were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Lansing May of 1996. In May of 2017 we were blessed with our first granddaughter, with another to follow in April 2020, and our grandson in August 2023. Both of my kids still live in Onondaga. When living in Lansing I received my bachelor’s degree in accounting from Davenport University. In 1999 became a Certified Public Accountant licensed by the State of Michigan. Currently I am employed by the State of Michigan after being hired as an accountant in 2011. My past experience includes working for local public accounting firms, specializing in non-profit organizations and governmental entities auditing and accounting. Our family loves to garden, travel within Michigan, hunt, and fish; basically, we love experiencing nature and being outside. Music is always involved when the television isn’t on as we love a variety of music. My favorite past time is spending time with my family. Micah 7:8 “Rejoice not, thou, my enemy, over me, because I am fallen: I shall arise, when I sit in darkness, the Lord is my light.” Proverbs 4:23-27: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the[ c] paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
Team member
Faith Formation Coordinator
My family moved from Lansing to Leslie in 2014 and joined St. Peter in 2016. At our previous parish, St. Therese of Lisieux, we were active in the music ministry and the Family Life Committee and I organized the Raising Saints Homeschool Enrichment Day.
I received my B.A. in Elementary Education in 1994 and my Master’s Degree in Education in 2001, both from Grand Valley State University. I taught Language Arts at St. Thomas the Apostle School for 4 years before ‘retiring’ to be a full-time mom.
My husband Bill and I have four children, who have taken me on a homeschooling adventure for the last 13 years.
I have written several Christian Fantasy and Fiction novels, six of which have been published. Thanks to these books, I have been able to travel a few times a year to speak to groups about stories and how to view our life as a story - be it a comedy, a tragedy, or a drama - and to rewrite our ending.
I’m thrilled to be serving the St. Peter Parish as the Faith Formation Coordinator and I look forward to the many adventures in store.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." ~ C.S. Lewis ~
Tom Carpenter
Housekeeping
My wife Julie and I have lived in Eaton Rapids for over 39 years and attended St. Peter for over 29 of those years.
We have one son, Tom Jr., who lives near Baltimore with his lovely wife Dayna. We were blessed with our first granddaughter, Emersyn Lee, in August of 2018.
In past years my wife and I have enjoyed being a part of many Parish events including the Annual Ox Roast Festival & Carnival Committee.
I currently serve on both the Parish and Finance Councils. I have been a Knight for over 24 years also had the honor to serve as our Council’s Grand Knight from July 2016 to June 2017.
I enjoy serving wherever I am able, and am honored to be a part of the Parish staff.
"We must fix our eyes on Jesus, not on the responsibilities that come with serving Him." ~ Excerpt from 09/02/2017 One Bread One Body reading
Gerry Lovejoy
Maintance
My wife Janice and I have been members of St. Peter 's for the last 15 years! Before retiring from GM in 2006, I worked as a journeyman in Machine Repair for 42 years.
I have been a member of St. Vincent de Paul since 2010, and have been their President since 2013. I also am a member of the Knight's of Columbus, and have held various minor positions with them for 34 years.
Maintenance is my forte and I really enjoy new challenges each and every day.
“The human heart plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.” ~ Proverbs 6:9 ~
Laurel LaPorte
Music Director
My husband Leo and I have been members of St. Peter for 25 years and have 3 wonderful adult children. Originally from Bedford, Ohio, music has been a large part of my life since childhood.
I received my Bachelor’s in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and my Master’s in Music Education from Michigan State University.
I served as a music teacher prior to taking the role of Music Ministry Director for St. Peter in 1996.
I believe that worshipful music can take many forms, and strive to assist all in honoring the Lord and experiencing God’s presence and love through the music at our Liturgies.
