Rev. Cheryl Rondeau-Basset

• Lives in Wilmot, SD. Serves Grace Lutheran Church, Watertown, SD.
• Married to Scott Bassett for 26 years.
• 6 Children; 9 Grandchildren; 2 Great-grandchildren.
• Ordination was in June 19, 2015.

A Bible verse that is important to me in my ministry is:

Jeremiah 29:11-13  “11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 12 Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. 13 When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart,”

I don’t have many memories of my Ordination. It was just two months after my son was killed in a car accident and I was still walking around in a daze. I had to finish the last semester of school and graduation in that time. But I remember so many wonderful people coming to support me through it. I guess that was the best memory – the love of God shown through the many faithful people of my new calling. God was my strength and I clung to that verse… I know He carried me through it just as the poem – Footprints in the Sand – talks about.

The take away from that experience, although sad, is that no matter what the situation, no matter what the circumstances, God is faithful. God is always with you, always there to carry you through the difficult times when you have no answers and are not sure the direction you are to go. But if you put your trust in Him, and wait for His answer, He will provide. His timing is the best and for His plans are for good.

Rev. Erin Heidelberger

I live in Aberdeen, where I’ve been pastor of Zion Lutheran Church for the past 5 ½ years. I’ve been married to Cory for 18 years and am mother to Katarzyna, a high school freshman. I’m an SDSU Jackrabbit and graduated from Luther Seminary in 2015. I grew up in Brookings but have lived on both coasts (on Long Island, NY, and Vancouver, BC) and a few places in between. 

Bible Verse:
Romans 10:14, 17

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

Rev. Joshua Johnson

Chaplain Joshua C. Johnson is a native of Waynesville, North Carolina. In 2015 he graduated from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. Chaplain Johnson is married to the former Samantha Wertz of Pottsville, PA. Together they have a one-year-old daughter, Susanna Mae Johnson.

In 2015 Chaplain Johnson was ordained by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and was called to serve as the Associate Pastor of East Side Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD. He served there until January 2020.

Chaplain Johnson was commissioned into active duty service with the U.S. Navy on September 11, 2019. After commissioning he received orders to attend Officer Development School at Naval Officer Training Command and thereafter to the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center in Newport, RI. He is currently serving as chaplain of the USS ROSS stationed in Rota, Spain.

Rev. Justin Kosec

In college, Justin felt a bivocational call to scholarship and to the church.  He first heard the call to ordained ministry while working as a Christian education director.  After he entered approval as an Associate in Ministry, Justin’s church job expanded to include confirmation and baptismal preparation classes.  From there, he felt called not just to teach about baptism, but to baptize; shortly after, he restarted candidacy to pursue ordained ministry.  At Yale Divinity School, Justin worked as a chapel minister, planning and writing dozens of worship services in collaboration with students, faculty, and visiting preachers and scholars.  After internship on Long Island, Justin remained in Smithtown, NY for his first call.  Accepting a call in Sioux Falls brought Justin, his wife Susanne, and their daughter Amariah closer to Susanne’s family farm in Bridgewater.  Justin now serves as the Pastor of Outreach and Communication at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Bible verse:

John 15:4-5: “Abide in me as I abide in you.  Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.  I am the vine, you are the branches.  Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

Ordination memory:

At my ordination, my bishop encountered my father.  They were classmates in seminary decades before and had not spoken since.  The bishop preached about the impossibility of resurrecting the dead, but also assured me that this was what Christ called us to do in God’s name.  As my father laid the stole on my shoulders, he and the bishop laid hands upon me, and both of them wept.

Rev. Karen Ressel

Rev. Karen Ressel graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary in 2015.  Before beginning seminary Karen was called to work with Lutheran World Federation-Uganda.  After seminary she served as the director and pastor of the Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center for five years.  The ministries both focused on accompanying families and communities as they discover pathways out of poverty.  Pastor Karen and her dog Sunny recently returned to Wisconsin to be near her daughter Sarah, son-in-law Matthew, and grandson Mason.

Reflection:

JOY, that is the word that comes to mind when I think about my ordination.  People from every part of my life’s journey were present to support me and my call to ministry.  Friends, family, and colleagues participated in the service that was held at my home congregation in Osseo, WI.  My internship supervisor, Pastor Betsy Kamphius, preached that day and her message still rings true.  “The power is God’s.  The ministry is God’s.  The church is God’s.  And God spreads the power to many people.  It can be surprising the people God will put in your path, you are not alone.  We forget that sometimes, and feel despair.  In those moments, remember the wind of the Spirit rises, life happens, hope is restored.  Trust in God—not yourself.  God goes with you.”

Rev. Tera Kossow

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 NRSV

I had that verse on my fringe from November 2001 to July 2002. After giving up a full-time hotel manager job to pursue a part-time youth ministry position, I had to wait that long to get interview, hired, and begin my new adventure. I had turned my life upside down to dig deeper into faith and following Christ. By 2005, I decided that I wanted to go to seminary, but didn’t. In 2009, after a couple moves, I was back where I started, in a position that allowed me to do ministry with all ages. It was satisfying, but it wasn’t enough. However, I was not going to go to seminary, and that was that!

I graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity, and was ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on May 23, 2015. I started my first call on June 14, 2015, and continue to serve the three congregations of the Prairie Fellowship Parish, Bison, SD, with joy and thanksgiving. Thank you South Dakota Synod for bringing me to my new home!

Rev. Warren Lahammer

I am Pastor Warren Lahammer and I serve as the solo pastor for Faith Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD, where I am in my 6^th year of service. My wife, Robyn, and I have been married for over 8 years and between us we have 2 daughters, 3 step-daughters and 7 step-grandchildren. I was born and raised in Aberdeen, SD. I am a Marine Corps veteran and also spent several years as a bank manager and commercial loan officer before answering the call to ministry.

My bible verse comes from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse from Paul gave me the courage and strength to make it through seminary as a 3^rd career student, older that most of my fellow students, and walked me through the uncertainty of starting over in life. This verse has also provided me with the courage to work through tough times in congregational ministry.

The day of my ordination was one of the happiest, yet scariest moments of my life, as I knew not what lied ahead…but my bible verse has walked me through the times of joy and sorrow in congregational ministry.

As far as words of wisdom, I would say that this has been the hardest work in my life, and that says a lot considering my background. But I also know that I am where God has called me to be, and that God has been preparing me for this my whole life. I love what I do and wouldn’t have it any other way!

Rev. Craig Wexler

John1:5: “A light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

As a pastor of 10 years now, serving first at Community Lutheran in Hill City, SD, and now Lutheran Memorial in Pierre, SD, God’s calling has been an interesting one at that. Not only have I served in the parish setting over these years, but I have also served as chaplain for a couple ‘unnamed’ outlaw motorcycle clubs through years of motorcycle ministry, but now I also serve as chaplain for all branches of law enforcement here in the Capital, along with serving as the Chief Legislative Chaplain. My wife Carmen of 12 years has been my rock during the best of times and the most challenging of times. Our two daughters keep us guessing daily at God’s mysteries as well! It has been an honor growing up in the SD Synod, along with serving here as a pastor as well.

Rev. Erik Olson

Erik has been pastor of Immanuel Lutheran of Elk Point for all 10 years of his ministry. He married his wife Sarah on Sept 30th of 2017. They enjoy spending time with family, especially their nieces aged 9, 7, and twin 5-year-olds! They also spend a lot of time with animals as Sarah works as a pet sitter. 

My bible verse is Genesis 28:15 “Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go”  God says this to Jacob in the wilderness after he fled from his brother Esau. It’s a reminder to me that no matter where I am in life, God is with me. As a pastor I don’t do this on my own, but with God beside me.

Rev. Matthew (Max) Miller

Ordained April 24, 2010

Serving Trinity Lutheran in Miller, SD.

Rev. Renee Splichal Larson

Pastor Renee Splichal Larson currently serves as the Associate to Bishop Hagmaier for Candidacy, Congregation, and Rostered Minister Accompaniment. Prior to that she served as the pastor of Heart River Lutheran Church in Mandan, ND, since September 2010. While at Heart River, Renee served as a mission developer, creating a re-entry ministry and support network for youth at the North Dakota Youth Correctional Center called, Heart River Bridges of Hope.

Pastor Renee grew up in Garrison, ND, and went to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, for undergraduate studies. After graduating from Concordia with a B.A. in Physical Education and minor in Religion, she volunteered full-time for two years: one year with Urban Servant Corps in Denver, CO, and one year with Border Servant Corps in Las Cruces, NM. Renee attended Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA, receiving a Master of Divinity Degree, and was ordained on August 2, 2010. Renee has served the church body of the ELCA as a trained “global musician,” and preached at the 2011 Churchwide Assembly in Orlando, FL.

Pastor Renee has served on the Advisory Board for Ministry on the Margins, and on the board of Charles Hall Youth Services in Bismarck, as well as on the Disciplinary Committee for the Western ND Synod. Renee is a survivor of the Haiti earthquake and has authored her first book through Wipf & Stock Publishers, titled: A Witness: The Haiti Earthquake, a Song, Death, and Resurrection. She has also written articles for The Lutheran Magazine, Gather Magazine, and the Christian Century, and has been on the teaching faculty at Holden Village.

She is married to Rev. Jon Splichal Larson and they have two sons, Gabriel and Elias.

Rev. Velma Larson

2020 Retiree

• Second daughter of Mel and Helen Severson, raised in South Dakota and salutatorian of Volin High School Class of 1965.
• Attended Lutheran Bible Institute 1965-67, member of the a cappella choir touring Europe in 1967.
• Married Phillip Larson in 1968; together they raised six children and added a seventh when he was 17.
• Worked at American Lutheran Church headquarters as secretary to Director of Family Life Education.
• Graduated with honors from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Institute in 1988, was one of 5 finalists for Wisconsin Vocational Student of the Year in 1988.
• Served as secretary on the Transition Team (prior to ELCA merger) in Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, completed 2 terms as Synod Secretary and 1 ½ terms as Lay Female on Synod Council. Completed Synod’s Lay School of Ministry (all in Wisconsin).
• Conducted dozens of workshops for large and small youth groups.
• Elected to various church posts at the local level, served as one of the church organists, taught Sunday School and led Bible studies.
• Provided pulpit supply during the local pastor’s absences.
• Worked as a legal secretary for Reinstra, Van Dyk, & Needham, S.C. Completed requirements for Certified Professional Secretary in 1990.
• Established “Pieced Together” mediation practice, practiced in Wisconsin 1996-2006 and in South Dakota from 2006-2016.
• Graduated magna cum laude from University of Wisconsin – Superior in 2002 with a degree in Conflict Resolution.
• Moved onto (homestead) family farm in South Dakota in 2006.
• Entered ELCA candidacy program in 2007, serving Faith United Lutheran Church, rural Volin, as a student pastor until ordination in 2010, continuing to serve as ordained pastor until 2017.
• Regularly conducts worship services at Sister James Nursing Home in Yankton. Provides pulpit supply as needed.
• Widowed in 2010,
• Formally retired from active ministry on April 1, 2020.
• Hobbies include reading, quilting, and doing hardanger needlework.

The Bible verse that has had such an impact on my life is Romans 8:28:  “And we know that in all things  (italics mine) God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  When times get tough, I speak the words of this verse, and pray that God would show me “just one good thing” coming out of this difficult / painful / crappy (!) situation – and I always get an answer!  It serves as a steadfast reminder that nothing happens to me, or to those I love, without God’s knowledge, and that He is indeed still the One in charge.

Rev. Rebecca and Rev. David Piper

Becky Piper graduated from Luther Seminary in December 2004 and was ordained in March 2005. She served congregations in New Effington, Claire City and Veblen in her first call. After four years of ministry (and 2 children) in these wonderful places, she moved to Hermosa to serve Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for six years. Pastor Becky currently serves at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid City, alongside her husband, as co-senior pastors. In her free time, she loves to hike, backpack, run, read, laugh and goof off.

Rev. David Piper:

Ordained in March 2005
Bethania Lutheran In Rosholt 2005-2009
Woyatan Lutheran 2010-2014
Calvary 2014- present.  Where I am a co-pastor with my wife and best friend.
Love doing crossfit, being outdoors in the black hills and chasing my kids around a cross country course.

Rev. Leland Armbright II

Leland Armbright serves Good Shepherd, Aberdeen, as Administrative Pastor. Ordained in the Metropolitan Washington DC Synod, Leland has served congregations in Peachtree Corners, GA, Phoenix, AZ, and Comstock & Rustad, MN.  Prior to ordination he was a bivocational youth director and county tax officer in Fairfax County, VA.  Leland graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Environmental Sciences and holds an MDiv from Luther Seminary and a Certificate in Children, Youth & Family Ministry from Wartburg Seminary. Leland and his wife Aleshia have four beautiful daughters and love spending time with family and exploring Creation.

Deacon Barbara Bunk

I’ve been rostered for 15 years, but I graduated from Luther Seminary 40 years ago. Upon receiving an M.A. in Pastoral Care, I was married to Charlie and we moved to Senegal. I was not rostered at that time. After living back in the US for a few years, we moved to Cameroon, Africa and served the Fulaani people. I was a hospital chaplain for H.I.V.  and T.B. patients.  Every year I draw Bible Story pictures for calendars used in West Africa, with characters who look like Fulaani people.

In 2005 I served as a chaplain in an elderly care facility in Montevideo, MN.  I love playing piano, organ, and harp and giving piano lessons. My husband and I have served multiple point parishes in South Dakota, and at this stage of life, we do some interim, some supply preaching, and serve as mentors or support for Kairos students.  Psalm 139:7 reminds me that there is no place I can go where God will not also be there with me.

Deacon Pat Eidsness

I entered ministry at First Lutheran Church in Brookings in 1997 as a youth and family minister…for which I had no specialized training! I found the help I needed at the Youth and Family Institute/Augsburg College and the Center for Youth Ministry/Wartburg Seminary. I continued in Youth & Family Ministry at Holy Cross in Sioux Falls before serving as the Director of Faith Family Style for the SD Synod under Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl. It was there, with her encouragement and Jodi Hanson’s mentoring, that I entered the candidacy process to become an Associate in Ministry. Suzanne Hansen and I navigated that process together and in June of 2005, we were commissioned together at the synod assembly in Sioux falls. There were a number of AiMs in South Dakota at that time, but Suzanne and I were the first to be commissioned here, and it was such an honor! I continued with Faith Family Style until 2005, also working half-time at First Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls. In 2007 I was called to Peace Lutheran Church, and in 2010 Roe and I were called to be mission developers for WestSide Lutheran Church in northwest Sioux Falls. We spent four years watching God at work in that place before retiring in 2014. We moved to the Black Hills where I did pulpit supply and served as interim pastor at Custer Lutheran Fellowship for a year. We have now returned to continue our retirement in Sioux Falls.

A Commissioning Memory: The time preparing for and being commissioned as an Associate in Ministry was a time of collaboration and encouragement: a time when wonderful women, especially Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl and Jodi Hansen, encouraged me. I feel like I have paid it forward by encouraging other women as well. AiMs were relatively new to the South Dakota Synod at that time. Suzanne Hansen and I were the first to be commissioned in our synod, and I believe that watching us and being encouraged by us, helped others respond to their call. I still wear and treasure the stained glass cross that a friend of Suzanne’s made for us that day!

The Bible verse that has led me and inspired me all along this journey is Hebrews 10:24. I have used it in almost every letter I have written to councils or congregations. It also is a good word to hear in these troubled times! I have often added :25a, especially when working and encouraging both families and congregations. 

²⁴And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, ²⁵not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…  Hebrews 10:24-25a

Rev. David Lund

Pastor Dave Lund was baptized and confirmed at American Lutheran Church in Castlewood. He earned a degree in Education from DSU. During and after his time there he worked for five summers at NE-So-Dak. Following this he attended Wartburg Theological Seminary. Dave was ordained on June 7, 2000.

Dave’s first call was to Zion and Pleasant Prairie Lutheran in Flaxville, MT. In May 2003 he was called to serve as associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton. While there Dave met and married his wife Stephanie. In 2009 and 2011 they were blessed with daughters Allison and Karina. Dave began his third call November 2014 at Christ Lutheran in Hartford. During his time there he experienced health issues and in 2018 he was briefly on the disability roster. Once he was medically cleared he went to Peace in Herreid and Pollock Lutheran in Pollock where he continues to serve.

Rev. David Schoeld

David Schoeld was born the summer after the summer of love (1968), into a pastors’ family. David was blessed to grow up in multiple locations before graduating high school in Miles City, MT. He attended St. Olaf, graduated with a degree in economics, and immediately put it to use as a youth director. Following that, David worked at home improvement stores until 1996 when he followed his wife into the ministry of word and sacrament (she is usually a few steps ahead of him).

David served St. Luke’s Lutheran in Long Beach, CA, for his internship; he graduated from seminary and was ordained in December of 2000. David’s first call was to Christ Lutheran in Downey, CA, before accepting a call to First Lutheran in Brookings in the Spring of 2003.

David is married to Pastor Nyla Schoeld, and is blessed with four amazing daughters – Kaija, Anya, Noelle, and Sophie.

Rev. Nyla Schoeld

Nyla Schoeld was born raised in a missionary family in Cameroon.

After earning an AA in Biblical Studies from Lutheran Bible Institute, of Seattle Nyla answered a call to serve for Youth For Christ in Aarhus, Denmark.  She returned to the US in 1991 and completed a BA in Communications from Dana College in Nebraska in 1993.

Nyla began studies at Luther Seminary in 1993 and completed an MA in Youth and Family Ministry in 1997.   Continuing her education at Luther Seminary Nyla earned her MDiv and was ordained December of 2000 after which she served her first call Christ Lutheran Church in Long Beach, CA beginning in January of 2001.

Nyla was called to First Lutheran Church of Brookings, SD in the spring of 2003. Where she and her husband (Dave) have served for the 17 years and raised four daughters.

Nyla currently serves as a Board of Trustee for Augustana University.

Ordination Memory the feeds me:

My favorite memory from ordination, is memorialized in a wonderful photograph.  When the  Bishop and clergy were surrounded to bless my husband and I with the laying on of hands, my oldest daughter, who was three at the time, walked up and placed her hands on one on mom and one on dad.   It is a great reminder that this ministry we do is shared by our family.

Scripture that guides my ministry and is meaningful to me:

Micah 6:8  “What does the Lord require of you?  But to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

Words for others about ministry

There are inspiring and hidden parts of serving Jesus Christ as pastor. They are places, I call holy moments or interruptions.  They are the moments in between all the planned worship and programmatic activities.  They are the moments you can’t prepare for.  They are the places where we stand at the cross with those who are filled in grief and pain as well as the places where you joyfully glimpse the holy spirit take hold of someone’s heart and mind, or hands and feet in service.  To offer the Word, the body and blood of Jesus, and remind people that they are claimed in the waters of baptism by a God who will never let them go, is to be part of people’s lives in the most vulnerable times and is a precious and holy gift.

Rev. Jo Ann Lemme

Rev. Jo Ann Lemme is a Chaplain serving at Bethany Lutheran Home and Assisted Living in Brandon and Sioux Falls, SD.  Pastor Jo Ann is an alumnus of Wartburg Theological Seminary, ELCA, Dubuque, IA. She is responsible for meeting the spiritual, religious, and emotional needs of Bethany Lutheran home residents, families, and staff.  She uses her positive energy and love of God to reflect the light and love of Jesus Christ to all she meets.  She is inspired daily by her husband Pastor Tim Lemme and their two grown children, Ashley and Jacob.  In her free time, Jo Ann enjoys spending time with Tim working on house projects. She also enjoys going for walks with Tim and their dog, Taz, playing with their 3 cats, Maggie, Biscuits and D.va, and of course, quilting and sewing.  Her motto: “She who has the most fabric wins!” (Tim believes she’s winning.)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Ordination memory:

I remember feeling humbled, proud, scared, loved and supported by all who came to witness my ordination—my family, my friends, and my church family.  As I knelt down for prayer and the laying on of hands, I asked God to lead me and help me love my neighbor and myself as I entered into ordained ministry, for I knew I could not do so without God. 

Words of wisdom and encouragement:

A retired pastor shared this bit of advice: “Love them all, especially those who hurt you. Learn to love them as God loves you.  It will be hard but nothing is impossible with God.”  For me, this meant listening to the others thoughts, feelings and concerns without taking it personally.  Hard? Yes, but not impossible.  For me, the key is mindfulness – being aware of my own thoughts and feelings and trying not to let them get in the way.  I take time in prayer to listen to myself and love yourself.   Self-care is vital for ministry.   Love your neighbor and love yourself. God bless you.

Rev. Kevin Jensen

I was born on a dairy farm in South Dakota.  I am a cradle Lutheran and graduated from South Dakota State University in 1981 and Wartburg Seminary in 1994.  In between college and seminary I worked a couple of jobs in media.  My favorite Bible verse is Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” My wife is Pastor Carla Nelson and we have two children, Samuel and Kendra, who are both in college now.  I currently serve Nathanael Lutheran, Alcester, and recently added a call to Hudson Lutheran Church. And as of this year, I have also begun serving as a part-time chaplain for Avera McKennan Hospital.

Rev. Timothy Lemme

After graduating from Baltic High School from Baltic, SD, then working for two years, I enrolling in undergraduate studies at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.  After graduating from Augustana, I took a three-year break from studies, after which I enrolled in seminary studies at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA.  During the course of seminary training, I completed CPE Chaplain’s training at St. Luke’s hospital in Sioux City, IA., and Internship training at Augustana Lutheran in Sioux City as well.  Upon ordination in 1995, I served First and Highland Lutheran Churches in Sherman, SD, through 2002.  From 2002 to 2010, I served as Youth and Family Pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Sioux Falls SD.  From 2010 to present, I serve as Pastor of Caring Ministries at Our Savior’s Lutheran.

A Bible verse that has always been meaningful to me is Psalm 46: 10a, “Be still and know that I am God.”  It has been a source of comfort to me through the years, in all times.

An ordination memory that continues to feed my ministry is how much support and love I received from my colleagues on ordination day.  Many area ELCA pastors showed up to be part of that special day.  It demonstrated to me that this is a ministry we share together as God’s church.  I think this is an important lesson for anyone discerning the call to ministry; we are part of God’s family, united in service and ministry with the Body of Christ.

Rev. Carla Nelson

My twin brother and I were baptized at First Lutheran Church in Humbolt Park on Chicago’s Westside sixty years ago. Three more sons were born to my deeply pietistic Scandinavian parents who prayed God would call one of their children into the ministry.  I graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago in 1978 and Luther College majoring in math in 1982.

I taught math and organized women’s farming cooperatives in Ghana, West Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer from 82-85. Surrendering to God’s call to parish ministry, I graduated from Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and was ordained in 1990. I interned with the Detroit Lutheran Coalition in the Horizon program and was called to Gracious Saviour Lutheran at 7 Mile and The Lodge in Detroit. I am eternally grateful for the mentoring of Dr. “Pete” Pero, Dr. Rudolph Featherstone and colleagues Pastor Susan Ericson and Pastor Skip Wachsmann and for the Gracious Saviour Family who fiercely loved The gospel and me and forgave my shortcomings for 16 years.

Met my spouse, Pastor Kevin Jensen, in Detroit. I love him dearly.  We have been blessed beyond our wildest imagination with two awesome children. Samuel, a senior is a jackrabbit at SDSU and Kendra, a sophomore, is a gopher at U of M.  I followed my spouse’s call to South

Dakota and have been serving Roseni Lutheran in rural Beresford and Union Creek Lutheran in rural Akron, Iowa for the past 14 years. God has an amazing sense of humor.

Rev. Michael DeKraai

Ministry Timeline

Summer 1988 Tolna-Warwick Lutheran Parish North Dakota (Interim)

1988-1999 Emmanuel Lutheran Church Longview, Washington-Internship and Associate Minister to Single Adults

1999-2008 Big Grove Crow River Lutheran Church rural Belgrade, Minnesota

2008-2016 Holy Cross Lutheran Church Duluth, Minnesota

2016-Present St. John’s Lutheran Church Webster, South Dakota

I am grateful to God for the call to ministry. I have learned so much from all whom I have served with throughout these 30 years. The encouragement of my Mother and Grandmothers and attending Lee Valley Ranch Bible Camp were instrumental in my sense of call as a pastor. Pastor Orv Jacobson, Pastor Gary Van Hunnik, Pastor Renae Tecklenburg and my colleagues and bishops were among the most influential people along the way. Serving as a pastor has been the greatest joy of my life. Serving God’s people has been a rich and often humbling experience.  God is good!

2 Corinthians 5:17

So, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

Isaiah 43:1-4
But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my sight,
and honored, and I love you,
I give people in return for you,
nations in exchange for your life.

Rev. Rhonda Rae Hanisch

Ordained April 8, 1990 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Tea, SD.  Baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD, 1959.  Confirmed at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tea, SD, 1973.  Graduated from Lennox High School, Lennox, SD, 1977; Sioux Falls College, Sioux Falls, SD, 1981; University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 1983; and Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA, 1989. Served as interim pastor at St. Paul Lutheran and Clark Center Lutheran, Clark, SD, 1990. Named Carp Queen of Lake Kampeska, July 1994. Served Badger Lutheran Church, Badger, SD as pastor, 1990-1996; Ascension Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD as associate pastor, 1996-2007, and as senior pastor, 2007-20016; also served as interim associate pastor at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Watertown, SD, 2016-2017.  Retired January 1, 2019 (GONE FISHING).  2 Bible verses meaningful to my ministry:  Ps 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God” and John 21:3 “I’m going fishing.”

Rev. Brian Wasmoen

Brian grew up with the example of faithful Christian grandparents and parents in northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota.  Faith was sparked in local Lutheran churches and in years as camper and staff at three Bible camps—Green Lake, Good Earth Village and Sky Ranch.  He graduated from Albert Lea High School and Concordia College, Moorhead, MN where the call to ministry became clear through his studies and within the Christian community.

Brian married LeAnn after college and moved to Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary (now Luther).  Brian’s internship year took them to Kenmare, ND and after seminary (1985) he was assigned to the Eastern North Dakota District (ALC).  He served ten years as pastor of the Medina-Streeter Parish and 11 years at Kindred Lutheran Church in Kindred, North Dakota. Their two children—Judd and Jardy—were born during their time in North Dakota.

In 2006, the Wasmoen family moved to Redfield, South Dakota, where they served with Our Savior’s Lutheran Church now for 14 years.  During his time as a pastor Brian has served as conference officer, an internship supervisor and on various committees in the two synods.

Rev. Mindy Ehrke

I was born and raised in Aberdeen and graduated Augustana College in Sioux Falls and Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary in St Paul.

All my calls have been in South Dakota. I interned at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Watertown. My first call was to the Bradley Crocker Parish in NE South Dakota. I was the 16^th woman called to serve as a Lutheran pastor in South Dakota. I served St Paul Lutheran Church in Bowdle SD. While serving Bethany Lutheran in Viborg we partnered in succession with Bethesda Nursing home in Beresford, Calvary Luther in Irene and Our Redeemer Lutheran rural Irene. The next call was Salem Lutheran Mount Vernon and Storla and Trinity Lutheran Churches in rural Letcher SD. We served in the Clark and Florence Lutheran Parish. In 2020 I was called to the Lyman County Lutheran Parish serving Kennebec, Vivian and American Lutheran Church in Presho.

My husband is Greg and we have three children, Christopher, Sara and Daniel.

In the midst of a busy life, Psalm 46 verse 10 brings me comfort: “Be still, and know that I am God!”

Ordination Memory

My ministry has been rooted in family and supported ecumenically from the start. It was a cold day when I was ordained, in fact it was a blizzard. Despite the storm, my uncle and my cousins (all Roman Catholic) made sure my 96 year old Grandma Minda Johansen was in church that morning. My pastor told me a story about my grandma after the service. The previous year my home church had celebrated a major anniversary. They had challenged members to tithe for two years in honor of the big event. Each person who tithed was represented by a yellow construction paper-doll which they had gotten retired members to cut out. Grandma had been one of the volunteers. Grandma had told the pastor she was going to tithe, but she wouldn’t sign the pledge card, because at her age there was no way she could be sure she would be around for the full two years.

Rev. Dwight Stensgaard

Pastor Dwight Stensgaard is married to Kathy and have two children, Mari (Patrick) Klotzbach and Tate Stensgaard, two grandchildren, Brecken and Mckenna.

Education

Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN — Masters of Divinity, 1980

North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND — Bachelor’s of Science in Math & Science, 1976

Devils Lake High School, Devils Lake, ND — 1972

Calls

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD – Associate Pastor COO, 2014 – present

Calvary Lutheran Church, Rapid City, SD — Senior Pastor, 1996 – 2014

Faith Lutheran Church, Castle Rock, CO — Senior Pastor, 1984 – 1996

Division for Outreach, Castle Rock, CO — ALC Mission Developer, 1983 – 1984

Grace Lutheran Church, Englewood, CO — Associate Pastor, 1980 – 1983

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Warren, MN — Intern Pastor, 1978 – 1979

Rev. Steven Martens

2020 Retiree 

I was born in Harlan Iowa on February 28, 1954. I graduated from Harlan Community High School in 1972. I attended Dana College from 1972-1976, graduating with a BA in Humanities. I attended Luther-Northwestern Seminary from 1976-19890. I interned in Kenmare, ND 1978-1979. I married Margery Stout on May 28th, 1977. We adopted 4 children, Amy (37), Aaron(35), Jacob (30), and Joel, (28). I have served Parishes in Pollock/Herreid, SD, 1980-1986, Dimock,1986-1995, Colton Lutheran Parish 1995-2007, First Lutheran in Pipestone, MN, 2007-2011, Dalesburg, Brule Creek  2012-2020, Pleasant Valley Lutheran joined this parish in 2019. I retired in June of 2020 and move to Tea, SD.

Someone once asked me what the “job” of the ministry was like. I told them if you look at the work pastors do as being like any other job you would probably have to say that it’s a job where you’re a little overworked and a little underpaid and you’re on call 24/7 most of the time. This sounds like a lot of other jobs.

The ministry, however, is not just another job. The ministry  should be calling from God It is God calling you to make God’s presence in the world a more tangible reality for people. You might say that this is what God wants every believer to do and you would be right. Every Christian is called to live out their faith in their daily life. So what makes ministry different from that? Ordained ministry has an extra “official” quality to it. In this ministry you are a representative of the church as an institution. You are part of the public face of an institution that people recognize as one representing God’s work in the community. This public part of the job will place some extra expectations on you and open you up to all manner of criticism. The struggles people have with God may be taken out on you. You will be asked questions addressed to God for which there are no answers. Ministry can be very difficult.

Ministry can also be profoundly rewarding. There will be times when people praise you for the work that you do and the service that you render to them. You will have opportunities to be with people in the best of times and the worst of times. You will be with people in the parts of their lives that are worthy of celebration, like weddings and baptisms. You will also have opportunity to be with them in times of crisis like when a family member dies. There will be times when you realize that you are truly needed. The benefits that come from the work that you do may not always be evident. The effects of your ministry are often times very intangible. You may not find out some of the benefit your work has provided until years later if ever. You may return to a former parish and someone will share with you how much your ministry meant to them even though it happened years earlier.

One of the greatest rewards for me has been times that I was brought to the realization that I am not in this work alone. You will work with other people who share ministry with you.  You will find great reward when you are brought to the realization that God is at work in this mess. Realizing that you are doing God’s work adds a profound depth to the meaning and purpose of your life. That reward is priceless.

Bible Verse:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—” Ephesians 2:8

Rev. Duane Neugebauer

Duane Neugebauer, Hermosa, retired – I was ordained on July 13, 1975 at St. John Lutheran Church of rural Dimock. I graduated from Parkson High School, Wartburg College and Luther Seminary.  I served parishes in Hosmer, SD; Maddock, ND; Hatton, ND; Waubay, SD & Chamberlain, SD. Upon retirement I served as interim pastor at Kadoka. I have been married for 50 years to Margie Stoebner and we have two sons, Josh & wife Elise and Joel and 4 grandsons Aaron, Alex, Cayden and Anders.  I have had the opportunity to write devotions for “Christ in Our Home” on two separate occasions. Other highlights of ministry was serving 10 years on the SD Candidacy Committee, being elected to the Hosmer City Council, serving as a Boy Scout leader in Hatton and Waubay and being involved in local food pantries and other hunger related ministries.

Bible Verse – I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10b

Ordination memory was being ordained at St. John’s Lutheran Church of rural Dimock.  The church was located two miles south of our farm and always visible.  It was the church I was baptized, confirmed and married in.  Some of my happiest childhood memories were being involved in Jr. and Sr. League.  It was in this church that I first received the call to ministry so it was a special day to be ordained in the church that was so important to me.  Because of my positive experience in the youth groups growing up I tried to be actively involved with the youth throughout my ministry and always encouraged them to attend Bible Camp.

WORDS OF WISDOM – Wear cowboy boots.  Throughout my ministry I have worn cowboy boots on Sunday mornings.  Worshipers noticed and many times in my ministry I have heard the comment that when we saw you with cowboy boots on we knew that you were one of us and would understand rural life.

Rev. Kwen Sanderson

I’m originally a farm kid, from Brookings SD, and, in my inner image, I’m still a farm kid. I grew up on a farm, ½ mile east of the century Sanderson Homestead, farm settled by my great grandfather in 1878. I went to SDSU, and finished Luther Seminary in 1975. I was assigned to the N. MN district, and was in MN for 25 years, in various settings. I started at the Lysne-Solem Parish in Hawley MN, and had 2 “claims to fame” there. 1, I blessed the Hjemkommst (Homecoming in Norwegian), that was a locally built Vikings ship that sailed to  Norway, successfully. 2, A church member, NDSU professor, had a Golden Eagle that he flew. It attacked me twice, but I survived!! I came back to SD in 2000, to Dalesburg Church, St. Dysmas/Springfield prison, and I’m still here at Trinity/Yankton.

Rev. Eldon Thurow

Born on a farm west of Ramona, SD, December 23, 1936. Baptized at John’s Lutheran Church, Ramona and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Madison, SD. Graduated from Franklin High School in 1955. Served in the U.S. Army from 1956-59 as a radar repairman. Married Lillian Hansen at Cedarburg, WI June 21, 1958. We were blessed with two sons, Randy and Rodney. With having a family I struggled to get through college, working for a while, going to school for a while, and finally graduated from Augustana in 1966. I then graduated from Luther seminary in 1970. My first call was to Grace Lutheran, Bruce, SD. I then served 3 parishes in SW Minn. and 3 parishes in Wisconsin before coming back to SD before retiring on Dec. 31, 2003. Lillian was killed in a car accident in 2004. I married Donna Hamer in 2005. We currently live at Brandon, SD. Since retiring I have served 10 interims in MN, AL, MS, FL and SD. I am still serving part-time as an associate pastor at The Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids.

The Bible verse and theme for my ordination was John 13:14-15. “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” Following the example of Jesus, I have tried to center my ministry around first serving God and God’s people, instead of focusing on myself. John 15:5 was my confirmation verse and has also guided me through life. “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” Without knowing that I gain all of my strength for life and for ministry from God, I probably would not have made it through for 50 years.

The only ordination memory that I have, that has served me well in my ministry, is that my wife and son were with me. They were the ones that helped make it possible for me to get through school. They continued to be of great assistance to me in my ministry. My priority in ministry has been God, family, and then congregation. At the times when I let these get switched around, the parish ministry was not a lot of fun. When I remember that Jesus has washed me and made me his own in baptism, it has always made it easier to love my family and the other people of God. Being able to be God’s hands at the baptism of others has always been a special part of parish ministry for me.

Rev. Daniel Brandt

My parents bought a farm in March of 1943 and I was born in October. I have retired there and maintained the buildings and restore tractors and a 1944 aluminum Montgomery Ward wagon. Schooling was at Zion Lutheran, Avon, SD, Concordia, St. Paul, MN, Concordia, Ft Wayne, IN and Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO. I am listed as an alumnus of LSTC, Chicago. Congregations were St John’s, Farmers Retreat, IN, Holy Cross, Ft. Wayne, IN, Calvary, Yuma, AZ, Our Saviour’s, Phoenix, AZ, Advent, Glendale, AZ, Emmanuel, Granbury, TX, First, Waco, TX, 90- 3,600 members. I have two daughters, Laran, an accountant for KPMG, Mpls and Alyssa, retired hotel/restaurant management executive, Chicago. Recently I have done Thrivent/Habitat builds, one internationally and one US each year – eleven international builds and ten US. In 1981, I switched from LCMS to ultimately ELCA. Have traveled to all 50 states and to many foreign countries.

Romans 5:1-11. Swamps any self-righteous. All God-action! Very clear to see that God really makes us free.

When I was ordained at 7:30 pm, it was 103 degrees in church with no a/c. I dripped sweat on my cassock and surplice completely soaking them. In some sense ministry can be like that. It gets hot to follow as a disciple of Jesus. For me, the shift from LCMS or standing up for truth and justice or advocating for “cross culturing”. Jesus empowers to take up the cross and follow. Secondly, from ordination on ‘SURPRISE”. God provides surprises every day. In looking back, I am amazed at how God used and equipped me – that’s a daily surprise too. A guiding principle of my last congregation- “Rely on the Holy Spirit and expect results”, The Holy Spirit usually blows us out of the water but then bring us back to the water. You have an adventure ahead and have no idea where God will lead.

Rev. Roger Noer

I was born and raised in St. Paul Minnesota.  I graduated from St. Olaf College (Um Ya, Ya) in 1965, majoring in Speech and History.  I graduated from Luther Seminary in 1970, after Interning in Breckenridge, Minn.

Jan and I were married in 1973 after meeting at a District Luther League Convention in Pierre.  We have three daughters: Jen (Randy), Amy (Mackenzie), and Kari (Kyle).  We also had another daughter, Libby, that died at birth.  We have four grandchildren: Charlie, Lincoln, Anders, and Signe.

My first call was to Mobridge (Trinity and Norway), and I served there from 1970-1975.  The other paishes I served were: Fairfield, Montana, (St. Paul’s and Grace) 1975-1977, Rapid City (Faith) 1977-1984, Aberdeen (Good Shepherd) 1984-2008. 

In 2008 I retired and served Interims in Mobridge (Trinity), and Huron (Our Saviors). We moved to Sioux Falls in 2012.  We are members of Spirit of Joy and I am a Visitation Pastor for First Lutheran Church.

Verse – I Cor. 5:17-18, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see everything has become new!  All this is from God, who reconciled himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation..”

An ordination memory:

How can it be 50 years?  As I think back to the service of ordination it is a reminder to me, of how the Holy Spirit is at work  calling people into ministry, and for me that was the parish ministry.  The Holy Spirit was at work in people around me, and in the life experiences I had.  The service of Ordination was held at Como Park Lutheran which is my home church with my pastor leading the worship.  My brothers read scripture, with lots of other family present.   Friends I was confirmed with gave me a cross that I still wear, my college president ordained me, a seminary professor preached, my Internship pastor took part, as did the pastor I would be serving with in Mobridge.  One of the things I have valued over my years of service has been the fellowship of other pastors in the conferences and synods I have served.  Words and acts of kinship, times of fun, sharing, and the mentoring of others for me has continued to be the Holy Spirit at work in the people and experiences around me, and that certainly includes members of the parishes I have served.  Thank you to all!  To those in beginning years, know that you are not alone.

Rev. Charles Berdahl

I was born near Inwood, Iowa and grew up on one of the Berdahl homesteads west of Garretson S.D. I graduated from Augustana Academy in Canton and have degrees from Augustana University, U of Minn., Luther Seminary and Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. I am married to Judy (Schanck) for 62 years. We have been blessed with 5 children and 12 grandchildren. I served as a parish pastor for 28 years in Milwaukee, Denver, Ames IA, and Chicago. I then became VP of Development for Lutheran Family Services in CO. Following two interims, I served as Region 2 Representative for the ELCA Board of Pensions.

Judy and I moved back to Sioux Falls 8 years ago from Denver and have recently moved to Dow Rummel Village. We continue to appreciate the arts, provide musical programs for our communities and write our family stories. We are members of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church and I continue to serve on the board of the Nordland Heritage Foundation.

I was drawn quickly to an understanding of the priesthood of all believers with the recognition that the followers of Jesus of all LAOS or “laity.” This means that I am first of all Laos or a lay person who also happens to have the function of Pastor. Therefore on the bulletin board outside the church the following was listed: “(my name): Pastor.  Ministers: the Congregation.” I was also a part of the development of a concept of “Mutual Ministry” where Pastors of a congregation would equally and mutually share the pastoral office of a congregation.

Luke 10:27 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

Rev. Iler Anderson

Iler Paul Anderson was born December 4, 1935 in Bricelyn, MN where he graduated from high school. He then attended Luther College Decorah, Iowa for two years singing in the Nordic choir under the direction of Dr.Weston Noble. Then he was married to Loleen Leland in 1955, and joined and served two years in the US Army. He returned to Luther College and after a year and half attended and graduated from Augsburg College, Minneapolis,Minnesota in 1961 with a degree in Biology. Iler Paul then was called by God into the Holy Ministry and attended Luther Theological Seminary St.Paul,Minnesota. On June 20,1965 his Ordination into the Holy Ministry took place at Bricelyn Lutheran Church in his hometown. His internship was serving St.Paul’s Wauzeka, and St. Peter’s Lutheran Prairie du Chein, both of Wisconsin.He graduated from the Seminary in 1965 and his first Call was to Redeemer Lutheran ,Good Thunder, MN and Calvary Lutheran, Rapidan, MN. He served many other churches in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Iler Paul and Loleen had three children, Kaia, Nathan, and Peter. A most devastating thing happened in the death of their son Peter at age 52.

Retirement came in September 1999, and they moved to their lake home out of Spooner, Wisconsin. A week later the Bishop of Wisconsin called and asked if I would serve an Interim for a couple years at Grace Lutheran Brill, Wisconsin. After 12 years at Grace I officially retired and we sold our lake home in July 2017, and moved to Rapid City SD to live near our daughter. The Lord truly blessed me through 47 years of active ministry.

The Bible verse that was always so close to me each and every day was: I Corinthians 2:2-5 “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and much fear and trembling and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in the power of God.”

Rev. Lloyd Miller

It has been and continues to be a fascinating journey from my farm home in Wisconsin, through the local schools, to college and seminary in Iowa including internship in Washington, to pastoral ministry in five parishes in South and North Dakota, and to retirement that has included interim pastorates and many pulpit supply opportunities. At the completion of my seminary education, it was a surprise to be assigned to the South Dakota District (ALC) for my pastoral ministry. My family and I came intending to serve a few years and then return to Wisconsin. God had other ideas, my wife and I are still here-55 years later-and wouldn’t want be any other place else. God’s “still, small voice” has led me on this very satisfying journey.

Rev. Selmer “Sam” Hatlestad

I was ordained at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, SD on Sept. 19, 1965.  As a child worshiping in that congregation I began feeling the call to become a pastor. I call it my “Samuel in the temple” experience. I was influenced by two Clear Lake teachers who became Lutheran pastors. On the bulletin board of my Augustana College dorm room, I posted this verse from 2 Timothy 4:5: “As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (RSV) My late wife, Mary Quam Hatlestad, helped me fulfill my ministry. Together, we served six parishes in South Dakota: Salem and Unity, Freeman; Hayti and New Hope, Hayti; Our Savior’s, Veblen; Our Savior’s, Wessington Springs; Salem, Parkson; and finally, Bethany and Belleview, Howard. After retirement in 1996, I did ten part-time interims and visitations for another 14 years.

Rev. Willard Olsen

The Great Depression, World War 2, the Korean, Vietnam and South West Asian wars, coupled with the struggles for racial, gender, and handicapped equity, provided sharpe edges to Willard Olsen’s fifty-five years of day-to-day “seelsorge,” (soul care) sought and needed by those he was called to serve.

A husband to Helen for 64 years, father of five, grandfather of a dozen and great-grandfather of nine provided a balance to his service-under-call to five parishes, interim pastor to three others, frequent pulpit supply plus part-time chaplaincy at the State Training School and the VA’s Fort Meade medical center.

Along with his love of reading has been his enjoyment of hunting, fishing, and his “hobbies” of committees and conventions, resolutions and constitutions. He has been privileged to be elected and appointed to positions on conference, district/synod and regional boards, committees, and task-forces. In all these years, places and positions, he prays he will hear, “you have held My people in your heart.”

Ordination Memory

It was a time before widespread use of lay assistants in worship. The lessons were read by my father. He was a railroad depot agent, a congregation council officer, Bethel Bible Study leader, and choir tenor. He was pleased to have been asked. I was proud to have him participate.

About twenty years after my ordination, I was privileged to have lunch with my ordainer and former teacher, Dr. Wendell Frerichs. During that meal, he revealed he kept a record of all the students he had ordained, and he prayed for each of them by name every day. I was, and still am, amazed at this generous gift. Every day of ministry was upheld in prayer! Every day is a “day full of grace.”

Bible Verse

Almost forgotten beside its more famous neighbor is John 3:17: “Indeed God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (NRSV)

Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment,” above the Sistine Chapel altar, pictures a stern faced God, sentencing countless individuals to eternal torment. This one sentence from Jesus shows the grace-filled side of God. In this verse, we are privileged to see that it is the Father’s pleasure to give us the kingdom. Luther’s words in the Small Catechism tell us, “we are called to be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. This is most certainly true.”

Rev. ElRoy E Steinwand

The big challenge after 60 years of ordained ministry is to summarize it in 150 words or less!

So I begin with Abraham. He was doing well there in the Fertile Crescent when God told him to leave it all, and “…go to a land I will show you…and you will be a blessing to others.”

I did that. In the 40 years of active ministry, I was first called to that microcosm of society, Wildrose, a small town rural North Dakota. After four years in that four congregation parish (now one congregation), that Abraham call came again.

This time to a county seat in the Turtle Mts. at Rolla. It was 3 congregations next to an Indian Reservation. A growing Our Saviors Lutheran Church made it necessary to build a new church. Seven years later, I was called to Good Shepherd, a city church, in Aberdeen, SD.

Ten years there, and a call came to a regional setting, the SD Synod. I became an Associate to Bishop Norm Eitrheim. During the 15 years in that ministry, we helped about 36 congregations find their next pastor every year. When we began, there were 3 women clergy; when we ended: there were 38.

And then the Abraham thing helped me come full circle to a small 2 point parish at Humboldt and Orland, SD.

It’s been a great life, withy plenty of challenges and satisfactions. To those thinking about a “yes” to God’s Call, I say “go for it! Take on the hard stuff, let God supply the energy and know-how so you “will be a blessing to others.”

Rev. Marvin Ketterling

• Born in North Dakota 1929.
• Parents German Russian. Oldest of 8 siblings. Age 91 this year.
• Student at Wartburg College 1948-1951.
• Graduated from Wartburg Seminary 1955.
• Following ordination served11 different congregations: all in South Dakota. Also visitation pastor 1998-2006.
• Married to first spouse 1958-2004. Blessed with three children.
• Remarried 2009-2020.  Retired 25 years.

Words of “wisdom” for a pastor’s ministry:  1) work with a trustworthy mentor;  2) do not neglect immediate family needs because of “work schedule”; 3) make visitation, in whatever ways possible, a high priority;  4) minister with joyful gratitude.

Favorite bible verse: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

Rev. Greg Wilcox

Additional Roster Anniversaries

5 Years

Rev. Bryan Taffe
Rev. Christopher Strohm
Rev Lando Anderson
Rev. Samantha Wertz Johnson

10 Years

Rev. Nancy Quatier

15 Years

Rev. Christopher Baesler
Deacon Margaret Fink
Deacon Suzanne Hansen

25 Years

Rev. Dr. Christopher Croghan

30 Years

Rev. Mary Anne Nelson-Loefke
Rev. Stephan Sandness
Rev. Thomas Tews
Rev. Timothy Selbo
Deacon Cassandra Olson

35 Years

Rev. Glen Enright
Rev. Paul Stjernholm
Rev. Steven Unzicker
Deacon Marian Burling

40 Years

Rev. William E Bentzinger II

45 Years

Rev. Carroll Marohl
Rev. Dennis Hansen

50 Years

Rev. Charles Hazlett
Rev. Harlan Robbins
Rev. Larry Peterson

55 Years

Rev. Bernard G Heruth, Jr.
Deacon Donald Levsen

60 Years

Rev. David G. Johnson

65 Years

Rev. Lloyd Stivers, Jr.

Additional Retirements

Bishop Emeritus David B. Zellmer
Rev. Suzy Benidt
Rev. David Wildermuth