We lift up Faithful Servants who

Continue to Harvest Hope

that are celebrating

Retirement

and

Anniversaries of Ordination

and Commissioning

Do you not say, “Four months more, then

comes the harvest”? But I tell you,

look around you, and see how the fields

are ripe for harvesting. John 4:35

2

Retirement

The Rev. Philip Blom

A Bible verse or story that has always guided my ministry is… Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for good for those who

love God, who are called according to his purpose.

One of my favorite Biblical heroes/heroines is…Because… Abraham: Blessed to be a blessing.

One of my favorite teachers over the years was…Because…. Gerhard Frost: Taught and lived "hesed" Steadfast love of the Lord. Also

favorite poetry

One of my mentors over the years was/is….Because… My parents: Love, Laughter, witness to faithfulness, and service throughout all

of life and beyond.

One of the highlights of ministry for me has been…. Being Disaster Pastor in the Katrina Recovery when Romans 8:28 was fulfilled

personally and in the lives of many.

One of the most challenging aspects of ministry has been… Those who take grace so seriously, they no longer are gracious.

One key lesson about ministry I’d pass along to others is…. Prepare for both the greatest of blessings and burdens. Remember to Be Well ...

To Do.

3

Retirement

The Rev. Dave Morton

A Bible verse or story that has always guided my ministry is… From the Parable of the Prodigal Son in the 15th chapter of the gospel of Luke,

the phrase, “But while he was still a long way off, …” It’s all about God’s

GRACE!

One of my favorite Biblical heroes/heroines is…Because… David because he relied on God’s strength, not his own.

One of my favorite teachers over the years was…Because…. The Holy Spirit from whom I learned the most, and received the best guidance

over the decades.

One of my mentors over the years was/is….Because… Dr. William Dean, Professor of Theology at Gustavus Adolphus College, St.

Peter, MN who believed in me, modeled grace, and encouraged me to go on and

attend seminary.

One of the highlights of ministry for me has been…. Being a part of growing Christus Lutheran Church in Greenville, from a

pastoral size and style congregation to a program size and style congregation.

One of the most challenging aspects of ministry has been… The deep, pervasive cultural, religious and political polarization of America.

One key lesson about ministry I’d pass along to others is…. Be patient and persistent, because it takes a long time to effect positive change

in the culture of a congregation.

4

Retirement

The Rev. Dan Olson

A Bible verse or story that has always guided my ministry …

Isaiah 41:10“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your

God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my

victorious right hand.”

One of my favorite Biblical heroes/heroines is … because …

I cannot single one out in particular, but those like Abraham, Moses, the

Disciples and Paul who were called out of their comfort and/or stability

to go into uncharted waters not knowing where they would be or doing

… they, nevertheless, answered the Call of God.

One of my favorite teachers over the years was:

The late Dr. Paul G. Sonnack of Luther Seminary. Dr. Sonnack always

was tenacious about the very core and being of what the Gospel is. His

teaching and his brilliance followed me constantly through the years.

One of my mentors over the years

Was the Pastor of my home church in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the late Pastor

John M. Ness. Pastor Ness always modeled for me what a parish pastor

was and he was a man who took me under his wing for many years after

leaving home.

5

One of the highlights of ministry for me has been

The gift all pastors have to join their people in virtually all aspects of

their living and being, their joy and sorrows. I know of no other position

other than that of Pastor which has been given that gift.

One of the most challenging aspects of ministry has been

The expectation that a Pastor is all things to all people. It’s normal, I

suppose, that all parishioners feel they have a claim on a Pastor’s time

and the expectation they can do all things well. It can cause enormous

stress, thus;

One key lesson about ministry I’d pass along to others is To hone the skills you do well and not be afraid to speak of those you

don’t do so well. Any one pastor can be expected to be able to excel l in

4-5 different areas. That’s why the recruitment of the laity to do other

tasks in the church is critical.

6

Retirement

The Rev. John Roseth

As one of this synod’s retirees I was asked to respond to a list of

questions that included sharing my favorite Bible verse or story, my

favorite Biblical heroes, my favorite teachers, my mentors, highlights and

challenges of ministry; and finally, one key lesson about ministry that I’d

like to pass along to others. Wow, what a list! And, it was assumed that

the answers would be short and to the point. Many have had that same

hope whenever I preached. Oh well, I now know after thirty-nine years of

ordained ministry you can’t please them all.

I remember sharing this passage from First Peter 3:15 on the day I was

confirmed, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be

prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason

for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and kindness.” It

has remained a constant, unvarying guide and support to me throughout

my ministry. The stories from Scripture, the teachers, the many mentors

have all helped to shape me and the congregations I have served: Christ

Lutheran Church, Cheyenne, WY; Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran

Church, Hubertus, WI; and Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, Wausau, WI.

7

My teachers and mentors have taught me to measure success in ministry

not by numbers or statistics but by faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus

Christ. The many highlights and challenges of ministry have taught me

that this is easy to say when the room is full and hard to believe when it

is empty.

Through the many challenges over the years I have learned that a pastor’s

ministry is outside of his or her control. It is in God’s many hands. I have

learned that my calling was not to direct His traffic but to journey with

His people as they made choices in responding to the many and various

changes, transitions, and adjustments to their lives as followers of Jesus.

It’s been quite a journey for which I am grateful. Thanks be to God.

8

Retirement

The Rev. Michael Dismer

Retirement

The Rev. Peter Shervan

9

25th Anniversary of Commissioning

Ms. Mary Ellen Bakken, AIM

Associate in Ministry, Mary Ellen Bakken, was born and baptized in

Oshkosh, raised and confirmed in Appleton, and further educated in

Iowa. She received her B.S. in Education degree from Wartburg College

before heading to the greater Los Angeles area, where she served as a

Lutheran Christian Day School teacher. A move to San Clemente, CA

allowed her to expand her education to include preschool teacing and

directing. In 1987 she earned her certification as a Church Staff

Associate in the former ALC. Her 24 years of service in the Lutheran

church in California concluded as an Outreach Director in Redondo

Beach, a wonderful splash ending for her ministry there. She and her

work have now come full cycle. For the past 20 years she has joyfully

served the people of First English Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, the same

congregation where she and her twin brother were baptized as infants.

10

25th Anniversary of Commissioning

Ms. Sharon Fox Bogen, AIM

Sharon Fox Bogen, born in Milwaukee, WI received her BA in

Recreation at UW-Milwaukee and served 4 summers at Camp Indian

Sands, Neshkoro, WI, part of the ministry of Ascension Lutheran,

Milwaukee. After college she was a Recreation Supervisor for the

Sheboygan Recreation Dept. As an active member of First United

Lutheran in Sheboygan, she was encouraged to become the Director of

Pine Lake Camp, Waupaca where she became certified as a Lay

Professional in the LCA. God’s prodding called her to Luther

Northwestern Seminary where she graduated with an MA in 1991. She

served as Christian Educator/Associate in Ministry at First English,

Appleton, WI; Grand Forks Lutheran Rural Parish, Grand Forks, ND;

and Lord of the Lakes, Winneconne, WI. Married to Pastor Phil Bogen,

she served many volunteer roles at Zion, Shawano and currently at

Trinity/St. Peter, Wausau. She is active in our Synod as the coordinator

for the ELCA Malaria Campaign, Chair of Global Village Camp 2012,

and member of the ECSW Companion Synod/Global Mission Task

Force. I certainly have not become rich, but I definitely have been

enriched by my call to be a child of God! Here’s my claim to fame in the

ELCA: baptism, regular worship, parenting, outdoor ministry, speaking

up for inclusivity, and walking side by side with all of you – colleagues

and so many faithful people of God!

11

25th Anniversary of Commissioning

Ms. Tyrona Schroeder, AIM

Tyrona Schroeder (Ty), AIM – I was born, raised and lived in the mid-

west states where Christian values were lived out in my home and the

communities I lived in. The Writing Rock congregation near Alkabo, ND

played a significant role in my faith development during my youth.

Based on those roots I continued to grow in my faith during my years of

education at the Lutheran Deaconess School of Nursing. Despite a few

years of moving around I always found a Lutheran congregation to

support me in my service with Christ. During my many years as part of

the Good Shepherd congregation in Plover, I left to attend the Luther

Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Following that I returned to work with the

members of Good Shepherd and the ministries of East Central Synod of

WI. Eventually, due to my husband’s illness, I moved to Medford, OR

where I am finding many opportunities to serve with Christ Jesus and

also, find many people ministering to me in the same spirit.

12

25th Anniversary of Commissioning

Ms. Dorothy Twiton, AIM

Dorothy Twiton, originally from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is a graduate of

Augsburg college of Minneapolis. She also attended The Lutheran Bible

Institute (L.B.I.) in Minneapolis. Her work experiences included teach at

Hayfield High School, Minnesota, and at Augustana Academy, Canton,

South Dakota-working in the Bible Study Correspondence Department at

L.B.I. – serving as Director of Education at Zion Lutheran Church in

Oshkosh, WI., and being secretary at Bay View Lutheran church in

Sturgeon Bay.

Her responsibilities as an Associate in Ministry included youth work,

adult and youth education, music and preaching. At the present time she

is the organist and music coordinator at Hainesville Lutheran Church,

Sturgeon Bay.

13

25th Anniversary of Commissioning

Ms. Sandra Wendland, AIM

Sandra Wendland, AIM, was born and raised in the Watertown, WI. area.

She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Wartburg

College, Waverly, Iowa. After working in the public schools she began

her career in the church. The candidacy process began while serving

Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, WI as Director of Ministries. She

currently serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Stevens Point, WI as part of

the Pastoral Ministry staff.

14

25th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Paul Heykes

Paul F. Heykes is a lifelong resident of Wisconsin. He received a

Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin

La Crosse in 1974. After a three year stint in the carbonic industry and a

few more years of substitute teaching he accepted a position as Youth

and Education Director at Zion Lutheran in Appleton in 1979. He served

there until the congregation decided to reconfigure its staff in May of

1983. Five weeks later he enrolled in Summer Greek at Wartburg

Theological Seminary. He served his internship at Grace Lutheran in

Berlin. Paul graduated from Wartburg in December of 1986 and was

assigned to the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Synod of the LCA. In the fall

of 1987, while serving a brief interim at St. John's Lutheran (Main St.) in

Oshkosh, he was "traded" to the Northern Wisconsin District of the ALC

and a few days later was issued a direct call from St. John's Lutheran of

Morgan where he continues to serve and will celebrate the 25th

anniversary of his installation this coming December. In his spare time

Paul coaches spring board diving and swimming for Pulaski High

School. He was twice named Wisconsin Diving Coach of the Year and

his divers have garnered ten All State Honors and one State

Championship.

15

25th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Lawrence Lange

Pastor Larry Lange was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was in

church for his baptism, but not often after that. Until he was confirmed a

Methodist. Religious group at Carthage College invited him to go skiing.

At the Playboy Club. Attended worship at Carthage every week

thereafter until he graduated with a BA in English and Religion. Earned

an MA in English at University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Married Julie

Wrubbel, and they headed off together for seminary at the Lutheran

School of Theology at Chicago. Flunked his first ordination review.

After 9 interviews, finally found a call at Foxhome-Vukku Lutheran

Parish, Foxhome, Minnesota. Then served with Julie at Our Redeemer in

Champion, Michigan. Served in the ECSW for 5 years as a trained

interim at Immanuel (Cicero)/Our Savior’s (Lessor); St. John,

Ashwaubenon; Zion, Appleton; Bethel (Green Valley)/Our Redeemer

(Kelly Lake). Also enjoyed being stay at home dad for children Noah,

Elizabeth, and Katie. Pursued a Doctor of Ministry in preaching through

the Association of Chicago Theological Schools while serving again at

Our Savior’s in Lessor and finished it while serving with Julie again at

Grace in Green Bay. Book based on D.Min. published in 2005.

Sermons, articles, blogs published by CSS, Lectionary Homiletics, on-

line Lutheran and local paper. Interfaith/ecumenical organizer in Green

Bay.

16

25th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Lori Swenson

Pastor Lori E. Swenson was raised in Jamestown, NY, where her father

was an ELCA for 25 years until his retirement at age 77. She received her

BA in Psychology at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, with

a minor in Religion. From 1982-1983 Lori studied at a graduate school

in Jerusalem, Israel before attending Luther Seminary in St. Paul,

MN, marrying Luther G. Swenson a week before classes began. They

graduated from Luther Seminary in 1987, and began their first call at

Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls, WI. In 4 ½ years of

ministry there, they also had their 3 children, Nathan, Matthew and

Kiersten. In 1992, they began ministry with Our Savior’s Lutheran

Church in Neenah, WI, and in 1995 came to Ascension Lutheran Church

in Green Bay, WI, where they continue to serve.

Lori is unable to be at synod assembly this year, because she was asked

to preach at her home church, Holy Trinity L.C. in Jamestown, NY on

June 3, for their 125th anniversary celebration. She and one of her

brothers are driving out to Jamestown, and being part of the 125h banquet

on June 2 as well.

.

17

25th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Luther Swenson

Pastor Luther G. Swenson lived his first few years in Tanganyika, then

Tanzania, where his parents were missionaries with the Swedish

Lutheran Augustana Synod, then LCA. From there his family moved as

his father then served a year of missionary deputation based in

Minneapolis, MN, and then with the North American home missions on

the prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada, and then in parish calls in Babbitt

and then Two Harbors, MN. Luther received his BA in Psychology at

Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, and then studied a year at

the Lutheran Bible Institute in Issaquah, Washington before attending

Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, marrying Lori E. Bergstrand a week

before classes began. They graduated from Luther Seminary in 1987,

and began their first call at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Menomonee

Falls, WI. In 4 ½ years of ministry there, they also had their 3 children,

Nathan, Matthew and Kiersten. In 1992, they began ministry with Our

Savior’s Lutheran Church in Neenah, WI, and in 1995 came to Ascension

Lutheran Church in Green Bay, WI, where they continue to serve.

18

50th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Davis Darrington

Davis was born half Norwegian in Decorah, IA. He graduated from St.

Olaf College, Northfield and Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN.

Internship at St. Paul's Lutheran, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI provided good

parish experience and introduction to Shirley resulting in 50+ years of

marriage, three sons and six grandchildren.

Following ordination in 1962 his parish ministry was all in WI...Grace

Lutheran, Darlington; Covenant (Central) Lutheran, Stoughton; and 23

years as Co-Pastor Trinity Lutheran, Green Bay until retirement in 1998.

Post retirement ministry includes 18 months part-ime ECSW mission

director, Four years on-call Chaplain Aurora BayCare Medical Center,

Green Bay; Eight months Interim Sr. Pastor, St. Michael Lutheran,

Omaha, NE.

In 2007 Davis & Shirley moved to Bennington (Omaha), NE to be closer

to their family.

19

50th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. George Krempin

George was born into a parsonage family in the Canadian prairie town of

Lampman, Saskatchewan during the waning years of the Great

Depression. Locust plagues and near suffocating dust storms added to the

misery of the times. George lived under these conditions for the first 4

years of his life. When his father died an untimely death at age 37 his

widow and her 4 children ages 5-12 moved to Winnipeg in the

neighboring province of Manitoba to be nearer to extended family.

Early in his life George felt the call to ordained ministry. He took his first

step in that direction by enrolling in United College in Winnipeg,

graduating from there with a Bachelor of Arts degree. This led him to the

Evangelical Lutheran Seminary-Columbus, Ohio where he earned a

Bachelor of Divinity degree with honors.

From the outset George’s intent was to become a Navy or prison

Chaplain. Parish ministry was not part of his plan. In pursuit of his

Chaplaincy goal George accepted a full scholarship to Andover Newton

Theological School-an American center of Jungian psychology and a

pioneer in Clinical Pastoral Education. A Master of Sacred Theology

degree followed.

20

To satisfy the Church’s requirement of 3 years of parish experience as

prerequisite to specialized ministry, he accepted the call to the American

Lutheran Church of Enid, Oklahoma, becoming the congregation’s third

pastor in 36 months. Eight years later he resumed his Chaplaincy quest

by entering the University of Detroit Master of Arts program in

Psychotherapy and Marriage Counseling, working simultaneously on his

Doctorate of Ministry from Andover Newton and serving Faith Lutheran

Church as a part time Associate.

The final step in his vocational journey was to team Ministry at Grace

Lutheran Church, Green Bay where he served for 25 years. He had a plan

and God had His. Chaplaincy was not to be. Nevertheless those years

were filled with many blessings which included the support and

encouragement of family colleagues and friends. George’s wife, Rita,

was his stalwart companion, strength and greatest treasure throughout the

years and our daughter Jennifer our greatest joy. As for me and my life, I

would do it all again. 50 years! Wow! But to God be the glory.

21

55th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Eugene Gauerke

Gene Gauerke was baptized at First English, Appleton; confirmed at

Bethlehem near Pella, and ordained at First English, Oshkosh. He

interned and began his ministry at Grace, Green Bay.

For ten years he was somewhat of a prodigal son, sojourning in the far

country of California and New Mexico, before returning and serving at

Trinity, Waupaca for 25 years.

His faithful helpmeet Elvira and he co-authored a book, “Make Love

Your Aim” as a 5oth wedding anniversary legacy for their five children,

eleven grand children and friends.

A favorite Bible verse is, “I can do all things through Christ who

strengthens me.” He is grateful for the strong Lutheran teaching tradition

that prepared him for a Spirit-filled life and ministry.

22

55th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Frederick Lueders

Pastor Fred Lueders was born and raised on a Cedarburg, WI farm and

baptized at Advent Lutheran Church (ULCA). He received a Masters

Degree in Agriculture, 1952, UW, and later PhD in Rural Development.

He served in the US Army, 1952-1954. Graduate of N.W. Lutheran

Seminary, Minneapolis, with no internship. He then went to LCA School

of Missions, Maywood, and to India as an agricultural missionary, 1959-

1968. His first wife, Marian, died in India; later he married Pauline, a

college friend of Marian. After 2 terms in India he was Called to St.

John’s, Phillips, WI, then to Shepherd of the Lakes, Waupaca; and after

retiring, did interim ministries, and now serves part-time as Chaplain,

Bethany Nursing Home, Waupaca.

23

55th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Frank Tobisch

Frank A. Tobisch was born in Stillwater, Minn., nine days before the

bottom started to fall out of the stock market in 1929 which led to the

Great Depression. He is a graduate of Capital University and the

Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary of Capital University,

Columbus, Ohio. Following ordination in 1957, his entire ministry took

place in the present East Central Synod of Wisconsin. Parishes served

include St. Peter, Richford, and Immanuel, Coloma; Zion, Tigerton, and

Immanuel, Morris; and Our Savior’s, Denmark. He also provided part-

time pastoral services during an interim at Emmanuel, Seymour, and as a

chaplain at Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Manitowoc. Frank

officially retired in 1992. He lives in De Pere with his wife, Carole, and

their special needs son, Mark.

24

55th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Earl Zimmerman

Pastor Earl Zimmerman was raised on a farm near Sunman, IN. He

received his Bachelor of Arts from Capital University, Columbus, OH.

He graduated from the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary of

Capital University, Columbus, OH in 1957. Internship was at Peace

Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, WI. Pastoral ministries were at Faith

Lutheran Church, Cuba Cit, WI (1957-1959) and at Mt. Calvary Lutheran

Church, Rothschild, WI (1959-1992), where he experienced several

building programs. He served as “part-time”, “on call” chaplain at the

Wausau Hospital, Wausau, WI for several years following his retirement

in 1992. He married Dolores (Plotz) Zimmerman in Oshkosh, WI in

1957.

25

60th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Donald Hetzler

Donald F. Hetzler was baptized into the Christian faith at St. Mark’s

Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND, and came to the Lutheran Ministry by the

grace of God and service in the United States Army in Germany and the

Philippine islands during the Second World War. He graduated from the

University of Iowa and studied at the University of Chicago before

completing studies at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN.

He was first called to Concordia Lutheran Church, Concordia, KS and

later was elected Lutheran Campus Pastor at the University of Iowa. His

continued service in campus ministry included the position of Central

Regional Director and, finally, Executive Director of National Lutheran

Campus Ministry.

After twenty-six years in college work he became Director of Pastoral

Care in Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and, concurrently, Executive

Director of the Associated Church Press. He retired in 1990 and now

resides with his wife of sixty-two years in Appleton, WI. They have three

sons.

Their membership at Zion Lutheran Church, Appleton, continues

Marilyn’s family’s relationship and activity which extends over 100

years.

26

55th Anniversary of Ordination

The Rev. Philip Kurtz

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