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Every congregation, large or small, has the mission to share God’s word and serve God’s people. Ordained pastors are at the heart of a congregation’s mission - without them congregations would have no pulse. In appreciation for their years of service the church, the assembly recognized the milestones of several pastors during the assembly. On Friday the assembly honored four pastors who were ordained over 55 years ago. Jack Bredfeldt served as a missionary in Africa during his years of ministry. Robert Hanson’s first call in 1953 was Brooklyn Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, Minn. Robert Harder served congregations in Iowa, New Jersey and Minnesota before serving at Northfield Retirement Center until his retirement. Gerhard Nygaard served congregations in Canada and Wisconsin and followed that with service at nursing homes in Bowman, ND and in Northfield, Minn. Having been ordained in 1958, five pastors have achieved 50 years in the ministry. Vincent Aaker served his first call at Taylor Lutheran in Taylor, Wis. He has been retired since 1995. G. Neil Christopherson’s first call was to serve as an army chaplain. He retired in 1997. Ordell Nordness served as a pastor in both rural and city churches, served as a chaplain in Rochester and served his final call at Zumbro Lutheran in Rochester. Ralph Strand served his first call in 1958 at Bethany Lutheran in Axtell, Neb. and has been retired since 1992. Lake Wilson Lutheran Church was the first call served by Stephen Swanson. Prior to his retirement he was a faculty member at St. Olaf College. Six men were recognized for 40 years of service in the ministry. Hal Deye first served as a missionary in Venezuela and joined the SE Minnesota Synod in 1998. James Mikkelson began his service in 1968 at Peace Lutheran in Oshkosh, Wis. and reports that because he helped train 2 bishops between 1976 and 2001 that he was tired and now is retired. Ed Neiman spent 30 years serving 2 or 3 church parishes and now serves the 5-church United in Faith parish in Bricelyn, Minnesota. Philip Peters served in Moland, Kenyon as well as congregations in Minnesota and Iowa. He also worked as dean of students and later as Director of Development at Waldorf College. Neale Thompson served his first call at St John Lutheran in Hecla, SD. Paul Walker served First Lutheran in Minot, North Dakota and served with Jim Mikkelson at Our Savior’s in Beloit, Wis. Five pastors are celebrating their 25th ordination anniversary. Dennis Frank is currently serving a call to Cross of Glory and West Freeborn churches in Hartland. Russell Graef was unable to attend the assembly as he is currently serving as the Deputy Command Chaplain, Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes Naval Base and was required to be on duty. He shared with the synod office that he finds great reward in bringing young men and women to God. Accepting her first call at the age of 50 Marcia Hall currently serves Immanuel Lutheran in Fontanelle, Iowa. She has also served in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas and New York. Kristen Schlauderhaff ponders 25 years of service while serving a call at St Paul’s Lutheran in Red Wing. Janet White’s first call was as an associate pastor at Peace Lutheran in Waunakee, Wis. Currently she serves with her husband, Howard White, at Trondhjelm Lutheran in Lonsdale. The assembly also acknowledged the time of service and retirements of four pastors since the 2007 assembly. Clark Cary was ordained in 1967 and served in California before returning to serve on the Holden Village staff. Clark then served as co-pastor at Trinity Lutheran in Blue Earth for 25 years. Gerald Gengenbach served St Luke’s in Goodhue, Solar in Webster, St Mark’s in Randolph and Dennison and Vang Lutheran Churches in Dennison during his years of ministry from 1976 to 2007. Following her ordination in 1981, Linda Helberg served in Fredricksburg, Texas and Watertown, SD before serving at Bethel Lutheran in Rochester. Larry Tantow’s 37 year pastoral career was served in Watkins and Clarkfield, Minn. and Story City, Randall and Ringsted, Iowa. His most recent call was to serve as chaplain at Samaritan Bethany Homes in Rochester. |
