How long have you been a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church? Since November 17, 1974 - 50 Years.
What is your current occupation or volunteer position? Retired nurse and Volunteer at church; Communion set up and on Worship/Music committee.
Also a member of the voice and bell choir.
What do you love most about your industry? I loved working in the hospital, seeing my patients get better. I then did School Nursing,
Keeping the students on a healthy life style. I love spending time and participating with my Gethsemane family.
Who inspires you in your life? My Mom when she was alive. Gave me a strong religious life. Church activities kept her busy. Now I have my sister, Debi, who also is a kind and religious person.
What is one piece of advice you can give someone? You don’t need to love someone to get along with them; just be kind and respectful.
What are your gifts or hobbies? I used to do a lot of crafts, but now my sister and I go antiquing. We love to look at items our parents had in their day.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be? Surf (lobster) and Turf (steak) with a baked potato with butter and sour cream.
Tell us about your family or loved ones. I am the oldest child and my sister the youngest. We had two brothers between us, who are
now deceased, way too early.
In 1971 I met Tom, who later became my husband. He passed in 2002. We had 2 sons, Kenneth and Tucker. As most of my church family knows, I then became a Grandma to 3 boys whom I adore. Spiro, 19; Tommy (named after my Tom) 17 and Lukas, 12. Fall of ’24, both Spiro and Tommy will be at UW-Oshkosh, playing football and Lukas will start 7th grade at Eisenhower MS. Lukas has been in many sports; football, basketball, baseball and wrestling. He hopes to follow in his brothers footsteps playing football and wrestling. And I will be there watching them!
What are your hopes and dreams you would like to see in the future? I hope to see Gethsemane continue to grow and thrive.
I pray for my grandsons remain healthy and thrive in their lives.
Tell us a special story or memory about you! My favorite story goes back to the day I became a member of Gethsemane and a mother. I was set to become a member on November 17, 1974, but I was also 9 months pregnant. That Saturday night I went into labor and Sunday morning, Kenneth Ralph was born.
Pastor Knox was our Clergy then who my Mom had known. After that Sunday, Pastor Knox sent me a note saying, “Some people would do anything to get out of standing in front of church.”
(If you are interested in participating in our member spotlight or nominating someone to be, please see the sign-up in the Narthex or you can always email the office
office@gethsemane-elca.org
