I was born and grew up in North Dakota. I am one of six children. I always wanted to be a pastor, following in my Dad’s footsteps who was also a pastor. I graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN in 1984. In that same year I married Sandra, my wife for 40 years.
Sandra was an elementary and early childhood special education teacher for over 30 years. She then became a consultant for child care centers and young families. Sandra retired three years ago.
We raised three children, all adopted from Korea: Alex who is now 35. Kammi, 31, married to Al, with two children: Olive, 4, and Elsie, 2. Bradley is 27. We are thankful to be living less than 20 minutes from our children and grandchildren.
I began my ministry as a pastor in the LCMS, 13 years in a small congregation in northern Minnesota, and 21 years at a congregation in Eau Claire, WI. During those years I began to realize that I was on the more progressive side of the church.
In December of 2016 my son told us he is gay. This came as a surprise to both my wife and me. And after much prayer, study, and conversation, we knew that we couldn’t stay in the LCMS. We wanted to support him, and be in a church that will welcome all people. So I decided to resign from the LCMS. I found the ELCA to be very welcoming of me and my family.
In 2018 I began to serve as a bridge/interim pastor, first in the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, and then in the Greater Milwaukee Synod. I am now serving in my sixth congregation as an interim pastor.
In April of 2022 we moved to Milwaukee. We love our home in the Cooper Park neighborhood. Sandra and I love tandem bicycling in the many parks of Milwaukee. We love being 15 minutes from Lake Michigan (remember: I grew up in North Dakota 🙂
We spend a lot of time with our family, reading, gardening, and enjoying the many attractions in the area. I also enjoy playing piano, trombone and baritone, and listening to classical and jazz music. I am a fan of the Minnesota Vikings, and respect the Packers. And I love all other Wisconsin teams.
Now at 68 years old, I plan to continue working, hopefully full time, as an interim pastor until at least 70. And then continue in part time ministry as long as I can. I love being a pastor!
Redeemer Lutheran Church - Hartford, WI 