Staff

July 2022, I retired from Kimberly-Clark after 38 years. I am currently a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Neenah. I have two children, Matt (Erin) in Neenah, WI and Rachel (Daniel) in Grafton, WI. I enjoy reading, crafting, and being outdoors.

This is my 53rd year as a church musician.  I began playing organ at 13 in a small Methodist church in Waterloo, WI where my father was choir director. I've held positions in various Christian denominations, and at one time was a Cantor at a Jewish Synagogue in Chicago.  This is my 9th year as Minister of Music at Gloria Dei.

 

I've earned degrees in Sacred Music from Oberlin College, Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from Lawrence University, and post graduate degrees in Choral Conducting and a Doctor if Music Arts from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

 

My 'real' job is Executive Vice President for Lake Country Foods in Oconomowoc, but you can probably find me accompanying in the Choral Department at Neenah High School.

 

My wife, Linda, and I have three children, Dean in Louisiana, Katie (Spencer), and Chris living in Neenah. We have a second home in the Ozark's in northern Arkansas where I feed my golf passion.

Singing has always been an important part of my life. I have fond memories of sitting around the kitchen table at family gatherings, singing and harmonizing for hours.  When I get together with my siblings out of state, we still may start singing for part of the evening.

 

Our family joined Gloria Dei in 2000.  I have been involved with Sunday School children through teaching and/or music since 1987.  This year was my 25^th Christmas program.  At Gloria Dei, I am currently the Sunday School Singers and Junior Choir music director.  Besides our Christmas programs, I am involved withVacationBibleSchool, serve on our Education and Youth Board and sing in our adult choir.

 

My husband Gary and I have 2 children, Emily (Adam) inDenver, and Andy inNeenahalong with 2 grandchildren.  I love working in theNeenahSchool District. Besides spending time with grandchildren, I also like to read, go camping on our land, garden, and watch soccer games thatGarycoaches.

 

I believe all people, no matter how, can make a joyful noise unto the Lord.!

Music has always been a big part of my life, from sitting with my dad in the bass section in the choir while my mother was directing to accompanying choir & playing organ in my home church.

 

I have been a member of Gloria Dei since we moved to Neenah in 1967.  My family and I have all been active here in various ways.  I've tried to use my musical abilities in several ways: singing in the Adult Choir, directing Youth Choir, substitute as organist/pianist for services, accompanying choir and children's programs, performing piano/organ duets.  I also have served on Worship Ministry and Stewardship Ministry, along with Council.  I also served as president of the congregation at one time.  Women's Bible study has been an enjoyable group for me through the years. We also were teachers in the confirmation program for a time.  I was Financial Secretary for a number of years.

 

I taught piano lessons for about 25 years and also accompanied students at the high school for solo ensemble performances.  Former GD member, Elle Blobaum, also used me as accompanist for middle school concerts and programs.  We also worked together on a vacation Bible school musical.

 

At present, my husband, Jim, and I enjoy working at the weekly Coffee House.  We try to help in areas of worship where we are comfortable and feel somewhat capable.

 

Outside of Gloria Dei I play cards with friends (who have met together for about 45 years).  I also am accompanying at present for the Y-Nots chorus (from the Neenah Y).  And enjoy spending time with former Faculty Wives groups - and my family!

 

I appreciate the fellowship and support we have always felt from fellow members and staff here.