Visitation Pastor
I was born in South Bend, Indiana and was married in Michigan City, Indiana to my wife Gayle in 1966. We have two daughters, Heidi and Amanda. I like to say I followed Heidi into the ministry, she graduated from Wartburg Seminary in 2001 and I started my seminary training there in July 2001. I graduated from Wartburg in 2005, served as Interim Pastor at First Lutheran in Plano, IL from August 2005 – July 2006. I was called to serve Bethlehem Lutheran in Rockford and was there from September 2006 – December 31, 2014. I most recently served as Interim Pastor at Capron Lutheran Church from March 2016 – July 2020.
In my previous life (Before Seminary) I worked for Associates Corporation (A major finance company) for 38 years. I began my career there as a mail boy, then became a computer programmer in 1965. After a two year stint in the US Army (April 66 – March 68) I returned to Associates to continue my life in computer work. I ended my career there in 2021 and started seminary shortly thereafter.
Our daughter Heidi is married to Kent Happel, both are pastors, but Heidi is on disability due to her MS. They have one daughter, Victoria (Tori) who is now a Chiropractor. They all live in Kansas.
Our daughter Mandi is married to Travis Horstman, and they live in Onalaska, WI. They have two daughters, Savannah, a sophomore at UW-Milwaukee, and Trinity, a high school sophomore.
Gayle and I have lived in Rockford since 2006. Prior to going to seminary, we lived in Hurst, TX for 21 years. Gayle’s mother, Maxine Powell has lived with us since 2016.
I look forward to being your Visitation Pastor and being able to share our stories.