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First Lutheran Church Pastoral & Staff Directory
| View Pastoral & Staff Directory by: | Department with profile | First Name | Last Name |
Pastoral/Administrative Staff
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Rev. Dr. John R. Christopherson | Pastor John Christopherson, the oldest of three children, was born at Bagley, Minn. in 1956 to parents Pastor James and Dorothy Christopherson. He spent his elementary years in the Minneapolis and Montevideo, Minn. area, and high school years in Madison, S.D. John describes himself as being “raised up in the womb of the church.” (His father is a Lutheran pastor and his mother is a composer of church music). He has fond memories of his time at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., and during those years he attended First Lutheran Church and played in the brass choir. His wife, Cathy, is also a graduate of Augustana College, and received a M.S.E. in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin. They have three children, Johnny, Sarah, and Matthew. Pastor John has a great passion for music and is an accomplished musician in trumpet and piano. His hobbies include art, golf, mountain hiking, biking, reading, skiing Big Sky, Mont., with family, and writing. He also is a published author. Professional Background:
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Rev. Natanael Lizarazo | Pastor Natanael Lizarazo, the youngest of five children, was born to a rural impoverished Colombian family. Economic limitations and scarcity of food contributed to a strong faith in God, a sense of gratitude and joy for the simplest blessings of life. Nate describes his childhood years as being grounded on a positive experience of worship, community service, a strong Christian education and supportive parents, teachers, and pastors. These factors were a natural part of his growing up in a rural congregation in the Andean Mountains of Colombia. The powerful sense of call he felt in his childhood was kept alive through his teen years, and after completing his secular studies, his family and the local and national church were instrumental in supporting his theological education at an inter-denominational seminary in Colombia. Nate’s cross-cultural as well as international experiences have widened and deeply enriched his ministry horizons. His work with refugees and vulnerable social groups has strengthened his passion and commitment to address the realities of social injustice, racism, discrimination and sexism from a Christian perspective. He and his wife, the Rev. Barbara Wangsness, are the founders of two ministry organizations whose focus is formal education, international relationships, Christian leadership development and church growth in Colombia. The ministry organization in the United States is Leadership & Development LIZWAN Inc. In Colombia, the ministry organization is The Emmaus Road Foundation. His wife, the Rev. Barbara Wangsness, a native of Decorah, Iowa, have one daughter, Liz. His favorite activities include amateur photography, reading, playing with the dog and international traveling, among other things. "I find such joy in working at First Lutheran because together as staff and congregation, we are always striving to excellence in ministry and to be a vibrant congregation whose ministry and mission connections run deep and are very real at the local, national and global levels. I also find great joy in being part of the growing diversity of our congregation!" —Pastor Nate Professional Background:
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Rev. Barbara Wangsness | Pastor Barbara Wangsness is a native of Decorah, Iowa. The youngest of three children, she was raised in a rural family that faced the hardships through the grace-gift of a strong Christian faith. She is a “cradle Lutheran,” whose Norwegian ancestors homesteaded in Minnehaha County. Married to a Lutheran pastor who was born in Colombia, she speaks of the joys and challenges of being a bi-cultural family and of the richness available in the diversity of cultural interactions. Pastor Barbara rates the following areas as high priority: preaching, worship, leadership, ministering in crisis and visitation. All of these complement a pastor who is called to serve First Lutheran Church in the area of Pastoral Care. Along with her husband, the Rev. Natanael Lizarazo, they are the founders of two ministry organizations whose focus is formal education, international relationships, Christian leadership development and church growth in Colombia. The ministry organization in the United States is Leadership & Development LIZWAN Inc. In Colombia, the ministry organization is The Emmaus Road Foundation. Pastor Barbara and her husband, the Rev. Natanael Lizarazo, have a daughter Liz. Professional Background:
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Rev. Jason Burggraff | Pastor Jason Burggraff was born in Fargo, N.D., to parents Gary and Emily Burggraff, on March 28, 1977. Along with his brother, Eric, Jason was raised-up within the womb of First Lutheran Church in Fargo. His first interest was the field of mechanical engineering, but eventually he was led to ministry. The reading, writing and the discovery of theology have been great joys in his education. When Jason was a university student, he became involved in various Lutheran Campus Ministry activities. During internship, he taught adult and youth classes, and enjoyed small group ministry very much. Jason is a gifted musician; he plays piano and cello and has played cello in three community symphony orchestras. This love for music led to a love for worship, music, hymnody and architecture as they relate to the life of the congregation. He has also developed a music-based Bible camp for kids. Leisure activities include walks, skiing, soccer, mountain biking, and building things; he has built a wooden kayak and dreams of building an airplane. He has a private pilot’s license. He spent a summer in Nairobi, Kenya, as a volunteer mechanic for the bush planes used by Africa inland Mission. Professional Background: |
Rev. Dave Johnson | Pastor Dave Johnson grew up in Oldham, S.D., where his father was the pastor of Oldham Lutheran Church. He graduated from Augustana Academy in 1952 and Augustana College in 1956. In 1960, he earned a M.Th. from Luther Seminary and in 1965, an M.A. in American Intellectual History from the University of Kansas. Dave has served parishes in Fowler, Colo. and Sioux Falls and Watertown, S.D. He was the Lutheran Campus Pastor at The University of Kansas and The University of South Dakota. Retiring in 1999, Dave has since assisted at East Side Lutheran and First Lutheran in Sioux Falls, S.D. He and his wife Glenice have four children and 12 grandchildren. Dave has authored four books with a "prairie parable" theme, as well as a number of articles for a variety of publications. He was at one time a Field Editor for the South Dakota Conservation Digest. Dave's hobbies include wood carving, bicycling, hunting, fishing, writing and collecting of old decoys and political memorabilia. At First Lutheran Dave is fortunate to be able to focus on his two favorite professional activities—preaching and teaching. He has also worked with the First Lutheran Foundation.
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Rev. LeeRoy Eikanger | Pastor LeeRoy Eikanger was born in Lincoln County near Beresford, S.D. to John and Solveig Eikanger, the eldest of three children. He went to school in one-room schoolhouse in Lincoln County. He attended Augustana Academy for high school in Canton, S.D. and graduated from Augustana College with a BA in business administration. He was encouraged by several pastors and classmates who enrolled at Luther Seminary to consider God’s calling him to serve as a pastor. He enrolled in Luther Seminary in 1950, graduated and was ordained in 1954.
His hobbies include pheasant hunting, fishing, traveling, visiting children and grandchildren. Professional Background:
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Rev. James Christopherson | Pastor Jim Christopherson calls Valley City, N. D., his home town. He graduated from high school and attended one year of college in Valley City before attending Augsburg College and Seminary (now Luther Seminary). He served three parishes in Minnesota (Bagley, Minneapolis, and Montevideo) and three in South Dakota (Madison, Canton, Our Savior’s in Sioux Falls). He and his wife, Dorothy, joined First Lutheran Church and he is currently serving as a visitation pastor. Duties as a visitation pastor include visiting hospitals and sometimes visiting members in nursing homes and in their own homes. He also leads Bible Studies, text studies and sometimes presides at a worship service and help serve communion. He is willing to serve wherever needed. If you were to ask him, “What is your favorite part of ministry at First Lutheran?”, he would say, visitation ministry is number one and a very close second would be leading Bible Studies.
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Rev. LeRoy Nevin | Pastor LeRoy Nevin was born in Cumberland, Wis. to his parents Samuel and Gertude Nevin. He spent his six elementary years at Clinton rural school, his junior high years at Cumberland and graduates from Barron High School. He was blessed by his Christian higher education at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn. and enjoyed singing in the Augsburg choir and male chorus. As a pre-seminary student, he graduates from Augsburg and enrolled that fall in Augsburg Theological Seminary in Minneapolis. He loved the Biblical and theological studies with such a close relationship with faculty and 30 fellow classmates! His wife Elaine and he started dating in high school, and after her graduation, she later became the bookkeeper for the national Augustana Lutheran Church office in Minneapolis, Minn. They were united in marriage in July of 1955 in Cumberland, Wis. Elaine enjoyed Augustana very much, until their first child was born. Now they have four children: Philip, Joyce, Paul, Joel and three daughter-in-laws. They also are blessed with six grandchildren, whom they love. Both of them enjoy their membership and ministry at First Lutheran Church, visiting with their families in Sioux Falls, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. and with their relatives in Wis. In their free time, they enjoy reading, visiting, traveling, attending school, church, music and sports events, plus church worship with their children and grandchildren. Professional Background:
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Rev. Franklin Pudas | Pastor Franklin Pudas recently started as part-time visitation pastor at First Lutheran, taking on the duties left by Pastor Paul Sanders who recently retired. His primary duties include visiting those who are homebound. Pastor Pudas was born in Sebeka, Minn., and raised in Cloquet, Minn., near Duluth. He is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead and Luther Seminary in St. Paul. He married Marit Running in 1957. Pastor Pudas served as parish pastor in Rosholt, S.D., for 10 years, and at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell for 16 years. He then moved to Sioux Falls where he worked for the ELCA Foundation for 14 years. He has been retired for 11 years. Pastor Pudas and his wife joined First Lutheran Church in February. “We know a lot of the people at church already,” he said, “but I am looking forward to getting acquainted with other persons and being a part of the worship life.” Professional Background:
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Marilyn McNeill | Marilyn McNeill Background: I grew up on a farm in White Lake, S.D., with eight brothers and sisters. I have two adult children and a precious granddaughter. I enjoy reading and walking. Favorite part of my job: The people I get to work with—the members and the staff. I especially like the variety in my position. |
Carol Knapp |
Children, Youth, Young Adult and Family Life Ministries
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Marnie Dahle Backer | Marnie Dahle Backer Background: I grew up in the great North Dakota small town of Mohall and the capital city Bismarck. But my true North Dakota home is Lake Metigoshe where my parents and grandparents each had cabins that we spent a lot of time at growing up. We moved to Sioux Falls when I was a junior in high school. I graduated from Washington High where I first met my husband, Jeff. Jeff and I have been married since 1995 and we have 2 amazing boys, Harrison and Finnigan. I went to Augustana College where I then worked for 11 years as the director of outreach ministries. Since 2001, I have worked at First Lutheran. I love music (James Taylor especially!), being outside, reading, being at the lake, and spending time with friends and family. Favorite part of my job: My favorite part of my work at FLC is the people for sure! There are so many interesting dynamics in the life of one person. Helping them to move through their journey knowing that God is with them wherever they go is amazing. |
Debbie Garcia | Debbie Garcia Background: I grew up in Jackson, Minn. I have a son, Pedro, and two Newfoundland dogs (each weighing more than 100 pounds) and one bunny. I enjoy going to the dog park, relaxing at home and spending time with family and friends. Favorite part of my job: Prayer, devotions and fellowship.
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Nancy Henrichsen | Nancy Henrichsen Background: I was raised in Rapid City, S.D., and graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. with degrees in theatre and elementary education. I indulge in music, travel and theatre in my spare time. Favorite part of my job: Since my two children are raised, it’s especially fun for me to continue to watch young children grow and change. I love singing with them! |
Mara Stillson | Mara Stillson Background: I grew up in Huron, S.D. I graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. with a degree in music (vocal) and minor in religion. I am married to Kevin who works in the South Dakota Synod Office. I love to run, sing, play violin, guitar and piano and be outside. Favorite part of my job: I love the energy of the youth and being part of the family of wonderful people who call First Lutheran home! |
Melody Roberts | Melody Roberts |
Irma Rodriguez Leon | Irma Rodriguez Leon Background: I am a native of Colombia. I am a mother and grandmother and work as a nanny during the week. I also work part-time with Hispanic ministry at Augustana Lutheran. Favorite part of my job: Being a part of the FLC community. |
Heidi Tooley | Heidi Tooley Background: I grew up in Pequot Lakes, Minn. I am married to Mark and we have two girls, Isabella and Caitlyn. I enjoy playing piano, gardening and painting. Favorite part of my job: Meeting the people of the congregation and helping them become involved with more activities and creating active fellowship interactions.
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Financial Services
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
LaVonne Wolf | LaVonne Wolf Background: I grew up in Minnesota in a rural farming community. My parents gave me the foundation for my faith and my Christian upbringing. My husband, Don, and I have passed this foundation off to our three children who are all married and starting families of their own. My hobbies include reading and putting together scrapbooks for my three grandchildren. Favorite part of my job: The interaction that I get to have with so many wonderful church members. This church is such an awesome place, and the potential for its continued growth due to the loyalty of each and every member is amazing. The staff is very dedicated to working hard for the church and its many ministries. With God’s blessings, First Lutheran Church will flourish. It is a great blessing for me to be a part of it. |
Library
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Barbara Siebelts | Barbara Siebelts Background: I was born and raised in Sioux Falls, and was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church. I love this house of worship as my home because of the many people who have been and are part of this community. I’m married to Miles, and his children are the children of my heart, Cari and Blake. The only color coordinated part of our household are our black, tan, and white two dogs (Penny and Mason Lee) and one cat (Digger). I love Bible study, writing, speaking to groups, computers, Scrabble, Yahtzee, spiritual gifts, movies, books and music. Favorite part of my job: The people. This isn’t just a job, this is a ministry. People come for a specific book or because they need simply to have a listening ear, a cup of coffee, and a smile. I am privileged to share Jesus, and to have a supply of materials with which to nourish faith. |
Media Ministries
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Kathy Hein | Kathy Hein |
Tyler Johnson | Tyler Johnson |
Heather Kuecker | Heather Kuecker Background: I grew up on the family farm near Webster, S.D., with my parents, three older sisters and one younger brother. After high school graduation, I went to Dakota State University in Madison, S.D. and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Graphic Design. I now reside in Ramona, S.D. where I also work at the Ramona Assisted Living Center. In my limited spare time, you can find me on the phone, in my car and probably on my way to see family or friends. Favorite part of my job: Getting to know and work with the staff and being able to use my creative talents.
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David Palmer | David Palmer |
Kerrie Vilhauer | Kerrie Vilhauer Background: I grew up in Sioux Falls and had a five-year stint in St. Cloud, Minn. before coming back home. I love to cook (I have a drawer full of spices to prove it) and spending time outside. I’m married to another communicator, Corey, and we have two children (three if you count the terrier). When I’m not working, you can find me training the 2-year-old on the fine art of bread making. Favorite part of my job: I’m in awe of the many caring and wonderful people who call First Lutheran home. While most people come to church on Sunday, the mission and ministry that takes place during the week is amazing: volunteers who come weekly to staple the bulletins, staff members who work so hard together to complete a last-minute project, shop workers who patch a wall in one of the offices, 90-year-old volunteers who send out mailings, and more! |
Joe Ward | Joe Ward
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Outreach Ministries
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Linda Carpenter | Linda Carpenter Background: I was born in Des Moines, Iowa, later moved to Estherville, Iowa, and then Montgomery, Ala. I have two children, Amber and Hunter and a step-son, Cory. My husband, Scott, is in the Air National Guard. My hobbies are exercising, riding on the motorcycle, sitting outside on the patio and spending time with my family and friends. Favorite part of my job: Feeling like part of a big family with my co-workers and members of the church. I really like working with all of the wonderful and friendly members. I enjoy being a part of all the volunteering that happens here and the impact it makes at First Lutheran and in the community. |
Pastoral Care Ministries
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Paula Bartels | Paula Bartels Background: I grew up on a farm south of Spencer, Iowa with my parents and one younger brother, Paul. I received my RN training from Sioux Valley School of Nursing and completed the Parish Nurse Course at Augustana College in 2005. My husband is Lowell and we have three adult children and three young grandsons. I enjoy nature and the outdoors, going for walks, listening to good music, reading and people. Favorite part of my job: Getting to know the people and staff at First Lutheran, and working with so many talented volunteers! |
Arlene Bich | Arlene Bich Background: My early childhood days were on up a farm, by Redfield, S.D., the youngest of seven children, until age11 when we moved into town as my older brothers took over the farm. I attended Augustana College where I met my husband, Howard. We have been married nearly 46 years, have three children, and seven grandchildren. We're an "Augustana" family, as only one son-in-law did not attend Augie. We lived in Wagner, S.D. for 34 years, where my husband was a teacher and headcoach of basketball, track and field, and later started cross-country. I worked at the Community Hospital for 23 years. We have found since moving to Sioux Falls, that we really have to keep a calendar for our travels, our volunteer activities (church, Augustana, Pavilion) and the many other opportunities available to us here in the city! Music has always been a part of my life and I sang four years in the Augustana Choir, and 50 years ago we toured Norway and Germany in celebration of the college's 100 Anniversary! I now sing in the Adult and Women's choirs at First Lutheran. We joined First Lutheran five years ago when we moved to Sioux Falls. I felt like I was "coming back home" as this is where I attended church during my college days! Favorite part of my job: I enjoy my job as a Wedding Coordinator at First Lutheran. It's always such a joyful day for everyone, and it’s a great way to meet so many young people! |
Dr. Mark Britzman | Mark Britzman
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Sarah Hagenlock | Sarah Hagenlock |
Sherri Schroden | Sherri Schroden Background: I am originally from southwest Minnesota, so am an avid Viking fan. Enjoy hockey, reading, am “artsy craftsy”, volunteering, baking, taking in community events of all types, and being with friends for a movie night. Favorite part of my job: working with the couples who are starting their new journey in life and being a part of their special day. |
Charlotte Peters | Charlotte Peters Background: I grew up in 10 little towns across South Dakota and Nebraska, because my parents were a superintendent of schools and a teacher. I am a graduate of Augustana Academy, Augustana College and St. Joseph College (West Hartford, Conn.). I have three adult children and three grandchildren. Every day I spend five hours with my grandson, Max. Favorite part of my job: Assisting Pastor Barbara. |
Property and Administrative Services
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
John Cerwinske | John Cerwinske Background: I grew up in Sioux Falls. I have two older brothers. I am married to Nancy, and we have two children, Ben and Jacinda. I play the drums. Favorite part of my job: I enjoy the people the most. The congregation is very supportive of us also. |
Jeff Hartnett | Jeff Hartnett Background: My hobbies include NASCAR and football.
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Rob Oswald | Rob Oswald Background: I am an avid runner and participate in marathons. |
Connie Corey | Connie Corey Background: I have four adult children who live out of state and six grandchildren. I live in Canton, SD. My hobbies are cooking, entertaining, reading, walking each day and music, which is usually on in my home. Favorite part of my job: My greatest gift is to be employed here at First Lutheran. I work with such an incredible group of people who are very much like family to me. I job share with Barb Johnson and Kristy Zuraff, and we do very well as a team! |
Barbara Johnson | Barbara Johnson Background: I am a widow and a native of Minnesota. I moved to Sioux Falls in January 1989 because of my work with the U.S. Postal Service. I retired in December 2000. I have two daughters (and two sons-in-law) and five grandchildren. My hobbies include cooking, reading, spending time with friends and family, going to the lake and hanging out with my 12-year-old cat Arne. Favorite part of my job: I am so very lucky to be able to work at First Lutheran. I particularly enjoy all of the people who work here, volunteer here and just pop in. I really missed people when I retired and working here has filled that void for me. |
Kristy Zuraff | Kristy Zuraff Background: I grew up in Sioux Falls. I’m married to Paul Zuraff and have two sons, Joshua, 27, and Shawn, 22. We also have three dogs Shade, Kayle and Tucker, and a cat, Maggie Mae. I like to cook, read, travel, and go boating and camping. I also enjoy going to wineries. Favorite part of my job: My favorite part of being here is working with all of the great people, staff and volunteers. Everyone is so nice and would do anything for you. |
Worship and Music Ministries
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
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