I am a Graduate of the University of Nebraska with a BS in Mechanical
Engineering and a proud lifelong Lutheran. I married LaDonna shortly after
graduating college, and we have two children and three grandchildren. Our
kids were confirmed at Good Shepherd, some of my fondest memories of
my many years at Good Shepherd. LaDonna passed away in 2012, and we
hosted her Celebration of Life at Good Shepherd. A few years ago, I met
Katherine and have welcomed her two children and her grandchild into our
life here at Good Shepherd.

We moved to Lisle in 1983 and joined GSLC in 1984 in the little church on
West Morland. We were worshipping about 70 at the time, and I was put on
the Property and Maintenance Committee immediately with my
engineering and construction background. Shortly after that, I was assigned
to be the Financial Secretary, in charge of collecting, tracking, and
reporting on giving. It was the principle at that time, as it is today, that only
one person (Financial Secretary) held that information.

Then we called a new Sr. Pastor, Sig Berg! Sig had a vision of a larger
church. I was now serving on Council, and Sig convinced us that we could
sell the existing church and build a $2.5M facility.

Between the time that we sold the church and built the new one, we
worshiped in the St Benedictine Catholic Abbey. I never thought I would see
the day that a Lutheran Church would worship in a Catholic facility!! And we
had our Sunday school classes in the St Benedictine College across the
street! The church was built in a corn field on the edge of Naperville (but
was the geographic center of Naperville proper)!

I was fortunate to be part of the first Christ Renews His Parish at the new
church. It was a life-changing event, and I have never felt that close to God!
And then the fun began! I was intimately involved in many fundraisers for
the church, primarily for We Care, a mission to support members of GSLC
who were struggling financially. Events included pig roasts, deep-fried
turkey (18 at a time), and BBQ Ribs, to name a few.

In 2023, I had the privilege to go to Kenya to visit our orphanage, Cherish
Watoto! These children have nothing but are so happy, it was amazing! I am
currently sponsoring 3 children: a college student, a 7th grader, and a
preschool student.

Currently, I am involved in a Monday morning breakfast with members of
that first CRHP, Tuesday lunch with the Old Geezers at Our Neighbors,
Saturday Men’s Breakfast, and, of course, church on Sunday. Frequently, I
have helped with repairs and maintenance throughout the facilities,
including the preschool area.

These are my activities, but I know that it is through faith we are saved, not
through works. I am anxious to again become a member of the council, and
I believe that with my current involvement, I can represent the seniors and
longtime members in our congregation.