First Lutheran Church Leadership

Pastor Charlie Axness  is the Senior Pastor of First Lutheran Church.  He is a graduate of Minot State University, and completed graduate studies at the University of North Dakota, Luther Seminary, The Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies in Israel, and the University of Minnesota. Pastor Charlie and his wife, Linda joined us from Mandan, North Dakota in October 2006.  They have one married daughter and two grandsons in North Dakota.  Pastor Charlie's favorite pastimes are attending young people's events, gardening, music, and golf.

Pastor Anjanette K. Rist is Associate Pastor of First Lutheran. She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota and Luther Seminary.  She was called to this congregation in January 2000.  Pastor Anjanette's husband, Karl, also serves as pastor at First Lutheran.  Together they have a preschool daughter, Sela, and toddler son, Erick.  Pastor Anjanette enjoys the outdoors, swimming, walking, traveling, and writing.

Pastor Karl F. Rist is Associate Pastor at First Lutheran.  He graduated from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, and Luther Seminary. He was called to this congregation in January 2000.  Pastor Karl and his wife, Anjanette, enjoy raising their preschool daughter, Sela, and toddler son, Erick. Pastor Karl enjoys excercising at the YMCA, reading, yardwork, and travel.

Pastor Norman L. Freund is the Pastor of Visitation at First Lutheran. He graduated from Dana College and Luther Theological Seminary.  He has served congregations in St. Paul, Nebraska, Poy Sippi, Wisconsin, Brush, Colorado, Sedalia, Missouri, and Madison, Minnesota.  He was called to visitation ministry at First Lutheran in 1997.  Pastor Norm's wife, Esther, has been a faithful partner for over 45 years of combined ministries.  They have three grown and married children living in Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and enjoy their six grandchildren.  Pastor Norm enjoys traveling and working with the staff of First Lutheran.

Program Staff:
    Meri Jo Soe - Coordinator of Children's Education
    Wilma Schardt - Adult Education Assistant
  
Support Staff:
    Jill Norenberg - Office Manager/Finances
    Tami Hall - Program Assistant
    Tammi Wolff - Receptionist/Publications
    Karen Mundy - Preschool Director/Teacher
    Sherie Ebers & Helen Einspahr - Preschool Assistants
    Alice Clausen, Ione Popken & Martin Trautrimas - Parish Lay Visitors
    Rosie Haier - Nursery Coordinator
    Bill Miller & Milt Havekost - Maintenance

Music Staff:
    Amy Brandert-Organist/Music Coordinator/Jr. & Cherub Choir Director
    Lon Olson - Senior Choir Director
    Cheri Johnson & Jon Moxness - Sounds of Celebration Coordinators
    Alison Zuch - Contemporary Choir Director
    Nancy Rix - Jubal Bells Director/Contemporary Choir Accompanist
    Marilyn Pueppke - Senior Choir Accompanist
    Barb Hanen - Cherub Choir Accompanist