Our Staff at Amerian Lutheran
Gary Andersen – Lead Pastor
Pastor Gary joined the ALC staff in July 2012. He is a graduate of Luther Seminary and has previously served congregations in Lakefield, MN, Rice Lake, WI, Bloomington, MN, and a brief interim period at Gaylord, MN. Ordained ministry follows a first career in small business in the area of publishing. Pastor Gary and his wife Diane have three adult children and seven grandchildren. Michelle and family live in Shakopee, MN; Tim and family live in Mullen, NE; and Jon and family live in Bellevue, NE.
Pastor Gary joined the ALC staff in July 2012. He is a graduate of Luther Seminary and has previously served congregations in Lakefield, MN, Rice Lake, WI, Bloomington, MN, and a brief interim period at Gaylord, MN. Ordained ministry follows a first career in small business in the area of publishing. Pastor Gary and his wife Diane have three adult children and seven grandchildren. Michelle and family live in Shakopee, MN; Tim and family live in Mullen, NE; and Jon and family live in Bellevue, NE.
Renee Tecklenburg - Interim Associate Pastor
Pastor Renee came to ALC in November of 2012. She is a graduate of Luther Seminary and has previously served congregations in Fargo, ND, Devils Lake, ND, Bridgewater, SD, Alcester, SD and Bryant, SD. Pastor Renee's parents Marjean and Don and brother Kent live in rural Corsica, SD, and are engaged in farming.
Sylvia Andersen -- Children and Family Ministry Coordinator / Worship and Music Coordinator
Sylvia began working at American Lutheran in 2007, serving in two important roles for our congregation. And when she has a spare moment, Sylvia also shares her musical talents as one of American Lutheran's organists. Originally from South Dakota, Sylvia and her husband Mike have two children--Miranda (21) and Alex (15).
Alvina Kooiman -- Secretary
Since September, 1993, visitors to the American Lutheran offices have been greeted by Alvina's friendly smile. Alvina is from Luverne, MN, but has lived the majority of her adult life in Worthington. She and her husband Alvin are the proud parents of Scott (Anne) Kooiman, Tami (Jason) Koelewyn, Mindy (Doug) Holesinger, and Dawn (Tim) Van Vugt. God has blessed Alvina and Alvin with 6 grandchildren...so far...
Betty Wolter -- Secretary
In 2007, Betty joined the office staff at American Lutheran. Betty was born and raised in Iowa, and she and her husband Marlin live in her home state on a farm near Ocheyedan. The Wolters are the proud parents of three adult children: Clark, Lesa, and Amy. They have also been blessed with 2 grandchildren.