Joan and I have been receiving The St. Ignace News ever since receiving another ministry call in 1994. We’ve enjoyed keeping up with the area “happenings” and seeing so many familiar names and people that were part of our lives. Having noticed my name a while ago in the “Looking Back” column, I thought I’d write a little newsy note.

Living and serving as pastor in St. Ignace and Brevort, beginning in 1983, was very meaningful to my family and me. Our children were young when we came to the area and benefitted throughout their growing up years from many, many people… in churches, schools, and community. I regularly think of all kinds of folks from those years with fondness and appreciation… and the weekly newspaper has helped keep the memories alive. Many opportunities for involvement, learning, and growing occurred during the years that we were part of the Straits area communities.

The quick rundown on our family: All four of our kids are married and have graduated (with honors) from Lutheran schools: Kirsti from Warburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and the other three – and two spouses – from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. All of them studied music (three earning music degrees) and are currently professional musi- cians. Kirsti married a book store manager and she teaches, yes, children’s musical theater in Madison, Wisconsin. Marna soon travels with her husband to visit his home and family in Amman, Jordan; she works with troubled youth in Columbus. Peder will be graduated this spring from Trinity Seminary (Columbus, Ohio) on his way to becoming a pastor; his wife will also complete a master’s program to become a nurse practitioner. Luke was graduated last year and was selected by his faculty for the singular Capital University Award for Outstanding Senior; he is planning to become a nurse practitioner. Luke and his musician wife currently live and work in Columbus. Finally, I have been an Intentional Interim Pastor (helping congregations through their transitional times) since coming back into Wisconsin; Joan serves as a consultant to congregations and pastors through our bishop’s office. We live in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Although I have served in two dozen congregational settings, I have many favorite memories of my ministry in St. Ignace and Brevort. Joan and I have profound appreciation for the many people that we encountered during those treasured years. And, I’m glad to have a weekly reminder arrive in our mailbox in the form of The St. Ignace News.
Pastor Ted Johanson
Stevens Point, Wisconsin