Interim Pastor Team
Married for 31 years, they have served together in ministry the majority of that time. Pam, having been trained in pastoral care and counseling at Luther Seminary served as a part time lay pastor in the churches Eric received a call at in both North Dakota and Minneapolis.
They are proud parents of two young adult daughters, Leesa (married to LeRoy) and Kaara.
Several years ago Eric launched Moving Forward Consulting Ministries out of his heart to help churches move forward through conflict and transition. Eric also teaches “Care and Counseling for Ministry” at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. Together, Pam and Eric teach classes at the Master’s Institute Seminary. Pam began her own ministry 9 years ago. On Bended Knee Ministries helps dating, engaged and married couples build strong marriages.
Pam and Eric are excited to use their gifts and experiences to serve the faith community at Olivet during this season of transition.
Interim Pastor TeamJim began as an interim pastor at Olivet on the second week in July, 2020. He retired from Decorah Lutheran in Decorah, Iowa, after serving there for 20 years.
Prior to that he has served parishes in Appleton, WI; Stoughton, WI; and Dovray, MN. He is married to Ruth who is an RN, but who has also worked for AAL (now Thrivent) as a Sr. Life underwriter. Together they have four children. David in Bloomington, IL; Sarah in La Crosse; Erik in Appleton, WI; and Rachel in Spirit Lake, IA. They are blessed with 8 grandchildren.
Among his interests are carving, model trains, learning to work with Arduinos (a work in progress) and reading. One of many Biblical passages that are meaningful is 1 Peter 2:4-6: As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God though Jesus Christ. For in Scripture is says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (NIV)
Director of Operations
Dorothy and her husband, Scott, have been members of Olivet for over 15 years. She was on the Stewardship Committee for several years and was the Church bookkeeper for two years before taking the job as Church Administrator at Olivet.
Dorothy and her husband have also led several Financial Peace University classes here at Olivet. Prior to coming on board full-time at Olivet, Dorothy was employed for 32 years at a local law firm, starting there as a legal secretary, and then moving into a position as technology manager, providing computer and software support, as well as assisting the bookkeeper.
Some of her interests are traveling, eating out, camping, geocaching, scrapbooking and reading. Dorothy and her husband have two children, Greg and his wife Sarah and Alex and his wife Kimberlin. They are also blessed with four grandchildren, Madelyn, Benton, Ava and Liam.
Director of Family MinistryTrish Kapelke and her family are excited to be joining the Olivet family as we continue to reach the Coulee Region with the love of Christ. Trish and her husband, Jim, have been doing ministry together for over 20 years.
She has spent most of her career years as a middle school teacher and a Children and Family Minister. Her hobbies include singing, sewing, reading, spending time with her family and playing volleyball.
A verse that challenges and inspires Trish is Psalm 139:14, which talks about how each of us are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and how God’s works are “wonderful.” This means that each student, child, adult and stranger have been made by God’s hands and deserve to know the amazing love that He has for them. Another verse that she strives to live out everyday is Genesis 50:20. This verse talks about how the sinful world may desire to harm us or speak poorly about us, but God uses our circumstances to bring Him honor and glory. Jim and Trish have been married for 24 years and have seven children.
Worship Arts DirectorAbigail has experience planning and leading traditional, blended and contemporary services, both in Juneau as well as in Louisiana, where she attended college. She has a deep love for the Lord and has felt that God has always been calling her to lead worship.
Abigail plays bass, piano, basic guitar and bassoon. She will be leading many of our worship services, as well as overseeing the worship teams and musicians. She has a love for children and is excited to work with our children and youth in the area of music ministry as well.
Besides leading worship, Abigail has worked as a tour guide in Alaska since she was 14. She has a love for the outdoors and enjoys many outdoor activities. She would love to get to know you, so introduce yourself to her when you get the opportunity and extend a warm Olivet welcome to Abigail and Astrid!
Children’s Church Assistant
I was born and raised in Devils Lake, North Dakota on a farm. I have a B.S. degree in Recreation Resource Management from the University of Montana, Missoula. I have lived in Montana, Oregon, North Dakota, and now Wisconsin — all beautiful areas.
I work at Gillette Pepsi in the pricing department. While I was a truck dispatcher at a freight brokerage company, I prayed that God would bring a nice man into my life. Lunar Transportation called me for a freight load and the rest is God’s blessing! Brad and I enjoy fishing, gardening, wine making, and Kids’ Church together.
We have 2 cats and live in Onalaska. I love antiquing, reading, cooking new recipes, and Jelly Belly’s. Brad and I would love to have a hobby farm. My favorite Bible story is the love of Jacob and Rachel. I can’t wait to meet Mary Magdalene in heaven. My life verse is Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
AV & Tech Support Jim assists with Olivet’s technical needs, including computers, network, wifi, software, video production, sound and presentation equipment.