Have Chaplain, Will Travel

STAFF and EXECUTIVE BOARD

Rev. Paul Swenson Remembering Paul Swenson

Rev. Paul N. Swenson, Lakeview Chaplain and Director of the St. Croix Chaplaincy Association for the past 10 years, died of cancer on August 25, 2008. Paul was the inspiration for this web site and the heart and soul of this ministry to the St. Croix Valley Community. His enduring legacy lies in his family, the many friends he leaves behind, and the ongoing programs his commitment and compassion have engendered.

STAFF

Rev. Bob Furniss

Chaplain Director of the St. Croix Chaplaincy Association & Lakeview Hospital Chaplaincy Department, and Chaplain for Lakeview Hospice.

Bob joined the St. Croix Chaplaincy Association and Lakeview Hospital in January of 2007. He grew up in Rolling Meadows, IL, a suburb of Chicago, graduating from high school there. He graduated with B.A. degree in History & Philosophy from Ripon College, in Ripon, WI, earned a Masters of Divinity from the School of Theology of The University of the South in Sewanee, TN, as well as a Doctorate of Ministry from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN.

Bob is an ordained priest on the Episcopal Church and came to chaplaincy after serving in parish ministry for 17 years. He came to the St. Croix Chaplaincy Association following a Clinical Pastoral Education year as a Chaplain Resident at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN. He resides in Woodbury with his wife, 2 sons and a daughter. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading, writing, watching sports and walking the dog.

Ms. Joan M. Schroeder

Coordinator of Kids & Teens in Grief Program

Joan is originally from Dubuque, Iowa. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. She is a Licensed Social Worker and has been coordinating the Kids in Grief Program for three years. She finds the experience to be rewarding and also gives her an opportunity to touch other's lives in a very profound way.

Joan also works with youth in foster care through Growing Home and prior to that worked for 8 years at HSI in Children's Mental Health. Joan is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management and continually searches for new resources and activities to incorporate into her Grief and Loss work.

Joan has 3 amazing children and a dog that she enjoys spending time with. Her special interests include scrapbooking, beading, and "making memories" with family and friends.

Julie Edstrom

Cancer Support Specialist

Julie grew up in the Twin Cities area. She completed her undergraduate degrees in English and Journalism from Univ. of Wisconsin-River Falls and holds a masters degree in theology with emphasis in spirituality from the College of St. Catherine. She is also a certified spiritual director, Befriender Ministries coordinator and facilitator, grief group volunteer facilitator, and has also volunteered in the hospice program. Her own experience with breast cancer has made her aware of the special needs women have while dealing with the ramifications of the disease.

Julie has worked as a reporter, photographer, and in real estate. She and her husband raised three sons and are now enjoying the joys of grandparenting. She also participates in outdoor sports, and likes to read, knit, and is learning how to weave on a floor loom.

Ms. Susan Fredricksen, Treasurer

Ms. Rita Johnson, Administrative Assistant

CHAPLAINS

Ms. Diane Sauers

Chaplain Diane Sauers

Diane has a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Minnesota, and a Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary.

She has 3 children and 7 grandchildren. She loves to read when she's not enjoying her grandchildren or nurturing friendships.

Diane hopes to continue to minister to elderly persons, whether in a nursing home or a faith community.

Ms. Carole Zempel Chaplain Carole Zempel

Carole is a graduate of Delano, MN High School, St. Cloud State (Bachelor of Science) and St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity (M.A.P.S) at the University of St. Thomas.

She is also Director of Children's Ministry at Transfiguration Catholic Church in Oakdale.

She is married with 3 children and a grandson. Her special interests include her grandson, friends, home, garden and reading.

Carole enjoys ministering to children, the elderly, and their families.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Rev. Ruth Beck, St. Peter's United Church of Christ

Rev. Jerry Doherty

Ms. Susan Fredricksen, Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Stillwater

Rev. Kris Linner, Trinity Lutheran Church of Stillwater

Mr. Ron Lugge, St. Michael's Catholic Church of Stillwater

Rev. Bob Furniss, St. Croix Chaplaincy Association