Staff

Bruce Kuenzel

Pastor Bruce is a native of Great Falls, Montana. He earned his undergraduate degree at Valparaiso University, and graduate degrees from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, and the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Before coming to Light of Christ, he served parishes in Edina, MN, Granite Falls, MN, and Los Alamos, NM. He and his wife, Cynthia, have three grown children, two of whom are married, and two grandchildren. Cynthia is an elementary school teacher. In his free time Pastor Bruce likes to run, sing, and read.

Kirsten Kelly

Director of Youth and Family Ministries - Kirsten.Kelly@locdelano.com

Hi, my name is Kirsten Kelly and I’m so excited to be a part of the LOC staff team as the Director of Youth and Family Ministry! My husband (Dave) and I have lived in Delano for almost 20 years and have 3 boys... Ben (15 yrs), Alex (12 yrs) and Drew (4 yrs). I have my undergrad in Youth and Family Ministry from Augsburg College and have worked in youth/children’s ministry for 20 years. I truly feel called to this work and feel incredibly blessed to work at LOC and in my hometown. I work part-time... about 20 hours/week during the school year and less during the summer. I grew up in southern MN (Wells, MN) and am the youngest of 3. My mom was a middle school counselor and my dad was an ELCA pastor (both are now retired) so I've grown up in the church my whole life. Dave grew up in Centuria, WI and is the youngest of 4. We met at Augsburg and have been married for 19 years. Dave has worked downtown at Ameriprise Financial for 20+ years in tech finance. Our family enjoys camping, hiking, games, 4-wheeling, traveling, music and pretty much anything outdoors. The Kelly boys also enjoy deer hunting and I love to read, cook, sing, and spend time with friends. I work predominantly with Confirmation and HS Ministries. I look forward to meeting you and your family and walking with you on your faith journey!

LaDonna Ekern

Director of Children and Family Ministry - LaDonna.Ekern@locdelano.com

I was born on July 5, 1958. I was raised on a farm outside of Perham, MN. I have an older sister and an older brother (Yes, baby of the family). I was married on June 12, 1982 to Jewel Ekern. We have 2 daughters, Hope and Dawn. Hope is married and has blessed us with 2 grandchildren. We moved to Watertown in November of 2020 and enjoy being closer to our children and grandchildren. My passion has always been working with children – whether it was as a daycare teacher, Christian Education Director, or in Children, Youth and Family Ministry. Children bring me energy and inspiration. I totally understand what Jesus meant when he said, “And a child shall lead them.” While my journey has taken me into the realm of ordained ministry—yes, I am a Pastor—I am excited to return to the area of ministry that is my passion, namely, Children’s Ministry. I look forward to being inspired by the children and families here at Light of Christ.

Katie Kohler

Worship and Music Director - Katie.Kohler@locdelano.com

I was born and raised in Minnesota. I began playing piano at the age of five, flute at the age of six, and added voice lessons to the mix when I was twelve. I became involved in church music around the age of nine when I began playing my flute in our church band. I became more involved as I got older, singing and playing for special music, and eventually subbing on keys/vocals for our music director.I attended the University of Minnesota for both my undergraduate and graduate studies in Flute Performance, getting my Bachelor’s of Music in 2014 and Master’s of Music in 2016. While completing my undergraduate, I held an Interim Organist and Interim Contemporary Band Leader position at my home church. That’s when I really started thinking about church music as a career. Up to that point I was shooting for an orchestral career. I struggled with that decision until I had my first official Music Director position while completing my Master’s Degree. I enjoyed my job so much I decided to go in that direction! I also found that music was my way of praising God, and having a position like that really left me fulfilled. Besides my musical endeavors, I enjoy reading, cooking, baking, dancing, writing, and hanging out with my cats, Murmur and Armin!

Tim Johnson

Shared Ministry Director - Tim.Johnson@locdelano.com

Tim and his wife Erin, and family have been members here at LOC for several years. You may recognize Tim as he is our Stewardship Committee chairperson and he helped to lead our New Day capital campaign. Speaking of…he is a church consultant with Kairos and Associates after having served as a pastor for two churches here in Minnesota and a church in Arizona before that. Tim says, “I am excited to help LOC folks get a bit better connected in this new and challenging time of being the church together. As well, I look forward to helping all LOC members to grow in their sense of where to best fit and contribute, using the skills and gifts God has given each of us. My predecessor, Jinnelle Weis left me some important shoes to fill. Much work has been done to help people feel and find that unique contribution for our shared ministry. Thank you, Jinnelle and the many others of you who so faithfully make a difference for God’s goodness and compassion through the work we share at Light of Christ! Please reach out for any reason. I enjoy helping people to discover their gifts and skills. I like helping to make the connection between one life, the Spirit’s calling, or nudging, and what we can learn from Scripture. “For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” says Romans 8:28. We’re all on this journey together. Please know I am eager to help you to explore faith and your uniqueness, purpose and fit here at LOC at any time!"

Terri Reuter

Office Administrator - Terri.Reuter@locdelano.com

Terri and her husband, Curt, joined Light of Christ in 2006. They have a son named Cooper. Terri grew up in Kensington, MN, home of the Kensington Rune Stone. She has worked in banking, human resources and office administration prior to her employment at LOC. Terri enjoys walking, biking, movies and music, and especially spending time with family and friends.

Debra Johnson

Financial Administrator - Debra.Johnson@locdelano.com

Debra has an accounting background utilizing her skills for small businesses for 30 years. She spends her free time enjoying her five grandchildren. Her passion is health and wellness. She loves to golf, hike, bike, ski and be outdoors. She also enjoys reading and the arts.

Paul Gabrelcik

Custodian

Paul Gabrelcik is Light of Christ's professional custodian. He makes the entire church complex look amazing. When encountering him in the building, his smile and welcome add a similar sparkle to the day. "I like to keep everything looking great," Paul says. "A little help from everyone as they use the building really makes a difference, too. Thank you!"