I am a descendant of emigrants settled in Frankenmuth, MI. My home church was Immanuel Lutheran Church, Frankentrost, MI, where I attended grade school and was confirmed. For high school I attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, MI.
My college years took me to Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN. where I majored in music and elementary education. My first teaching assignment was at Zion Lutheran, Monroe, MI (1952 - 1957). From there I went to Trinity Lutheran, in Munger, MI. (1957 - 1958). I had the opportunity to serve Trinity Lutheran, Traverse City for one year in 1970. At each of these parishes I served as the organist.
In 1958, I married Lavern Bertram and lived in Dearborn, MI for five years. We were blessed with two daughters, Linda and Alyce. In 1966 we moved to Traverse City. In 1974 I enrolled in Northwestern Michigan College Nursing School and graduated as an LPN. My entire nursing experience was in the Neonatal Unit at Munson Medical Center retiring in 1992.
Today I am enjoying my retirement year while still serving as a parish organist which consists of 46 years, 39 years at Trinity Lutheran.