Our Church Council

Council President

Steve Blanchard and his wife, Gracia, began their relationship with Gloria Dei shortly after they relocated to Iowa City in 2001. “We felt we connected with a worship and congregational style that is comfortable to us and provides opportunities to develop our understanding of our call to serve Christ,” he says. “We have come to understand the importance of community through our years of participation with Lutheran congregations in Minnesota, Colorado, North Dakota and Pennsylvania." Steve is currently administrator for the Department of Psychiatry in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. He is serving a second consecutive term as President of the Church Council, having previously served on the Mutual Ministry Committee. Steve is active in the church choir.

Vice President and Mutual Ministry

Christine Schlotfelt is an active volunteer at Gloria Dei, serving as an usher, reader, former Altar Guild member, and current Secretary to the Church Council. She joined Gloria Dei in 1987, shortly after moving to Solon. Christine grew up on a grain and cattle farm near Woodward. She received a BA in Speech/Theatre from UNI and a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Iowa. Christine has three children, John, Ben, and Kaitlin. An ACT, Inc. employee since 1987, she worked mostly in the computer area as a technical writer and more recently as a business analyst and project manager.  Prior to ACT, she worked at the UI Main Library and LaSalle High School in Cedar Rapids. She serves on the Friends Board and the Landscaping Committee at the Solon Public Library, and previously served on the library’s Foundation Board.

Treasurer

Doug Busch and his wife, Julie, began attending Gloria Dei as university students in 1967. They loved the church—and each other—so much that two years later they officially joined the congregation and got married. They’ve been active contributors ever since. It was during this same era that other two long-time members, Clyde and Lea Bean, retired as counters of Sunday offerings. The Beans invited Doug to take over. Julie joined him and together they learned the intricacies of the job from the Beans and the late Gertrude Herling. Doug also served on the Church Council in the 1990s and was appointed president during this term. He became Treasurer in the late 1990s, a responsibility he holds to this day. Doug is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial Advisors. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees in pharmacy from The University of Iowa.The Busch family also includes two grown children and three grandchildren.

Secretary and Evangelism

Carol Solberg with her husband, Bob, and young son transferred their membership to Gloria Dei more than 35 years ago. Their daughter was baptized at Gloria Dei and both children attended Sunday school, were confirmed and participated in youth events and activities here. Carol has taught Sunday School, served on the Fellowship and Finance committees, participated in Habitat for Humanity repair and build projects, helped chaperone youth events, and is serving her third term on council (second consecutive) where she has served as president and secretary. She lives in Solon, and has been employed as an accountant in the Finance Department at ACT Inc. for the nearly 30 years.

Stewardship

Jim Wiese is serving his second term as our Stewardship Committee chairman.  Jim and Nancy became members of Gloria Dei in 1993 upon Jim’s retirement from a 34-year career in Chicago and Cleveland as a CPA and audit partner with an international public accounting firm. They first became acquainted with Gloria Dei while visiting their oldest son, Andy, when he was attending The University of Iowa during 1983-87 and singing in the Gloria Dei choir. Jim and Nancy are graduates of The University of Iowa in Accounting and Liberal Arts, respectively, and have been members of the President’s Club since 1977. Their three grown children (Andy, Kate and Ned) are also graduates of Iowa.

Finance
Jason Vogelgesang is serving his first term as chair of the Finance Committee. A member of the church since 1995, Jason has attended Sunday School, assisted with services as an acolyte, and was later confirmed at Gloria Dei. In 2003, Jason coordinated a landscaping project at Gloria Dei to help him earn recognition as an Eagle Scout. Jason received a Bachelor's degree in Geoscience from the University of Iowa in 2009 and currently works as a geologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Geological Water Survey. He also served two terms as a secretary/treasurer for the Geological Society of Iowa. Jason was married to Kim Wenman by Pastor Karl in 2009. Kim and Jason are proud members of Gloria Dei and enjoy being outdoors with their dog, Kaiah.

Property

Paul Heddens and his family joined Gloria Dei in 2009. Since then he has proactively helped Gloria Dei become an environmentally responsible leader in the Iowa City community, leading several “green” initiatives such as the increased use of 100% recycled products and GREEN chemicals. Through his own private business, Paul has taught hundreds of clients how to become more environmentally responsible. While at Gloria Dei, Paul also has initiated and led several fund-raising activities in which his skills as an organizer and talented chef have been put to good use. Paul and his wife, Jennifer, have two young children. The family loves the outdoors and related activities like going to parks, camping, and fishing.

Social Ministry

Michael Knock has been a Gloria Dei member since 2002. In that time he has served on various committees, including Communications and Adult Education. Michael currently teaches history at Clark University in Dubuque, requiring frequent commutes to northeast Iowa. Michael also writes a weekly recipe column for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. In that capacity he enjoys collecting old cookbooks, baking (and eating everything from bread to brownies), and judging pie contests for the Johnson County Fair.

Fellowship

Tara Monson is serving her first term on the Church Council. She has been part of the Gloria Dei community since birth, having been baptized and confirmed in the church. "I am very happy to return after spending the last four years in Texas," she says. "I enjoy the community of Gloria Dei and the wonderful mentors of the congregation, especially Adele Monserud, my kindergarten teacher, fifth grade teacher, and confirmation mentor!" Tara's favorite activities include "spending time with my family, stretchy pants, and the color red!"Tara's parents are long-time Gloria Dei members Kevin and Julie Monson.

Worship and Music

Carl Richey finds genuine joy in working with the Worship and Music Committee, where responsibilities include worship planning and preparation for special services like Christmas and Easter. Carl joined Gloria Dei in 2002 but feels like he joined “only yesterday!” Carl is an employee of the University of Iowa College of Engineering, working in a research laboratory where he helps provide technical support, design expertise, and fabrication skills for various experiments. His hobbies include music (occasionally playing harmonica at Gloria Dei services) and flying.He

Michael Sondergard, serving his fourth term on the Church Council, is representative to the Communications Committee. A Gloria Dei member since 1984, he has participated in various events and activities over the years. Michael is semi-retired as an editor at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He is a graduate of Wartburg College, a veteran of the U.S. Army, and a former City Editor of the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Michael enjoys the company of good friends, books and movies, foreign and domestic travel, Hawkeye athletics, and helping international students at The University of Iowa feel welcome in Iowa City. He and his wife, Diane, have two grown sons.

Youth Representative

Ryan Ruckdaschel, a student at Iowa City West High School, has attended Gloria Dei since birth. He was confirmed in 2011. This is his first time on Council as Youth Representative. His multiple school activities include competitive gymnastics.

Education

Joanne Spenner has been a member of Gloria Dei since 1994. This is her first term on Council as representative to the Education Committee, where she serves as Sunday School co-superintendent. She is employed by the Health Information Department within University of Iowa Health Care. Joanne and her husband, Bob (former Gloria Dei Council president), live in Washington, Iowa, and have three children: Jacqueline, Joceline, and Jameson. She volunteers at her children’s schools, serving as treasurer of a junior high parent organization. She also helps with 4-H club, and is a member of a ladies neighborhood club.

Youth Activities

Brenda Vrchoticky has been a Gloria Dei member her whole life. She has been married 22 years and has four children, a stepson, and two grandchildren. Brenda’s many church activities have included teaching Sunday School (“for as long as I can remember”) and serving on the Church Council education committee before moving to Youth Activities. She has worked at Embroidery Royale for the past 12 years. She is the daughter of long-time members Jack and Carol Boal.