Our Team

Pastor

(Open for now) 

Anna Stenzel
Office Secretary

I joined the team at St.John in September, 2023. My husband, James, and I live just outside of Good Thunder with our two kids, Charlotte & Nick. We bought and moved into my parent's; Tom & Cindy FitzSimmons, farm in June, 2023 and have been enjoying the extra space and peacefulness of living in the country. I have a history of working as an LPN, but have enjoyed the change of pace working in an office setting, especially since the kids are getting more into after school activities. 

I am looking forward to helping this great community and can't wait to meet you! Please stop in anytime!

Caryl O'Brien
Custodian

Caryl O'Brien have been members of St John's for over 35 years and have served as custodians since 2014. Prior to that, Caryl served as a hair stylist in her own salon. Her husband, Dick was an army veteran, worked as an over-the-road truck driver and also as an ag pilot. Caryl has an eye for detail and a wonderful sense of humor. She is quite proud of her family; Angie, her daugher & Rick, her son. She has been blessed with 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Rita Caron
Church Basement Ladies (formally WELCA)

Rita Caron has lived in Mapleton for 40 years with her husband Larry. Her children Matthew and Joleen both live out of state so that means Rita travels a lot between CA. and OK. to visit her 5 grandchildren. She has been on the Welca board for years along with Sybil, Leah, Lisa, Sheila, and Jan. She also has been the Wedding coordinator for about 10 years. She enjoys being involved in all church activities. In 40 years at St. John there have been many changes and it is great to see the growth in our church right now. I love St. John. I am also on the Mapleton Chamber of Commerce. I have been a hospice volunteer for 22 years. I own Rita's Originals which is a sewing business that I have had for 40 years. I do mostly Wedding alterations and Prom wear but I do sewing of all types. I have been truly blessed in my work and my life.

Denise Nienow
Senior Choir Director & Worship Accompanist

I've been a member of St. John Lutheran Church for 50 years. I've accompanied the children's choir for over 30 years, been a member of Sr. Choir for over 20 years, directed the Casual Choir and have accompanied for church services since High School. I love playing piano and first started "tickling the keys" when I was five. I play by ear so don't need printed music.  I recently accepted the Choir Director position in July, 2019. My husband Doug and I have three children and eight grandchildren. We live on the family farm in rural Mapleton. In our spare time, you will find us "up north", as we both love to fish. 

Kimbra Lau
Worship Accompanist