My Story
Gretchen Fiemeyer:
I am originally from South Haven, MI, where my dad served at St. Paul's Lutheran School as principal and upper grade teacher. My parents are now living in southern Texas during most of the year, and they live with us during the rest. I have two brothers and two sisters and their families scattered throughout the United States as they serve Jesus in their various ministries and occupations.
I was baptized, attended K-8, and confirmed at St. Paul's, and then attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, MI for high school. After graduation from DMLC (now MLC), I met my future husband, Craig, who is from Courtland, MN. He works as a machine operator in the plastics injection molding industry. We've been blessed with 30 years of marriage, and our beautiful daughter, Abigail, who is currently attending college in Minneapolis.
In my teaching ministry, I have served as a tutor at Michigan Lutheran Seminary (gr. 9 and dorm supervisor), a classroom teacher at Zion Lutheran in Chesaning, MI, (gr.2-3, and 5-6) and St. Mark's Lutheran in Watertown, WI (gr.5-8). My favorite class to teach is Catechism, as we dig into the main teachings of the Bible more deeply and learn how we can apply them to our daily lives as children of God. I also enjoy teaching science, especially when we get to make things bubble, burn, or fly!
When I have time, I like to sew and read. When Abby was little, I made a lot of her dresses, but now I mainly piece quilts. Craig introduced me to hunting when we got married, and we do our own butchering and sausage-making. If you come upon a slow-moving vehicle in the evening just before dark, that may be us, out for a ride, enjoying the view as we watch for deer, turkey, geese, the occasional pheasant and bald eagle.
The question was asked, "What most excites me about coming to St. Peter's?" Right now, it has to be the commute. We live about six blocks from school, and that's a big difference from the 32-minute commute I had for the last eleven years! We are also looking forward to becoming a part of St. Peter's, getting to know new friends, and hopefully finding a place to do some hunting.
"For I am the LORD your God. I am the one who is holding on to your right hand. I am the one who says to you, “Do not fear. I myself am helping you.” Isaiah 41:13
May Jesus bless you! - Gretchen Fiemeyer