Members of St. John Lutheran Church Hermansfort will hold a retirement celebration Sunday for their pastor, the Rev. Roland Golz, of Gresham, for whom retirement is nothing new — it’s his third.
Golz was already retired when he was first introduced to the congregation 21 years ago.
“I told them I could help them out,” said Golz, 82.
Golz was born in Racine and lived there through grade school. His family then moved to River Forest, Illinois, where he attended high school and college.
After graduating from Concordia Teachers College in 1954, Golz taught grade school in Athens, Wausau, Stevens Point and Albany, Indiana. He also spent eight years as a principal.
Golz earned a master’s degree in education in 1967. A friend encouraged him to attend the seminary in Springfield, Illinois. He received his Colloquy degree in 1973.
“The idea (to attend seminary) was always in the back of my mind,” Golz said.
Golz served congregations in Dorchester and Bonduel as pastor before retiring for the first time in 1993.
Upon retiring, Golz moved to Gresham, where he learned two of the local churches did not have pastors. He was soon out of retirement, serving as pastor at St. John Lutheran Church Hermansfort, St. John Belle Plaine and Immanuel Mohican Lutheran Church in Red Springs.
He retired from St. John Bell Plaine about two years ago and now is saying farewell to St. John Hermansfort.
He is still serving at Immanuel Mohican Lutheran Church.
St. John Hermansfort will celebrate Golz’s retirement at the 9 a.m. service Sunday, followed by a brunch and open house.
Greg Nordwig, chairman of the congregation, has known Golz since his first days with the parish. He said Golz created a sense of optimism and growth during his time there.
“He was very down-to-earth and well-liked by the community,” Nordwig said. “He brought a sense of unity to the congregation, direction and guidance.”
Golz said the thing he has enjoyed most during his time as a pastor is working with the people.
Golz’s family includes his wife of 58 years, Violet; two sons, Rick, and his wife, Carolyn, of Dorchester, and Randy, of Amherst; and five grandchildren.
Steve Conradt, of Shawano, will take over as pastor of St. John Hermansfort after his ordination and installation service at 3 p.m. June 29.
Categories
