Fifty-five years ago Mary Jung played the organ for her first church service on the first Sunday in Lent. Since then she has played at several area churches.
She started playing when she was just 12 years old at Pella Opening Church.
“I was going to help out,” she said.
Jung had only been taking a few piano lessons, so playing for a congregation was challenging at first.
“I really had to work at it,” she said.
As the years went by, she played at St. John in Leopolis, Zion in Gresham and St. Jakobi in the town of Richmond. She now plays at Zion for Sunday services and at Saints United in Gillett for Wednesday evening services.
“I love it, it’s my passion,” Jung said. “Playing organ is my way of praising God and thanking him for all of his countless blessings.’
She has also played at weddings and funerals. Her aunt, Leona Zahn, is a resident at Evergreen Health Care, so Jung goes there once a week to play for her and any other residents who want to listen.
“She absolutely loves it when I come,” she said.
Jung, who lives in Shawano, has a CD of 50 years of favorites and a book.
“People asked me to make it,” she said.
She plans to keep playing as long as her hands will work.
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