During this past year, interviews were conducted with some of our oldest parishioners, about their memories of parish life through the years. Below are short excerpts and links to the full written document for each interview.
Betty Elmendorf was part of the last class at St. Peter High school where she met her high school sweetheart. She excelled in hospitality, introducing some of our current tradions. She was instrumental in beginning the first fish fry. She talked about the people at the fish fries and parishioners who are like a community; like a family. When asked for details, she said the choir is beautiful and the church is beautifully decorated, especially at Christmas and Easter. Full Interview
Jan and Joe Haug are long-time parishioners. Jan can trace her roots back three generations on her mom's side at St. Peter. Three generations ago, an uncle was one of the first priests here at St. Peter, and her great-great-grandparents are buried in our cemetery. Jan and Joe taught at rival high schools, St. Dominic and Duchesne - turns out both communities have great people. (Since St. Peter High School became Duchesne, we're a little biased, but we know how much Joe and Jan have contributed over the years, in time, energy, and love.) Jan had planned to be a stay at home mom, but God had other plans for her. He also protected their family when lightning struck their house and burned it to the ground. In a separate story, they made friends by choosing to go to breakfast after Mass one morning and happening upon a group of parishioners. Jan and Joe have worked in Appalachia, a very poor county in Kentucky. They've helped with St. Vincent de Paul in numerous ways over the years. Joe said, ”There’s value in making contact with people, whether it’s delivering Christmas baskets or making contact with the people that live in Appalachia. You can see how appreciative people are.” They have made so many good friends through the Sodality, SVDP, and with the parents of the kids in school. Jan said, “They are swell people. They are so generous, loving, and kind. We are lucky that we landed here.” Full Interview
Nancy Bircher and her husband were assigned to three Catholic parishes in two years, back when the Archdiocese was strict about where you were allowed to worship. (So glad we have more freedom today.) Nancy and David petitioned the Archdioces to join a 4th parish, St. Peter. Eventually, Nancy gave tours of St. Peter. Want to read a little about the symbols prevelant everywhere at St. Peter? Read her interview. She taught at St. Peter grade school, held the title of Coordinator of Religious Education, and started the RCIA program. In her interview, Nancy thought, “How could the church be more beautiful but they made it more beautiful. It was all in praise and honor of God.” She described Saint Peter Church as, “It’s home, the beauty, love, history, and community.” Full Interview
Roger Gronefeld
Sonia Willbrand
Wappelhorst
Zeisler