Meet Our Congregation Council

Lori Mikel

Lori and her husband Greg have lived in Hastings since 1992 and became members of Our Saviour’s the same year. Lori moved to different areas around the country 21 times by the age of 24, “so 29 years in this wonderful community” has been a blessing. She and Greg have three grown children, Bryce, Elaine and Keith. Lori was a YMCA director in Austin, MN for 10 years and after moving to Hastings became a stay-at-home mom until her children were all in school. She taught Science at the Hastings Middle School for 10 years and retired in 2019. She enjoys the addition to their family of a puppy who helps her get out walking.

Heidi Lund

Heidi was born and raised in Hastings, but is relatively new to Our Saviour’s, having joined with her family in 2015, after moving back to town. She is married to Trevor, and they have two boys, Bennett and Lennon.

After joining, Heidi discovered that there was a family connection in previous generations to Our Saviour’s on both her father and mother’s sides of the family. And although the families eventually drifted away, joining other churches or denominations, the fact that her family history is connected to this special place makes it feel as though God was at work in returning her and her parents here.

During her time as a member, Heidi has been part of the Chancel Choir, served on various committees, volunteered with her dad to assist with art classes at Homework and Hangout, was a summer guest vocalist, read scripture during service, and is honored to now serve on the Council.

Professionally, Heidi is a product manager for Renaissance Learning, an education-focused technology company whose mission it is to accelerate learning for all. She is personally passionate about history, learning, reading, inclusivity, sharing the good news of God with her children, and connecting the church with our community.

Whenever there’s free time, Heidi loves to spend it with family and friends, relax outdoors, try new foods, read good books, play trivia and board games, sing, dance, fish and fly-fish, watch the Twins, Timberwolves, and Vikings, and embrace the simple joys of life: playing with her sons, walking along the banks of a river, observing the changing of seasons, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and making travel plans, near and far.

John Erickson

John has been a member of OSEL since his family moved to Hastings in 1968. He was confirmed here, and he and his wife Ann were married here in 1986. 

John retired from Lumen Technologies in 2022, and enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and traveling.  He’s looking forward to what’s next at Our Saviour’s!

 

 

Ashley Dellwo

Ashley was born and raised in Hastings, and was baptized at Our Saviour’s, although she did not become a member until 2012.

Ashley is a proud alumnus from the University of St. Thomas (go Tommies!) and moved to Highland Park St. Paul her junior year of college. After welcoming her amazing son, Ethan, she knew she wanted him to grow up in Hastings and returned to her roots. When she first attended Our Saviour’s, it immediately felt like home.

Before joining Council, Ashley had been praying about a way to be more connected to the church. God’s answer couldn’t have been any more clear and feels it’s a privilege to serve.

Ashley is a Senior Accountant with The Hartford and enjoys her career. “It’s challenging yet highly rewarding.” In her spare time, she loves being a baseball mom and anything to do with Ethan (“they’re only young for a short time.”) She also loves all things music and attends many concerts and music festivals throughout the year. And she also loves to travel – who doesn’t?!

Tricia Agen

Tricia is in her second 3-year term on OSEL Council. The last 4 years held some difficult issues for the Council, topped by Covid-19. I rely on prayers and insights from fellow Council and Congregational members. Please don’t ever hesitate to contact me! I am on Council to represent you!

I was born in Prescott & raised in Wisconsin. Yes, the Packers are in my blood! Having lived in Minnesota for some 50 years now, I must admit, my heart has been converted to the Vikings!

My family moved to Hastings in 1985 and joined OSEL in 1991. As a member, I have participated in Chancel and Bell choirs, Lay Ministry, Altar Guild, Christmas decorating, Confirmation stoles, some office tasks, and various studies. I am a 2-time cancer survivor and have 3 artificial joints. This OSEL family has given me support through all of these times with their kindness and prayers.

My husband Mel and I are retired. We enjoy our family & friends, our 4 grandchildren [25, 20, 4½, 1½ years old], and traveling in our beautiful world!

Being a member of OSEL has deepened my Faith, made it stronger and turned it into a “doing in gratitude” faith. I thank you for the privilege to serve on the OSEL Counci!

Rod Risch

Rod moved to Hastings, with his wife Nancy, in 1990.  Rod and Nancy were looking for a church home and were blessed to find Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.  Rod and Nancy have three children, Casey, Jesse, and Bradley. All of their children were born in Hastings and were confirmed at Our Saviour’s. Rod retired from a career at the Hastings Police Department in 2016. He currently is working with special education students, as a paraprofessional, with Hastings School District 200. Rod is honored to be a council member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. 

Amy Buechler

Amy and her husband Nathan moved to Hastings in 2015 and soon after joined Our Saviour’s.  They have two daughters, Elizabeth and Olivia.

As a member of Our Saviour’s, Amy has enjoyed helping coordinate weddings, volunteering with children’s programing, and now joining the council!

Amy enjoyed being a stay at home mom for 8 years and is now an early childhood assistant at Tilden Community Center. 

 

Mark Sanstead

Mark was raised in Hastings MN and attended Sunday School at OSL. Having a grandfather who was a Lutheran Minister, Mark’s early faith life was shaped by his family and Christian education including many church camp experiences. He attended Augsburg College and became a psychologist after completing studies at the University of Nebraska. He and his wife Julie returned to Hastings four years ago when Mark retired from Hazelden Betty Ford and has since been focusing on environmental stewardship. Mark has especially appreciated OSEL’s music ministry and has enjoyed the fellowship of the Wednesday men’s group. He is excited to serve on the council as OSEL celebrates 150 years of serving the Hastings community.

Ellen McCullough

Ellen has lived in Hastings for almost 30 years and it’s where she met her husband Carl. Together they joined Our Savior’s in 1994 and were married here a year later. Our Saviour’s was a good fit for their varied religious backgrounds and they knew it was where they wanted to grow as a family with the strong faith formation programming offered at Our Saviour’s. All 3 of the couple’s young adult children were baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour’s. Ellen is serving on the council for the 2nd time and has met many amazing people along the way.

Ellen is a Physician’s Assistant in Family Practice for Allina Health. She enjoys traveling, entertaining family and friends, yoga and reading.

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