Pastor Ron Mohr
Interim Senior Pastor
Pastor Mohr was born and raised in Des Moines. He
attended Grand View College for two years and Drake University for two
years. He then went to the Lutheran School of Theology
at Chicago, graduating in 1970. His first call was to Redeemer Lutheran
Church in Bettendorf, Iowa, where he served for nine years. He then served
at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Urbandale for twenty-six years. He
retired in the Spring of 2006. Since then he has enjoyed a number of
pulpit supply opportunities.
Pastor Mohr and his wife Donna joined St. Mark soon after his retirement.
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Cynnamon Brown
Director of Children & Family Ministries
Cynnamon Brown is originally from Wisconsin, but attended college at Iowa
State University where she met her husband, Justin. After graduation, Cynnamon
worked in childcare and was also a Center Director for a large childcare
center. For the past several years, Cynnamon had the opportunity to stay
at home with her three children and to provide in–home childcare
for friends. Cynnamon and her family have been members of St. Mark since
2001.
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Jake Bouma
Director of Youth & Family
Jake Bouma grew up in West Des Moines and attended Valley High School.
He recently graduated from Luther College with a B.A. in Religion. For
the past couple of summers, he interned at Valley E-Free Church
in West Des Moines as a Youth Ministry Intern where he led both large
and small group events, Bible studies, mission trips and worship services.
Jake fills his free time with song writing, book reading, and disc golf.
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Mark Babcock
Organist & Choirmaster
Mark Babcock, an Iowa native, received a Bachelor's degree in music
education from Central College in Pella, Iowa and a Master's degree in
choral conducting and organ performance from Westminster Choir College
in Princeton, New Jersey. Since his formal education, Mark has taught
vocal music, directed a variety of choirs, and served as Director of
Music and Organist. Currently, Mark is an Associate Professor of Music
at Central College and Chair of the Music Department.
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Deb Paul
Director of Ensembles & Choirs
Deb is originally from West Des Moines and was previously a band director
in the area; she has been on staff at St. Mark since 2003. Deb is part
of the Music Ministry team and loves bringing the joy of music to everyone
around her and loves to touch the lives of children through Christ. Deb’s
duties include leading the Praise Team, children’s choirs, bell
choirs, and band at St. Mark. Deb and her husband, Jason, have three
children. The two met in the Hawkeye Marching Band at the University
of Iowa where Deb earned a Bachelor’s of Music degree.
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Maxine Bruinekool
Parish Administrator
Maxine Bruinekool attended the University of Iowa, Simpson College,
and DMACC. Maxine and her husband, Robert, have two married sons and
two grandsons, all who live in West Des Moines. Before joining the St.
Mark staff, she was vice–president/general manager and one-third
owner KDMI–FM radio in Des Moines.
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Karen Gonzales
Communication Specialist
Originally from northwest Iowa, Karen Gonzales moved to Des Moines in
1989. Before joining the St. Mark staff in May 2007, Karen worked for
UPS for 33 years where she held a variety of positions. Karen lives with
her husband, Chuck, in Johnston with their Jack Russell Terrier, Sophie,
and two parakeets. Chuck and Karen were married at St. Mark and have
been members since 2001. In her spare time, Karen enjoys walking, bicycling,
fishing, and reading.
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Wendy Sargent
Secretary & Receptionist
Wendy Sargent is originally from Webster City, IA, and has her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Iowa State
University. She also has a Masters in Effective Teaching & Leadership from Drake University. She has a son Chase,
who is thirteen years old. Before joining the staff of St. Mark, Wendy was a kindergarten teacher for ten years with
Southeast Polk Community Schools. She currently is a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Des Moines, IA.
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