Kathy Olesuk
Northern Conference Representative
kfolesuk@yahoo.com
Kathy is a member of First English Lutheran Church in Peoria, where she is active in Rebecca Circle and several other ministries.
Born and raised in Chicago, Kathy graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelors degree in business administration. She recently retired from a career in Information Technology. Since retiring, she and her husband Fred enjoy spending more time with family and friends, serving at their church and the Peoria community.
Roberta “Bobbi” Thomas
NorthEast Conference Representative
rathomas@ilstu.edu
Roberta Ann (Esser) Thomas (78), Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chenoa, Illinois. Attended first Triennial in Spokane, Washington and all since. Registered for Triennial 12 in Phoenix, Arizona. Served on WELCA Central Southern Board for seven years.
Worked at Illinois State University for over 50 years. Retired in 2009 as Director of Scheduling.
Married for almost 59 years to Ed Thomas. We have two sons, Tim (Emily) & Trent (Jill). Tim has 3 children Taylor, Trace & Eliana. Trent has one son, Zachary.
Attend Grace Lutheran Church in Brill, Wisconsin by our cabin in Sarona. Every Sunday after services at Trinity I sing at United Methodist, Chenoa. I am co-president of church council and taught Sunday School until we had none. Deliver Peace Meals and participate with combined churches for Bible School. I plan the meals for the week.
My church in Chenoa is part of a seven church Parish. I sing in our combined choir and also participate in Bible Study with ladies from six of the churches.
Northwest Conference Representative
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Mary Jo Erickson
East Central Conference Representative
mjerickson30@gmail.com
I am a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Champaign, Illinois and serve as treasurer of Faith Circle. Since retiring in 2020 from being an occupational therapist for the Champaign Special Education Department, I’ve enjoyed volunteering at church.
I’m grateful for being raised in the Lutheran Church and have many happy memories of growing up in the First Lutheran Church community in Decatur. Now I love Grace Lutheran Church, Champaign and WELCA for the fellowship, service opportunities and chance to grow in my Christian faith. I like sharing thoughts and feelings with the women in our Circle and using Gather Magazine as a resource for discussion.
Southern Conference Representative
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Sharon Zuiderveld
West Central Conference Representative
sharon.zuiderveld@gmail.com
As a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Sharon have been involved in many activities over the years: organist, Sunday School teacher, worship committee member, and, more recently, as the congregational care coordinator.
She is retired from being director of the Jacksonville Public Library and, prior to that, was the cataloger of children's materials at Bound to Stay Bound Books. With her late husband, she has three adult sons and five grandchildren. Her hobbies include traveling, quilting, and reading.