Nominees for the Board of Deacons 2021 - Cam Kalmon - Chair - Peace Church
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Nominees for the Board of Deacons 2021
Cam Kalmon – Chair
I began attending Peace Church in 2005 when our family moved back to
WI after a 13-year stint in the Pacific Northwest. We came from a very
healthy church family and were seeking the same in Eau Claire.
Fortunately, we found Peace and my family and I have been propelled
forward on our spiritual growth journeys by the church. My family
consists of the love of my life, Amy, and our adult children: Kevin, Jeff,
and Katherine. Over the years I’ve plugged into many of the ministries
and missions at Peace. I’ve been a youth leader, helped with tech
during services, built houses in Juarez, served on the board including as
board chair, participated in men’s and couple’s small groups among
other things. When in a leadership role I seek information from
multiple perspectives to guide well-informed decisions. I’m a fan of
open communication because when people know what’s happening, they more readily engage.
What has led you to want to be considered as a deacon?
I believe God desires to continue to use Peace Church to reach people and draw them into close
relationship with Him. We’re in transition – coming out of lockdown and reeling from a setback. I feel
called to help restore and reshape Peace so God can continue His work through us.
John Reagan – Chair-Elect
I am a native Wisconsinite from Madison. I have been married 39 years
to Betsey Reagan and have three grown children and two
grandchildren. We have been members of Peace Church for
approximately 20 years and lived in Eau Claire since 1995. I have a BS
and MS from UW-Madison in engineering. I retired in January 2021
after 38 years in private industry in Portland, OR, Twin Cities, and Eau
Claire. I was a Plant Manager/General Manager of manufacturing
plants for 3M and Phillips Medisize (PMC) and a Director of Quality and
Operational Excellence for PMC. I have been a certified hockey coach,
certified soccer coach and coach coordinator for Eau Claire United Soccer Club, girls’ basketball coach,
Meals on Wheels volunteer, and a literacy volunteer. My involvement at Peace includes being a
marriage mentor couple with my wife Betsey, boys’ confirmation leader for six years, CLC hospitality
team, engaged in life groups for most of our married life, including at Peace Church.
What has led me to want to be considered as a deacon?
I would like to be considered as a Deacon for Peace Church to serve Peace in the best way I can. With
more time after retirement, I feel my leadership and organizational experiences could be helpful to the
Board of Deacons.
Kris Tollefson – Treasurer
I grew up in Onalaska, WI and moved to Eau Clare in 2002. I’m
married to Jeff Tollefson. I’m the proud mother of two children,
David, who’s currently in the Navy and Taylor, a student at UWEC.
I’m also a grandmother to Taylors’ daughter, Vivian.
I’ve been an attender and member of Peace Church since 2003.
During that time, I was involved in many activities. I volunteered
with Music Camp, assisted the youth leader in the Conformation
program, and the Discovery Club. I also worked the A/V equipment
during Sunday Worship services. I was an employee of Peace Church
from 2009-2014 as a bookkeeper. Prior to my employment at Peace, I was a bookkeeper at Festival
Foods for 5 years. I’m presently the co-owner of The French Press in Eau Claire. When I do get some
free time, I enjoy running, biking, kayaking and spending time with my family and friends.
What has led me to want to be considered for a Deacon?
Peace has been my church for 18 years. I have served in many areas. Being a Deacon is a way I can
begin to serve again. With my experience as a Peace member, past Peace employee and now a business
owner, I believe I have the experience and knowledge to offer the Peace congregation.
Deacons at Large
Chuck Falch
I was born and raised in Chippewa Falls, growing up on a dairy farm
in the Lafayette apple orchard area. After graduation from Chippewa
Falls High School, I attended Chippewa Valley Technical School and
received my degree in accounting. I started my career at Bartingale
Company and became a part owner of the business in 1989. I was
elected president of Bartingale Mechanical that year, and served in
that capacity for 29 years retiring in 2018. I met my wife, Dianne at
CVTC and we were married in 1980 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in
Ludington. We lived in Fall Creek from the time we were married
until we moved to Eau Claire in 1991. We have been members at
Peace Lutheran since that time. I have participated in mission trips
to Joplin, MO., Juarez, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. These
trips have put me in touch with a larger number of Peace members
that I would not have otherwise met, as we usually attend the traditional service.
What has led you to want to be considered as a deacon?
It is great to see that there was such a large number of people willing to step into a difficult situation to
fill the open positions. A few weeks ago, I was approached by a number of members who asked if I
would consider placing my name on the ballot. After additional thought and prayer, I decided that I
would allow my name to be on the ballot for deacon.
Gail Graese
We have been members of Peace Lutheran Church for 10 years. I work
full time as a Credit Administration Supervisor at a community bank in
Eau Claire and have worked in the credit area for the past 11 years. Prior
to us moving to Peace, I taught Sunday school, was the Sunday School
Superintendent for four years, helped with secretarial work, and
entered offering information into the church software. Randy and I were
involved in two different bible studies over the years. I have been
serving as a Stephen Minister for four years. Becoming a Stephen
Minister has taught me to truly listen to people and also to be humble.
We have two sons. Parker lives in West Des Moines, IA with his wife
Keshia and their four children. Michael will be graduating college in
December. I love to visit and spend time with family – especially my
grandchildren! I love to help out when people are in need, I love to cook
and I enjoy my flower garden.
What has led you to want to be considered as a deacon?
Over the past few months when learning of some problems and issues that were occurring at Peace, I
felt very strongly about becoming more involved with decisions that were being made. I have felt that
because of some of my strengths in certain areas, that I would be able to contribute and be fair and
partisan as a Deacon. As a Stephen Minister I learned how important it is to listen and really hear what
people are trying to communicate. I am a very caring and compassionate person and I want what is best
for our congregation as a whole. I love the Children’s Ministry that Peace has, and I want to ensure that
continues and that WE as a Church continue our outreach in the Chippewa Valley and beyond. I also
have an accounting background and I believe that will also be of value as we look towards budgets,
improvements, etc. down the road for Peace. I have felt that God is pushing me in this direction, and I
want to listen and obey and do my best for Peace Lutheran Church!
Dean Gumz
I have been a member of Peace since 1995. In that time, I have served
on a hospitality team, communion assistant, CLC Building committee
member, and numerous short-term projects. I have attended 1 youth
mission trip and 14 mission trips through CASAS / Habitat for
Humanity. I first became involved in church groups by attending the
“120 Club” (which would now be the 180 club). I am involved as a
marriage mentor couple and am currently in two small groups for
couples. Professionally, I have worked for Menards for the past 25
years. I am presently in the corporate offices as an Inventory Manager
for one of their Midwest Manufacturing subsidiaries. Prior to this role,
I was a Controller for one of the production facilities. My formal
education includes degrees in Psychology, Interpersonal
Communications, and Accounting. I am married to Sue Gumz. We
have two adult children, Michael and Jenni, and 2 grandchildren.
What has led you to want to be considered as a deacon?
The past year has been a challenging period in Peace’s legacy. I believe that in my position as the
spouse of a staff member I have a unique perspective. This perspective and my critical thinking skills will
allow me to help lead the church’s “Go Forward” initiative.
Caramon Ives
I grew up in the church. I went through Sunday School and
confirmation at Peace, I was a Sunday School helper, sound tech in the
SLC, and have joined and later led a diverse variety of Life Groups.
In college, I joined a campus ministry, continued attending Peace, and
met my wife Amy there. After a couple of years, it was clear that I was
no longer growing and I felt God calling me to pour all my focus into
Peace. A year and a half ago, with thought and prayer, Amy and I
decided to have me move toward a leadership role at work. I was
already developing those skills with our two kids, and it also would be
beneficial in helping me leading Bible study, especially given my
interest in people. Right afterward, my work announced its closure, and
I was blessed enough to go straight into a leadership role at my new job.
What has led you to want to be considered as a deacon?
I responded to the call to be a deacon because I wanted to bring more transparency to the role.
Especially now with a healing congregation, having strong leadership in our deacons is important. I have
been involved in many fields of our church and feel I now have the experience to help lead it.
Kristi Lambert
I am a lifelong Peace member who grew up in Eau Claire. I lived in
Oregon during and just after graduate school before moving back to Eau
Claire as an optometrist for a local clinic. My husband, Eric, and I have
been married for 13 years and had our first child a year ago. I am an
extrovert who loves to read, travel, hike and spend time conversing with
friends and family over edibles and beverages. God has used Peace to
shape who I am. I was baptized as an infant, confirmed, married, and had
my son baptized at Peace. Growing up I attended Sunday school,
Discovery Club and VBS and participated in children’s programs and
dramas at Peace. As an adult I am a member of a small group, volunteer
for the Beacon House, have participated in Casas por Cristo and a few of
the Love Eau Claire events and am currently serving as an appointed deacon. What has led me to want
to be considered as a deacon? I am wholly invested in Peace’s community since it has been my church
home my entire life.
What has led you to want to be considered as a deacon?
I felt God nudge me to be appointed as an interim deacon and his continued prompt to remain open for
consideration for an elected position. Challenging as this time is, God has been present through all the
past difficulties and celebrations and he is already in tomorrows. If he wishes to use me for his plans for
Peace, I submit myself willingly.
Vince Maro
I grew up in Milwaukee and attended Catholic Schools providing me with
a strong Christian base. My passion for helping people lead me to
complete a BS in Education/Communication Disorders (UW-Madison)
and a master’s degree in Speech Pathology. Throughout my career I
worked with children and adults with significant intellectual disabilities.
In 1981, I moved to Eau Claire to work as Therapy Coordinator at
Northern Center. For 34 years I worked for the Department of Health
Services (DHS) in positions emphasizing community integration and
quality improvement services. After retiring in 2014, I have worked part-
time for Lutheran Social Services.
My family includes my wife Julie, my son Ben and daughter Marissa from a previous marriage and Sasha
and Ilya. Sasha and Ilya were active participants in the Peace youth and confirmation programs. We
have lived south of Eau Claire for 22 years on a small farm, feeling very blessed with all God has given us.
What has led you to want to be considered as a deacon?
Peace has been our church home for 15 years. Through it we have grown closer to God, formed close
friendships, and watched our kids grow spiritually. During this transition, I feel called to help Peace heal
and thrive. The skills I obtained during my career in teamwork, quality assurance and personnel matters
could help our church.
James Martin
I have attended Peace since my early twenties. I moved to Eau Claire to
attend college at UWEC in 1990 and found Peace’s unique approach to
contemporary and traditional worship exciting and energizing. Since then,
God had guided and blessed my life: settling in Eau Claire with a job with
the school district, marrying a fellow believer – Allison (at Peace in 1999),
being blessed with four children (Grace 18, Kate 16, Eva 13 & Samuel 8)
and partnering with Allison to raise them at Peace. In the early 2000’s I
helped advise and plan the initial technology needs for the CLC and the
rest of the addition. Then, as our children were born, I began volunteering
as a Sunday School teacher and Youth Leader on retreats and mission
trips. Currently I am serving as the Director of Technology for the Eau
Claire Area School District and serving you and God as an appointed
interim Deacon here at Peace.
What has led you to want to be considered as a deacon?
I have felt God pull on my heart to increase and adjust my time and focus at Peace. My children and my
wife are the only things that I will be able to take with me to heaven and as a deacon, it will be my
purpose to ensure that Peace provides instruction, worship, and programming that lead them to a
dynamic, engaging and mission driven faith. As part of the body of Christ, It is my intent to help lead
Peace toward this goal for all children of our Heavenly Father.
Mary Taggatz
I have been a member of Peace for about 15 years. I am currently serving
on the Personnel Committee (an ad hoc committee of the Board of
Deacons) and I previously served one term on the Board of Deacons. I
was in the first group of Stephen Ministers to be commissioned. I have
been a member of Joy Choir for about 10 years and have participated in
Lynette’s Bible Study for about the same length of time. I am married to
Tim Taggatz, and I work in the Guidance Office at South Middle School.
Why I want to serve on the Board of Deacons
Like many others when I first started attending Peace, I immediately felt
welcomed, energized, and inspired. I was a lifelong churchgoer, but at
Peace I started to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. When
people mentioned they were looking for a spiritual home, I always
enthusiastically recommended Peace. After the time of turbulence Peace has gone through, I would like
to be involved in restoring our church to being that place.
Paul Weinke
My wife, Cheri, and I have been residents of Eau Claire for over 40 years
and have been members of Peace Lutheran Church for 25+ years.
During the time I have been attending Peace, I have been involved in
many aspects of service to the Church through music, drama,
participation in the Stephen Ministry program, and, previously, have
served as a deacon. I was recently appointed to the board and have
been serving as a member of the board since March 2021. Since
moving to Eau Claire in 1980, I have served on numerous Boards and
Committees throughout the Community.
What has led you to want to be considered as a deacon?
As a past, and current, member of the board of deacons of Peace, I
remain committed to the goals and mission of Peace and wish to participate in the efforts to pursue
those goals and the mission of Peace which is to guide people to fully live as followers of Jesus.
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