David Gunderson - Senior Pastor

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Pastor Dave is originally from Minnesota. He graduated form Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1977 and from Concordia Seminary in 1981. He served his vicarage( internship) at St. John Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon from 1979-80.  His first parish was Grace Lutheran Church in Deadwood, South Dakota from 1981-1990.  He has served St. John's in Yankton since May 1990.

Pastor Dave is trained in Crossways Bible studies, and Stephen Ministries.

In addition to serving St. John's Pastor Dave is currently a chaplain with the South Dakota National Guard. Pastor Dave enjoys various hobbies such as golf, reading, writing and home made wine making. Pastor Dave is an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.

Pastor Dave is married to Connie and they have two grown children, Kristen and Jonathan.

Steven Weispfennig - Associate Pastor

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Pastor Steve grew up in Minnesota. He attended Concordia University-St. Paul, MN, graduating in 2004 with a BA in Theology. He attended Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO, graduating in 2008. While at seminary, he did Residential Field Education at Zion Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, MO, and served his vicarage (internship) at St. Paul Lutheran Church in McAllen, TX. Pastor Steve received his first call into the ministry from St. John's Lutheran Church in Yankton, SD. He has served there since July 2008.

Pastor Steve is married to Hannah and has a daughter, Hope. They have a half beagle/half basset hound named Taz.

Pastor Steve is an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. He enjoys traveling, playing golf, and collecting baseball memorabilia.

Paulette Gross - Office Manager

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Paulette Gross has been the church secretary/office manager for St. John's Lutheran since May 5, 1986. Paulette (Osborn) Gross, is married to Gary Gross and they have 3 children, Bobbie Gross, Pauline (Brian) Sumption, and Jeremy (Amber) Gross, 4 grandsons - Tanner, Zachary, and Taite Sumption and Nathan Gross, and two granddaughters, Olivia Gross and Makeda Sumption. Paulette has lived in Yankton most of her life, except for 7 1/2 years while Gary served in the Air Force. Gary and Paulette enjoy traveling to see their children and grandchildren and enjoy riding their motorcycles. Paulette semi-retired on May 7th, going to just two days a week - Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Dianne Diekmann is Director of Music at St John’s and coordinates the music program.  As part of her responsibilities, Dianne is also choir director, organist, vocalist and handbell ringer.  She is a graduate of Concordia University, Seward, NE, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and emphasis in music.  Dianne is a former Lutheran School teacher and former Human Resources Assistant at a local manufacturer.

Dianne has always enjoyed involvement in the various music ministries of the church, quoting Martin Luther who said, “Next to theology, music is God’s greatest gift.” 

She is originally from Nebraska, but has lived in Yankton since 1975.  Dianne is married to Jerry and they have two married sons and four grandchildren, all who live in California.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, doing counted cross-stitch, and collecting miniature pianos.