Staff

John Kassen
Pastor Pastor Kassen is the founding pastor at Living Word. He and LuJean arrived in the Rochester area with their three children in 1991. Pastor Kassen's undergraduate degree is in Physics, while his seminary education focused on New Testament studies and worship. Pastor Kassen enjoys reading, golf, and fantasy football. He coaches the middle school girls softball team at Living Word.

Joel Springer
Interim Director of Music

Joel has served in Lutheran Education for the last 18 years beginning at Trinity Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa in 1993, teaching 4th grade and 6th grade. Since 2003 he has served at Living Word as the 3rd grade teacher. Joel stays active in the ministry of the church and school by leading Bible study on Sundays, directing the 3rd - 5th grade choir, coaching the 5th - 8th grade girls basketbal teams, singing in the adult choir, playing and singing for the church worship team, and co-directing the spring musical every year. Joel and his wife, Sheri, have two children, Paul and Hannah.

Steve Smith
Deacon By day, Steve works for Frontier Distributing, but every moment he has he lives out his vocation of sharing the good news with those he has a chance to meet. Steve serves Living Word as a Deacon with a focus on sharing the Gospel with others and helping equip others to share the good news in their lives. Steve and his wife have four children.

Ron Nieman
Deacon
Ron came to Living Word as a Deacon in the Spring of 2010 with his wife Lenore. In their previous congregations Ron has served as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Leader, Chairman of various boards and committees as well as serving as a delegate to the LHSA, Michigan District and Synodical conventions. In addition, Ron is an elected member of the Almont District Library Board of Directors. Ron and Lenore have two grown children who with their spouses provide them with two grandchildren. He works as an engineer with General Motors and assists Lenore in her various activities.

Casey Bolt
Interim Director of Youth/
Young Adult Ministries

Casey began teaching at Living Word in 2009. In addition to teaching, she is also the coordinator for the Extended Care program, which offers before and after school care to families, and teaches 7th grade Confirmation classes. Casey earned her BA from Concordia University, Ann Arbor in the Spring of 2007. She is married to Jonathan Bolt, the 7/8th grade teacher.

Betty Bridges
School Secretary

Sheri Springer
Director of School Outreach

Sheri Springer has served 2 years as the Director of School Outreach. Prior to coming to Living Word, she served at Trinity, Davenport IA and St. John, Rochester, MI. She has taught Sunday School and been active in the music ministry at Living Word. She is blessed with a wonderful family which includes her husband, Joel, and two children, Paul and Hannah.

Stacy Hoeft
Director of School
Ministries Stacy has been serving as Director of School Ministries at Living Word since 2007. She has also taught fifth grade and the resource room at Living Word. Before coming to Living Word she was the Principal and Preschool Director at Hosanna-Tabor Lutheran School in Redford, MI. She has also taught various grades at Lutheran Schools in Lapeer and Taylor, MI. Stacy received her BA from Concordia University Wisconsin. She and her husband, Dan, have two children who attend Living Word Lutheran School.

Mark Pretznow
Deacon Mark became a member of Living Word in 1999 and has served as a Licensed Deacon of the Michigan District-LCMS since 2008. He coordinates new member Discovery Classes, Adult and Group Bible Studies, and assists Pastor Kassen with Pastoral Ministry as needed. Along with Living Word’s two other Licensed Deacons Mark assists with leading weekend Worship and preaching in Pastor’s absence. Mark also works as an Assistant Manager for Hiller’s Markets in Berkley. Mark and his wife Sudan have been blessed with three children and one brand new grandson, of whom he is always prepared to share pictures.

Judy Dober
Office Administrator
Judy was hired by Pastor Kassen in January of 1993, when Living Word was just beginning. Since then she has been his assistant and Office Manager for the church and school. She also served on the ECC Start-Up committee. Judy coordinates the Scrip program for Living Word. She is married to Paul and their daughter, Rachel, is a Living Word Alum currently attending Lutheran High Northwest.

Pamela Dauzy
Finance Secretary
Pamela joined the administrative team at Living Word in 2000. She is responsible for the bookkeeping activities of the Church, School and ECC. Prior to coming to Living Word, Pamela was a ministry team member at St. John Lutheran Church & School for 4 years. Pamela and Jeff Dauzy, along with their 3 daughters, have been active members of Living Word for many years, and have enjoyed participating in a variety of ministries and programs. Presently she is a member of the hand bell choir and secretary of the women’s book club.

Gloria Smith
Publications
Gloria began as a parent volunteer at Living Word for a number of years. She now works part time in Living Word's office. She has an Associates Degree in Office Administration from Ferris State University. Prior to starting a family, she worked as a legal secretary. Gloria is married to Steve, one of Living Word's Deacons, and two of their children attended Living Word.