Leadership

Meet the Church Staff

Pastor Karen Treat

I am a second career pastor; my first was a Registered Nurse. I worked as an oncology nurse, then called to serve as a Faith Community Nurse while raising four children. While working at Luther Seminary as their nurse, I completed my Master of Divinity. My husband Ed, who is also a pastor, and I enjoy, hiking, biking, kayaking, and walking our puppy, Lena. Most of all, we love to spend time with our children. Our oldest Jo lives with her husband, Josh and their two small children in Newport, MN. Our second child, Grette lives in Billings, Montana with her husband Jorey. Charlie lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with his partner
Maren and our youngest, Jasper is finishing his final year at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.

It is an exciting time in the church. I look forward to the countless opportunities we will have to bring God’s love to the surrounding community and the world.

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Scott Prunty, Minister of Finance

I have been a member of Memorial with my wife, Sarah, since 1999. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the people and programs Memorial has available to its members. My son and daughter love going to Sunday School and taking part in the numerous children’s activities. We feel very fortunate and blessed to call Memorial our church home. If you have a question about your giving statement, offering envelopes or other bookkeeping questions, let me know. I’d be happy to assist you!

Serina Bentley, Music Director

A graduate of Luther College and Luther Seminary (Master of Sacred Music), Serina has served congregations in Minnesota, Michigan, New Jersey and most recently, right back in Wisconsin. She currently serves as the Chaplain at Christian Community Homes and Services in Hudson, Wisconsin.

Serina lives in River Falls, WI in an emptying nest with her husband-to-be, Dave, her son, Bjorn who is a junior in High School and their spoiled Havanese, Mabel. Her older three children are in college (Nels - West Point, Carsten - Gustavus Adolphus and Thea - Luther College).

Serina's Fun Fact: Our family attended Memorial Lutheran when we moved to Hudson about 18 years ago and the kids' names are on the VBS quilt in the Cry Room.

Cari Hayes, Communications Director
With a background in nonprofit fundraising and engagement, Cari is passionate about helping organizations share their stories with the world. She has a Master of Arts in Public Leadership from the Lutheran seminary in Philadelphia and skills in in grant-writing, organizing fundraising campaigns and events, developing creative nonprofit programs, and creating constituent communications. Cari is also a 200-hour-trained yoga teacher and a former collegiate gymnast. In her spare time, Cari enjoys trail running (sometimes absurdly long distances), backpacking, cooking, various snow sports, and hanging out with her cats.

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Elise Winter, Church Life Coordinator

I have a degree in Human Services/Geriatric Care from Rochester Vocational Technical School serving in the Good Samaritan Nursing Homes in Jackson and Windom, MN . I have an AA degree from North Hennepin Community college and worked as a paralegal for The Law Office of Thomas D. Mottaz. I pursued a degree in Youth & Family Ministry from Augsburg College, serving two congregations, Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Center, MN and with Memorial here in Afton.

I have three children, Laura, Brian and Christina. They live in the Twin Cities area with their families, blessing us with seven grandchildren. My husband Thad and I live in Woodbury with our yellow Lab, Copper. Thad owns and operates Twin Cities Motorcycle Escort Company serving the Twin Cities area in funeral escort needs.