Lou Ann is Retiring
If anyone knows the fine art of working as a church Administrative Assistant to Congregational Life, it’s Lou Ann Rossler. Working in this capacity for 32 years has allowed Rossler to use her talents to the fullest in three churches: Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville, MN; Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church in Mason City, and Trinity Lutheran Church. Rossler will be retiring at the end of May, and she will take so many memories with her.
Some of her highlights of working at Trinity over the years include all the people she has met and all the interactions with different members. “You get to really know them,” Rossler said. “They’re a part of your life and you’re a part of theirs.” In order to be effective in her position, she advised, “You really have to like people and be able to deal with distractions! You can’t be an introvert! You have to talk to everyone from the [people on the] phone calls to people who walk in off the street.”
On the other hand, a major drawback of this position over the years also involves people. “You get close to people…and then they pass away,” she said. “It’s like a death in the family.”
For a person who graduated with a degree in social work, Rossler has certainly been utilizing her listening and problem-solving skills in her chosen profession. “Sweetie, I think the reason I’m in this position is it’s truly a ministry! You have to WANT to help people and be with people.”
Of course, Trinity’s congregation members (and staff) will miss that lovely term of endearment that only Lou Ann Rossler can call us. “Sweetie” has been in her vocabulary for as long as she can remember. When she officially retires, her husband, Cliff, should prepare to be the sole recipient of this “sweet” term of affection.
Retirement plans of course involve Cliff, as she said they have multiple home projects, the first being cleaning out their garage. In true Lou Ann fashion, she giggled and said she’s going to have to get a completely different wardrobe, because of course she can’t wear her dress clothes to clean!
She also wants to travel and accompany Cliff when he goes fishing. “I want to do some volunteer work, participating in church activities that I could never do when I was working,” she said. “I also have a plethora of books I want to read…and take naps and eat ice cream!”
For a person who started at Trinity part-time in 2012 and moved to full-time the following year, Rossler has made a huge difference in so many people’s lives…from the Trinity staff who adores her as much as she adores them to the parents and children who have utilized the nursery, which she was in charge of since 2013.
Of course, her family will get to see more of her now, and additional precious memories will be made. Cliff is also retired and volunteers where he is needed; their daughter, Leslie works as a nanny in Rochester, and their son, Matthew is a pastor at two churches in Decorah.
Thank you, Lou Ann, for being such a “Sweetie” to Trinity. What a beautiful ministry you have provided over the years! †
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