My wife Dee works in Corporate Management for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.  Our son Josh is a Fire Fighter and lives in Bismark, ND.  Our daughter Jessica is married to Stanton Alleyne.  They have recently moved from Asheville, North Carolina, to Minneapolis which has been a blessing for Grandpa and Grandma as we are now much closer to enjoy our grandchildren, Justin and Kelsey.

My hobbies are like that of most pastors:  handgun, rifle and shotgun target shooting, reloading shot shell and metallic cartridges, hunting, fishing, lawn farming with John Deere’s, golfing, four-wheeling, riding my Harley, and I am a pilot (though not presently active in flying). 

I grew up on a dairy farm in Nebraska.  However, I am a Minnesotan by choice, loving the people and the lake and wooded country of this area.

Hobbies and Interests:  Family activities, gardening, cooking, music and movies

Favorite Bible verse:  II Corinthians 12:9a

I have been a pastor at First Lutheran Church since 2005.  Of all the ways I’m involved in the life of the congregation, I find the greatest joy in face-to-face experiences with others.  I love planning and being a part of worship where the message and music inspires and encourages us.  I enjoy being involved with and getting to know others, whether it be at a special event, on a trip, over a cup of coffee, or within a small group or class.  First Lutheran is an active, growing congregation that is a pleasure to be a part of.

My wife Sherry is a tremendous inspiration to me.  Sherry and I have been partners over the years, not only at home but also in our work.  Sherry was called and began serving as Associate Pastor here at First Lutheran in July 2008.  We have a daughter, Elizabeth, and a son, Aaron.  Elizabeth and Aaron bring a great deal of light and joy to our lives.  Family and all the activities and responsibilities connected with it are front and center to who we are. 

I also enjoy working outside in our yard, creating a beautiful place to live.  I like to cook and eat great food, entertain, listen to good music and see a movie now and then

(We are deeply saddened to inform our church family and friends that Pastor Sherry Billberg died unexpectedly on Thursday morning, March 3, in her home. Funeral service was held on Monday, March 7, at 1:00 p.m. Condolence cards may be sent to Pastor Greg Billberg and family at 4073 Latoka View Lane SW, Alexandria, MN  56308.)

My name is Marilee Bergerson and I will be with you for the next year (through April 2012) as your interim pastor. My husband, Jim, and I have lived in Alexandria since 2000. We have a son, Matt, who is married to Katie and they have 2 children, Anja and Stian. They live outside of Seattle. Our other son, Jeremy, currently lives in Minneapolis with an anticipated move the summer of 2011 to Chicago.

I graduated from Underwood High School, Augsburg College and Luther Seminary. My first call was to a church in Wisconsin and then to the Alexandria area. Since 2008 I have had the privilege of serving different churches as an interim pastor. I served in Valley City, ND for 1 year and until the end of April I have served a small rural parish outside of Hoffman.

Pastor Sherry was dearly loved not only by the members of First Lutheran Church, but also by the community at large. She was also a dear friend to all the local pastors and we will all miss her. Please know the ministries that she was involved in will continue. I thank Pastor John and Pastor Greg as they have so warmly welcomed me to share in the ministry of First Lutheran. Also, I say thank you to the rest of the staff as they, too, have helped me to feel at home.

I look forward to getting to know you and in sharing the good news.