LWML Minnesota North

HISTORY

History of LWML Minnesota North

LWML stands for “Lutheran Women’s Missionary League;” it is the official women’s auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For over eight decades, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman’s relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to support international missions.

The LWML Minnesota North was organized in 1964 when the Minnesota District was split into two districts, Minnesota North and Minnesota South. There are six Regions and seventeen Zones in the District.

For over six decades, this vibrant regional branch has been equipping women across the northern half of the state to put their faith into action, transforming local communities and international mission fields alike.

The National LWML Was founded in 1942, The organizing convention was in Chicago, Illinois on July 6-7, 1942. Minnesota was one of the 19 founding Districts. The first official LWML Convention was held July 7-8, 1943 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Minnesota District first hosted July 31, 1957. It was the Seventh Biennial Convention and the largest for the next 10 conventions. Headquarters was the Leamington Hotel, Minneapolis, MN. There were 398 Delegates from 37 Districts. Total Attendance was 3,201.

First Minnesota LWML District Convention, St. Paul, MN;

October 18, 1944

(I found this in my church basement.)

Past Presidents

Lydia (Mrs. Edgar) Bode
Served from 1964-1968

Thelma (Mrs. Fred) Derkey

Served from 1968-1972

Katheryn Pipho
Served from 1972-1976

Virginia (Mrs. Karl) Ansorge
Served from 1976-1980

Kay (Mrs. C. J.) Repulski
Served from 1980-1984

Elda Maynard
Served from 1984-1988

Betty (Mrs. Earl) Wagner
Served from 1988-1992

Helen (Mrs. Vernon) Beck
Served from 1992-1996
Phyllis (Mrs. Robert) Jastram
Served from 1996-2000

Lucille (Phillips) Lidbeck
Served from 2000-2004

Laurain Jurchen
Served from 2004-2008

Cheryl (Petersen) Hamil
Served from 2008-2012

JoNette Brogaard
Served from 2012-2016

Marilyn Hiltel
Served from 2016-2020

Kathy Brandt
Served from 2020-2026

Karena Lapolice
Serving Currently