Meet Our Staff

Karen LindbloomPart-time Music Coordinator

Karen and Dr. B.O. Lindbloom (deceased) have two sons, Chris and Rodd Bauck. Karen has been directing the Faith choir for over 38 years and has been a member of Faith since 1973. Her education includes a B.S. degree in vocal and instrumental music from Moorhead State University, Minnesota, and a M.M. degree in applied music from the University of South Dakota. She taught elementary music at St Joseph School for six years and was a part of the Capital City Children's Chorus for eight years. Karen has done additional graduate work at the University of Minnesota and St. John's University. She is an accompanist at T.F. Riggs in Pierre.

Helen KiepkeOffice Administrator faith@faithluth.com

Helen grew up in Blunt, SD and attended grade school in Blunt. She attended Blunt High School for one year and then Blunt & Onida consolidated schools to become Sully Buttes. She graduated in 1973 and went on to attend Black Hills State College. In 1978, Helen took a job working for Lucas & Theim department store in Pierre and was there for 10-11 years. She then went to work for Marc Ford at Metro City convenience store and was there four years before going to work for Marc Ford at Marc’s Pump & Pack by the Mall until he sold the business. Helen then managed the Pretzelmaker in the Mall for Marc for several years and was working full-time at Riddle’s Jewelry. After closing Pretzelmaker, she continued to work at Riddle’s Jewelry in the Mall and has been there for 15 years.

Helen has been in the office administrator position since January 2, 2008. She does quite a variety of things in this job and that in itself makes it interesting. Helen has worked with many wonderful people here at Faith. We truly are a “family” who cares for and about each other. That isn’t always the case with other jobs.

Helen joined Faith in 1982 by transferring from Trinity Lutheran at Blunt.

Ron NelsonDirector of Facilities facilitiesadministrator@faithluth.com

Ron grew up on a small farm north east of Burke SD. He and his wife Sylvia moved to Pierre from Winner in 2000. At that time, Ron  started to work at the Hughes County Jail. In 2002, their daughter Amanda was born and recently graduated from Mitchell Tech. Sylvia has worked at Bank West for almost 20 years. After 22 years, Ron retired from the Hughes County Jail. Ron is still optimistic that the Vikings will win a Super Bowl.

Carolyn RyckmanBusiness Manager faith@faithluth.com

Carolyn grew up in Forbes, ND on a dairy farm. She graduated from Northern State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant. She was employed by the South Dakota Department of Legislative Audit for ten years. After starting a family with her husband Dennis, Carolyn worked from home writing visual basic computer systems. Twenty years ago Dennis began a database/web site development company where she also currently works. Carolyn began as the Faith Lutheran Church business manager in the Fall of 2020. Carolyn enjoys working at the church in this new role in the Faith Lutheran Church family.

Dennis and Carolyn married in 1987. The Lord has blessed them with three children, Samuel, Cassandra, and Joshua. Dennis and Carolyn have enjoyed leading a mission trip to Mexico since 2018 to share the Gospel on both sides of the border and build homes for those in Juarez, Mexico. Carolyn enjoys serving the Lord in many ways including as church organist, Sunday School teacher, Rent-A-Worker projects, and sharing God’s good news of our Savior where she can. To God be the Glory in all things.

Carolyn joined Faith in 1986 by transferring from Faith Lutheran at Forbes, ND.

Kim Jensen Daycare Director daycare@faithluth.com

I am blessed to serve as the Director of Faith Lutheran Daycare, a ministry I believe God has called me to. I was born and raised in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, and have been married to my husband, Shaun, for 30 years. Together, we have three children and five wonderful grandchildren. I have worked in Early Childhood Education for more than 30 years, including 17+ years operating my own in-home daycare, over 10 years in center-based childcare, and approximately 15 years providing ECE training. I began at Faith Lutheran Daycare as an Assistant in 2021 and became Director in 2022. I am grateful each day for the opportunity to work with children and families and to serve them through a Christ-centered ministry. Outside of work, I enjoy my chickens, gardening, knitting, canning, and trying new recipes. I feel truly blessed to be where God has called me and to be part of such a wonderful daycare family.

Jaina Patten Daycare Assistant daycareassistant@faithluth.com

I was born and raised in Pierre and have spent most of my life here, aside from one year in Japan and one year in Texas. I’m a proud mom of four boys, which means my life is usually equal parts love, laughter, noise, and a little bit of chaos. Motherhood has taught me patience, flexibility, and how important it is to really see each child for who they are. I also come from a long line of educators, so caring for children and valuing education has always felt woven into who I am. I’ve spent over six years working in early childhood education, and I love bringing creativity, humor, and warmth into the spaces I’m part of. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, music, art, creative projects, and finding little adventures with my boys.

Kelsey KampfePreschool Director/Teacher preschool@faithluth.com

Mrs. Kampfe was born and raised here in Pierre. Her passion for kids started at a young age. She started baby sitting at the age of 13 and loves working with kids. In high school, she took a class that allowed her to go into the elementary schools and help out during the day. She went on to get her degree in Early Childhood and Human Services, graduating in 2010. She then moved back to Pierre where she started her career working at Jefferson Elementary in the Early Childhood and Special Education Class room where she worked for 7 years before taking a preschool director/teacher position. Mrs. Kampfe works closely with some of the kindergarten teachers in the district to stay up to date on kindergarten readiness requirements. She also likes to try and attend a yearly conference to learn more ways to help the kids learn, and build their knowledge. Kelsey and her husband Daris have two children, Kaylee and Kaden, and they love being on the river!