Deacon Class of 2023

ERIN EKSTEDT
Erin graduated from Western Illinois University in 2015 with a B.S. in Nursing. She is currently a surgical nurse at Memorial Medical Center. When she is not working, Erin likes to attend concerts, travel, and practice her trumpet. She also enjoys spending time with her brother, Adam, his wife, Chelsea Ekstedt and their three sons who are also members of Westminster. 

TERRY HAYNOR
Terry has a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. She is employed at the Illinois Department of Aging and works part-time at La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries. Terry has a sixteen-year-old daughter, Caroline. Terry and Caroline share a love of community service including volunteering at food pantries at First Presbyterian and Grace Lutheran Churches.

MARY KING
Mary is employed as a software developer for the State of Illinois. She received a B.A. from Southern Illinois University and B.S.N. from St. John’s College of Nursing. She and her husband, Charlie, share two children and two stepchildren along with two grandchildren. Mary has served on several church committees, including Congregational Care, Congregational Fellowship, and Stewardship Committee prior to becoming a Deacon. In her spare time, Mary enjoys travel, reading and puzzles.

DR. RICHARD LEARY  
Richard is retired from Illinois State Museum as Curator of Geology. He holds a B.S degree from Virginia Tech, an M.S. degree from University of Michigan, and Ph.D. from University of Illinois. Richard has taught Adult Ed classes and provided lectures to many groups including fellowship groups at Westminster. Service projects have included Illinois State Museum volunteer, Contact Ministries Christmas distribution and Meals on Wheels. Richard and his wife, Eleanor have two children and three grandchildren. He is interested in travel, history, and art. 

BRUCE STROM
Bruce retired as an Administrator in information systems for the State of Illinois. He received his B.S. in Business Administration from Eastern Illinois University and his M.A. in Administration from Sangamon State University (now UIS). Bruce has been a member of many community organizations and was Alderman of Ward 10 in Springfield from 1995-2007. Bruce lost his wife of 55 years in January, 2020. He and Lois have two daughters, three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Bruce enjoys singing and has sung in several church and community choirs and the Barbershop Harmony Society. 

ROBERT STUART, JR.
Bob is an estate planning attorney with Brown, Hay & Stephens. He holds an undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College in Maine and J.D. from the University of Illinois. During his years in Springfield, Bob has been involved with Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Lincoln Association, National Recreation Foundation, local and area Boy Scouts, and local and national Rotary. He has two adult children and two grandchildren. For relaxation, Bob enjoys swimming, golf, and travel.

JESS WEITZEL
Jess grew up in Springfield and received a B.A.L.A.S. in Political Science and French Studies from the University of Illinois followed by an M.S. in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas. Jess works as a community development finance professional supporting affordable housing, small businesses, and community-focused real estate projects. She volunteers on the boards of Springfield ICON, the MacArthur Boulevard Association, and the Illinois chapter of the American Planning Association. She married her wife, Kayla in 2016 and joined WPC in 2020. Jess is interested in working with kids/youth groups.