Organist
I was introduced to music as early as 2 - as soon as I could sit on my Dad's knee at the piano.
It was then he taught me various nursey rhymes as well as a love for big band songs. I took piano lessons for 3 years starting in 1st grade. In 4th grade I began in band on the clarinet which I still play to this day. I attribute most of my music teachings to Donna Kerley and Marilyn Bennett as they were the best music teachers Farina LaGrove had and I know I was blessed to call then my mentors and my friends. As a young teen, I played piano and organ at my home church, Freidens Church of Christ, also in Farina. In the 70's I played organ at St Peter Lutheran, St Peter, Holy Cross Lutheran , Vandalia and at Edgewood Church of the Nazarene. In 1979 I moved to Effingham and became one of the organists at St John's Lutheran. During my music life, I have played for many conferences, as well as weddings and funerals. I strongly feel God has richly blessed me with this gift of music and find it difficult to say no when asked to play for any event.
I've been married to my husband Jim for 7 years. Together we have 5 children, Bill Strullmyer of Appleton, WI, Kurt Strullmyer and Sheila Braun, both of Effingham, Shannon Starner of Altamont, and Jeremy Starner of Louisville, KY. We have 15 grandchildren and are also blessed with 1 great-grandson with another great-grand on the way.
I was thrilled to be asked to become your organist. I've enjoyed working with Julie Slifer in the office at St John's and feel we make a good team to bring the gospel with our gifts of music to your congregation.
And I also feel honored to play for one of your members and my biggest fan - my Mother, Betty Nelson.