Rev. Corey Larson

has pastored First Congregational UCC since 1999.  He grew up in Waukon, IA and graduated from Luther College (Decorah, IA) in 1995.  He obtained his Master of Divinity degree from the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in New Brighton, MN in 1998.  While in seminary, Corey served as the Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry at Olivet Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Paul, MN.

Corey and his wife, Nicole, have a son, Owen Malachi, and a daughter, Ruby Grace.  In his spare time, Corey enjoys teaching EMT and paramedic classes, reading, photography, woodworking, music, and camping with family and friends.

 

Patrick Gagnon is the Director of Music where he serves as organist, directs the Chancel Choir, the First Children’s Choir, and both handbell choirs.  Patrick is also K-5 Music Specialist for the Eldora-New Providence Community Schools and High School Choral Director at South Hardin High School.  He is the Iowa Chairperson for the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers in Iowa and has been a clinician for local and regional handbell festivals.  Patrick and his wife Jodi moved to Iowa from the Boston area and live in Hubbard.  He enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with his adoring Dachshunds.

 

Peggee Ellefson has began serving as our Office Manager in June of 2016.  Peggee writes:  I was born in Cedar Rapids, but have lived in Eldora since 2nd grade. My father, Fred Leonard, was born and raised here, and in about 1960 he joined his father in the business, Hardin County Abstract & Title Co., so we moved the family to Eldora.

I have one brother, John Leonard, who also lives in Eldora, and one sister who lives in North Liberty. My mother Donna Leonard also lives in Eldora. My parents loved traveling, so I grew up doing lots of traveling around the world. Sure gave me the bug!

While  in high school I spent a summer living with a family in Sweden. I am still in close contact with my Swedish family. They are currently fascinated with the political campaign we are in the midst of muddling through. Always interesting to get a non-American point of view. Reminds me the world is much smaller than it used to be!

After Graduating from Eldora High School I got my degree in Textiles & Clothing/ Fashion Merchandising from Iowa State University. And…that’s where I met my husband Tim, who grew up in Hampton.  Working on a VEISHEA float was a very fruitful experience  the spring of 1974!

We married a year later and moved to Eldora; Tim went into the real estate and abstracting business with my Dad, and I worked at the children’s clothing store The Carousel.

After a few years there, I began working at a women’s clothing store, Karol Ann’s. Eventually I bought into another women’s clothing store, Jeannie’s. Closed that store in 1989 and immediately began working in a dental office. From there I went to Talbots in Ames in 2007 till Jan 2010. Tired of the commute I began working part time in our abstract office in 2009, and eventually the Talbots store closed.

Tim and I have two children, Cassie Landhauser (husband Ben) who live in Waconia, MN, and Ben Ellefson who lives and works in Ames.

We have raised 6 boxers, and currently rescued a 7 yr old Boston Terrier, Cody. We love our pooches!

I am a one year survivor of breast cancer! Got through my treatments with the spectacular help of God, my family, friends, and church family. We just keep praying for those good check ups!!

I love to read, watch movies, sew, cook and travel.

So happy for this opportunity to help out in my church.