Pastor Jim

Pastor Stewart James Petteys (Jim) was born on May 1, 1941 on the family farm in Haskins, Ohio. His mother said that, “If it is a boy, you can take him with you.” She decided to keep him anyway, but ended up naming him after the doctor.

Jim’s mom (Edythe) had five children within six and a half years – and no indoor plumbing! Needless to say, she is known for her sense of humor. Pastor Jim has inherited this sense of humor and shares it each and every day.

Jim’s father (George) was born and raised in Tontogamy, Ohio. He farmed his whole life, retiring in 1986. Jim’s father died in 1989.

Pastor Jim is married to Jan, and they have three wonderful daughters (and Jim will tell you he also has “two wonderful son-in-laws” – but never tells people which two!) who live in the Chicago and Columbus areas… raising their nine beautiful grand-children.

Jim’s siblings include: Tom, Rodney, Nancy and David.

Jim attended and graduated from Otsego High School in Tontogamy. His college days were spent at Bowling Green State University, Stautzenberger Business School, and Findlay College where he graduated with a degree in accounting, and a minor in math. Jim graduated seminary, from what is now known as Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.

Jim’s first call was to Hope Lutheran in Hamler, Ohio… then Trinity Lutheran in Frankfort (from 1975 – 1986)… then St. Paul in New Rochester, Ohio… then Zion Lutheran in Freeland, Michigan (for 12½ years)… THEN, on October 15, 2001 – Pastor Jim came back home to Trinity in Frankfort!

Jim currently serves as co-pastor with Pastor Rick at Trinity. Hoping to work for about “3 years or so” when he returned – we are very glad he is still here!

Jim and his wife Jan, live in a home (on 21 acres) in Honor, Michigan.

Pastor Rick

Pastor Richard B. Stieve (Rick) was born on February 8, 1962 in Dearborn, Michigan. He is the second child of four – with an older brother (Jeff in DeWitt, MI), a younger sister (Dawn in Berkley, MI) and a younger brother (Mark in Dearborn).

Rick’s father (Dick) was raised in Dearborn and retired from Ford Motor Company – and his mother grew up in Detroit and retired from working as a registered nurse. They now live in Traverse City, are members of Trinity, and spend winters in Florida.

Rick attended and graduated from Dearborn High School. His college days were spent at Michigan State University where he graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, with a focus in science and social studies. Rick graduated seminary from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.

Rick’s first call was to Bethlehem Lutheran in Traverse City… then was called as Trinity’s pastor in 1992. – Pastor Rick left for a brief time to serve as an Assistant to the Bishop in Lansing (in 2000) but quickly came back home to Trinity in Frankfort!

It has been said that Pastor Jim and Pastor Rick, with their returns to Trinity/Frankfort, are the only two “Re-Called Pastors” serving the same congregation in the ELCA!

Rick currently serves as co-pastor with Pastor Jim at Trinity. Hoping to work for about “3 years or so” when he returned – we are very glad he is still here!

Rick and his wife Linda, along with their two boys (Alex and Tim), live in a home in the Frankfort area.