Staff

Linda is married to Edmond and they have 1 daughter, Julia. Linda was born and raised in Northeast Missouri, near Kirksville. She began her secretarial career in the early 60's. Her work history includes working for the federal government's ASCS office, Missouri Highway Patrol, Missouri Division of Family Services and last, but not least, the Missouri Judicial System as a Civil Clerk in the Associate Division of St. Francois County. Upon retirement, Linda and her family moved to Des Moines, Iowa and discussed the cold winters that would occur, so decided they would spend their winters in a warmer climate. In December 2004, they first came to the Valley and Julia decided she liked it so well, that she wanted to stay. The rest is history. Linda began working part-time at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in May 2009.

Pastor Slade was born in Champaign, Illinois. Growing up on a farm, he attended school in Mahomet, Illinois and later graduated from the Universtiy of Illinois in 1971. After graduation, he attended Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, being ordain into the ministry in 1974. He has served the following churches: Bethany, Elkader, Iowa; St. John, Ashton, Illinois; Immanuel and Zion, Lawler and Alta Vista, Iowa; St. Matthew, Monticello, Iowa; Lord of Life, Lancaster, Texas; Grace, Harlington, Texas; St. Paul in Nordheim and Runge, Texas; Love of Christ, Weslaco,Texas. He did a year of Clinical Pastoral Education and Chaplaincy at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. He has enjoyed the parish ministry for 37 years and likes to include humor along with a variety of music in the worship services. He is married to his wife, Jan. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.