Today's Featured Biography

 
Mark Pries

Going to Wartburg College in Waverly was like breathing for me. I sang in the Wartburg Choir and while on tour met Lesley at her church after a concert. Lesley came to Wartburg in the fall and we have been nearly inseparable since. Many knew I would become a pastor; I went to Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque (71-75); I was ordained in 1975 as a pastor in The American Lutheran Church (now Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Our children were born during our time at seminary. Our internship was in Muskegon Heights, MI (73-74); first call was Hope Lutheran in Tacoma, WA (75-77); then back to Iowa [Holy Trinity, Dubuque (77-84), Bethel, Parkersburg (84-87), Peace, Pella (87-07), and Zion, Iowa City (07-17). I retired in 2017 though frequently asked to fill in for pastors. My interest in sports, the arts and civics continued - Human Rights commissioner in Dubuque, Iowa High School football official; Iowa High School speech judge; founder of the Dutch Masters art history program in Pella; Iowa City Northside Business association and presider over Iowa City's Oktoberfest with the blessing of the first keg taping. Currently I am a Commissioner on Iowa City's Human Rights Commission and actively involved in making Johnson County a HeartSafe Community. Lesley and I are proud parents delighting in time with their families and our grandchildren. Fishing with flies or spinners is good relaxation; teaching Lesley and grand children to fish is great pleasure. Our trip to Ireland continues to inspire our interest in global adventures though COVID has compromised our travels. We are enthusiastic supporters of Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, MN; Iowa Public Television and NPR. We support the Equal Rights Amendment, Voter Rights and Human Rights.

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