Rynearson Family Charter Members
As told by Kristy Rynearson Schovajsa
Elaine and Ed Rynearson had five children: Kenny, Danny, Kathy, Nancy and Kristy. The family lived on Upham Street, behind the Arvada Lanes Bowling Alley. Being Lutherans, they were happy to learn of a new church being built near them. They joined St. Andrew Lutheran Church as Charter Members. Kristy recalls that on the day the charter was to signed, her mother didn’t think that signing the document was important and was more eager to get her little brood of five back home. So none of the family signed the Charter Roll on that day.
Kristy remembers a fun, spirited time growing up in the church. She was active in Sunday School, junior choir and Luther League. As Kristy was growing up, her social life and that of her siblings revolved around the church and its activities. She can tell great stories about others in the church and of her good friends Jeanine Klingens and Sue and Dede Martin.
When asked about her favorite memories, Kristy recalls:
Spaghetti fights in the back of the church that is now the choir loft
The youngster Jean Lascot whom everyone thought was so cute
Babysitting for families of the church, like the Oberts
Rick Torfin and his kindness to her son, Nick
Pastor Paul and Karen Hadland and their ministry with us, her illness and their leaving to go back to Minnesota
To this day, St. Andrew is the “ground point” for the Rynearson family. Two of the sisters and one of the brothers were married here. It is the place to which this family returns for family celebrations, for baptisms, confirmations and for funerals. “This is our home.”
By Julie Cunningham
Photo by Joe Cunningham
