CLERGY
Bishop Brian Thom
The Very Rev. Father Mark Strobel, Cathedral Dean
Father Mark graduated from Jamestown College with degrees in music and religion, Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA, and St John’s University School of Theology in Collegeville, MN with a degree in Liturgical Studies.
Father Mark is a long-standing contributor for a preaching resource published by the Liturgical Press, a regular writer for “Give Us This Day,” a prayer periodical published by Liturgical Press, and has written for worship, preaching, and prayer resources published by Augsburg Fortress. He is a Benedictine Oblate of St John’s Abbey.
ASSISTING CLERGY
Father Duffy Williams
His family moved from Minneapolis to Fargo for the last time in the fall of 1958 and joined Gethsemane at that time. He was confirmed there under Harry Vere and he co-presided when he was married to his wife Jane in 1971. He was ordained as a deacon in 2002 and to the priesthood on May 9, 2003 by Bishop Andy Fairfield.
The Rev. Canon Zanne Ness, Honorary Canon
The Rev. Canon Zanne Ness graduated from the University of South Dakota with a PhD in Clinical Psychology and practiced as a psychologist in Bismarck for many years. She was ordained a deacon in 2007 and retired that same year from clinical practice. She completed courses from Providence Theological School and was ordained a priest in 2011. She joined Bishop Michael Smith’s staff as a Canon Missioner in 2011. In 2018 Bishop Smith designated her an honorary Canon to the Cathedral.
Canon Zanne has served the community as a spiritual director since 2006. She has trained others for spiritual direction and is a Benedictine Oblate at Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck. Her ministry is with those who are striving to overcome hunger and poverty and with those who are in transition from prison back into society. She and her husband Terry live in Bismarck.
Deacon Terry Overbo
STAFF
Kira Haler-Knutson
Organist and Cathedral Choir Director
Dr. Kira Haler Knutson joined Gethsemane as Cathedral Choir Director in 2020. Dr. Knutson holds degrees from St. Olaf College, Boston University, and The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She has held positions at Harvard University, Macalester College, and Concordia College and served for many years as a K-12 music educator. As a professional soprano, Dr. Knutson performs regularly with Border CrosSing and has sung with Lorelei Ensemble, Bach Roots Festival, Oregon Bach Festival, Boston New Music Initiative, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and the Bach Society of Minnesota. She lives in Fargo with her husband, Steve, and their three children, Ruby, Henley, and Nash.
Julie Garden-Robinson
Spiritsong Coordinator
Julie has coordinated SpiritSong, the contemporary music group comprised of teens through adults, since 1999. Julie studied music throughout college and earned a minor in music at NDSU. When not singing, playing piano or flute, Julie is a professor and Extension food and nutrition specialist at NDSU.
Jodie Berg
Cathedral Life Coordinator and Youth and Family Ministry Director
Jodie Berg has worked in church settings since 2017 but been a long-time church member, having been raised in the ELCA Lutheran Church. She has worked specifically in office settings and youth directing, working on publications, emails, communications, volunteer recruitment and all youth programing. Jodie has also volunteered with church Sunday school, Vacation Bible Schools, and numerous other church events. Jodie, in her other life, owns her own salon. She is the mother of two active boys and four bonus-children. If she isn’t taking her boys to or from activities or working, she is hanging out with her significant other, Steve. Stop by Gethsemane’s office, Jodie would love to get to know you!
Nursery Attendants
Nichole Mortice
Tiffany Lee
Sheila Leier
Bookkeeper
Sheila is married and has two kids. In her spare time she rings handbells, loves to shop antiques and spend time with family and friends.
