CLERGY
The Rt Rev Thomas Ely: Bishop of North Dakota
Bishop Tom Ely was elected Bishop Provisional by a special convention of the Diocese of ND in February 2021. He was ordained a priest in 1980, consecrated as bishop in 2001, and served the Diocese of Vermont until 2019. Long a leader in the House of Bishops, Bishop Ely is known for his commitment to peace and reconciliation, to interfaith and ecumenical ministry, local ministry development and to global mission. He is married to Ann. They have two children and three grandchildren.
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
Deacon Crystal Towers
Deacon Charlotte Robbins
STAFF
Kira Haler-Knutson
Organist and Cathedral Choir Director
Dr Knutson completed her doctorate at the University of Minnesota. She also holds degrees from Boston University and St. Olaf College. Her collegiate teaching experiences include appointments at Harvard University, Macalester College and Concordia College. Her church music experience includes serving as Director of Worship and Music Ministry at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, as well as churches in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Additionally, she has taught middle and high school choirs in Massachusetts.
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.
Cathedral Life Coordinator
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.
