Brian J. Kjergaard (1975-2009)

FULTON, Ill. — Brian J. Kjergaard, 33, of Fulton, died Saturday, August 22, 2009, at Covenant Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 28, at the Chancy Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Pape Funeral Home, Clinton.

Brian was born in Clinton on October 31, 1975, the son of John and Pam McLaughlin Kjergaard. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1994. Brian married Keitha Stange on January 1, 2006, in Thomson, Ill. He most recently worked as the manager of Cadillac Lanes in Waterloo. He had also been employed at DeWitt Lanes. As an accomplished bowler, Brian was a member of the Professional Bowlers Association. He had won three regional P.B.A. titles, bowled 33 perfect games, and had numerous 800 series. Brian was an avid sports fan with baseball and the New York Yankees as his favorite.

Brian is survived by his wife, Keitha; a daughter, Emma; a stepdaughter, Alyssa Pessman; his parents, John and Pam Kjergaard, of Clinton; a brother, Mike (Tracy) Kjergaard, of Spencerville, Ind.; two sisters, Deb (Shawn) Cram, of McKinney, Texas, and Karyn (Joe) Luskey, of Fulton; and four nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jurgen and Kate Kjergaard and Tom and Hilda McLaughlin, and a cousin, Rick Ruddy.

Back-to-School Bash

For the past several years our church has hosted a Back-to-School Bash. We have games and food and prizes and music and a carnival for our community. It's always a lot of fun. If you are in the area, join us anytime between 11am-3pm and Celebrate Christ at the Creek!

Celebrating 23 Years of Marriage Today

I am a blessed man.

My Home Church

Somehow I stumbled upon this picture of my home church in Three Oaks, MI (apparently someone thought it was quaint and posted the pic online). It brought back some memories. The building is tiny, but the faith of the people is large. In that little building I learned about Jesus. I saw people who really lived for Him. I learned to worship and pray and fellowship. I preached my first sermon there. And found great encouragement to enter the ministry. Thank you, Three Oaks Church of Christ, for the big part you played in my spiritual formation.

The Don't Song

The guys at our Men's Breakfast enjoyed this.

Home Again

The Northmen was great. We had the best weather we’ve had in years (although I must admit that waking up in a tent with the temps in the lower 40’s was not what I expected). I got to hear some of my friends preach, and I enjoyed the fellowship with the guys from Cedar Creek. It was fun hanging with my son too. Tracy and Lindsey got to experience The Northwomen for the first time. They enjoyed it. But it is good to be back home.

The Northmen

Heading up to The Northmen today. It is an annual campmeeting for men & boys in Northern Michigan. It is very primitive. We camp out in the middle of the woods (the nearest town is 12 miles away). No electricity or indoor plumbing (bathing is done in the creek). The Northmen is a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with old friends. More importantly, it's a great time for father & son bonding. Luke and I have gone several times. It is always a lot of fun.

The Running Community

I ran in a 10K race this morning. It was a small race (about 180 runners), part of Harlan Days (a little community festival). I have been running for years, and today I was reminded why I love the running community. It doesn't matter if you are young or old, fast or slow -- there is an esprit de corps among runners. Case in point -- long after the race was "over" -- while the awards were being given (near the finish line) an exhausted looking, overweight guy crossed the finish line. The loudest cheer of the day went up for this man. "Good job dude!" "Way to go!" I'm sure he felt encouraged. A few minutes later, a woman finished. More cheers and high fives. Ya gotta love it.