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Pastor Dale Reckzin Biography

Dale Markham Reckzin was born on December 10, 1963 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is the fourth child of Ellard and Shirley Reckzin. As an infant, he was baptized into the Christian faith by Rev. Kanning at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ottawa. He attended public school in Ottawa and Nepean, Ontario. Already in grade school, he had the desire to prepare for the pastoral ministry. His parents gave him positive encouragement for this on many occasions. He received catechism instruction from Rev. Thomas Pfotenhauer. He publicly confessed his saving faith in Jesus Christ on his confirmation day, April 3, 1977.

In August of 1977, young Dale traveled 1,000 miles away from his home in Canada to attend Northwestern Prep in Watertown. He enjoyed his years of prep and especially liked the subjects of Latin, German, history and religion. He was graduated from Northwestern Prep in 1981. He made many good friends during his prep years and still maintains contact with many of these friends today.

In August 1981, he enrolled in Northwestern College, also in Watertown, and continued his studies in preparation for the pastoral ministry. He again especially enjoyed the language (Latin, German, Greek and Hebrew), religion and history classes. He was graduated from Northwestern College in 1985.

In September of 1985, he enrolled at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon. In December of that same year, he met Lisa Behlmer, a 1985 graduate of DMLC and a teacher at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Round Lake, IL. In October of 1986, he proposed to Lisa and the next year they were married at Lisa's home church of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in St. James, MN on August 8, 1987. After their honeymoon, the Reckzins moved to Adrian, MI for Dale's vicar year at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church under the direction of Rev. Daniel Gieschen.

On December 20, 1988, the Lord blessed the Reckzin family with twin daughters, Maria and Kristin. During this last year of seminary training, the Reckzins lived on N. 76th street and served as managers for WLCFS's group home for developmentally disabled adults.

In May of 1989, Dale Reckzin became Pastor Reckzin when he received his first Divine Call. It was to serve as the pastor of Atonement Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD. In August of 1994, Pastor Reckzin was installed as associate pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie. Besides regular pastoral duties, Pastor Reckzin served for four years as the principal of Peace's growing Lutheran Elementary School.

He also served as outreach pastor and youth pastor. While at Peace Lutheran, Lisa Reckzin served as choir director, organist, Kindergarten teacher and part time middle grades teacher.

Pastor Reckzin enjoys history, cooking, cycling, reading, traveling and almost any activity that allows him to socialize with friends. He is also concerned about continuing his education in the truths of the Christian faith and he is half-way through earning his second master's degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

Lisa Reckzin enjoys music, camping, baking, and traveling. Lisa is currently teaching at Centennial Lutheran School in Milwaukee.

The Reckzins count themselves blessed to be part of the St. John's family. They look forward to getting to know the people of St. John's and growing strong with them in the grace and knowledge of our Savior.