Deputy Directors
What is a deputy director? …..
The on-site volunteer Deputy Directors are devoted church lay-leaders. They serve a 6 week rotation in Wittenberg during the six months from May through October when this ministry is in operation.
The Deputy Directors are responsible for guiding and facilitating all activities and matters pertaining to the Wittenberg English Ministry. They are there to ensure that all pastors are properly oriented upon their arrival, assist the pastors in every way possible so as to maximize their effectiveness, and generally are the “go to” person to whom the pastors may look for assistance in any aspect of this ministry. They also promote the ministry among the tourists, assist in publicizing the ministry within the town, serve as liaison between WEM and the local churches, and provide assistance in English when called upon by local town folk.
The Deputy Directors operate from our WEM office located in the Wittenberg Information Center, directly across the street from the Castle Church.
Kristin and David Burki, Deputy Directors
David and Kristin Burki joined WEM as Deputy Directors in 2018. Kristin is a retired registered nurse whose career included time as an emergency room nurse, a flight nurse and a cardiology nurse. A lifelong Lutheran, Kristin has always been active in church teaching Sunday school, serving on church council, and assisting with confirmation classes. Kristin enjoys working in her yard and spending time with her grandchildren.
David retired from a career in software engineering, first as an engineer, then as the manager of a group of software engineers. David served 10 years on Active Duty in the Army as a helicopter pilot before beginning his software engineering career. David enjoys woodworking and helping Kristin with her gardening. Both Kristin and David are active in their Lenexa, Kansas home church, having served on council and various committees.
Serving May 17 – June 29 2024
Steve and Deb Kukuk, Deputy Directors
Steve and Deb Kukuk joined WEM as Deputy Directors in 2019 and Steve accepted the position of WEM Treasure in 2023. Deb is a retired jewelry store manager and creates custom jewelry by appointment in her spare time. Steve is a registered professional electrical engineer. He retired from the US Air Force in 1998 and worked in private industry until his retirement as President of Wolf Creek Federal Services, Inc. in 2019. Both Steve and Deb are active at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, where they have served on various boards and committees and Steve served as President of the congregation.
Serving June 29 – August 11 2024
Don and Cheryl Klein, Deputy Directors
Don is a retired librarian for schools in Oklahoma and Kansas. He has directed programs for advanced and talented students as well as serving as coach for Academic Bowl teams. Don enjoys studies in German Reformation history, language and culture. Cheryl is recently retired from a career of elementary school teaching in Lutheran schools in Louisiana, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Cheryl continues as full time organist at her Oklahoma Lutheran congregation. Both Don and Cheryl are graduates of Concordia University, Nebraska.
Serving August 11 – September 22 2024
Harold and Susan Boxberger, Deputy Directors
Harold and Susan Boxberger became Deputy Directors in 2020. Harold is a retired IT project manager, and Susan is a retired school psychologist. The two met in church choir and have been active in congregations to which they have belonged ever since. They have both served in a variety of congregational, synodical and churchwide capacities, as well as volunteering with nonprofit organizations in the community. Their current home and church membership is in Olathe, KS. They enjoy traveling in their motorhome in addition to travels abroad. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Serving September 22 – November 1 2024
