Meet Rena Laack
Describe yourself in 5 adjectives.
Avid reader, passionate about Christ, servant, walker, grandma
Tell us about your family and how long you’ve been at Calvary.
My husband, David, and I have been married for 40 years. We have a blended family of five children: his son Karl and adopted niece Suzy, my son Shaun, and our children Joshua and Sabrena. Between them, they have blessed us with 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
I began attending Calvary in 2016 and David came about two years later. Our son Joshua and his wife Kate are also members. Our son Karl and his wife and son have begun to attend recently as well.
Share a core childhood memory and a bit about your younger years and places you’ve lived.
I grew up in Iowa City, Iowa, and lived there (except for college) until I moved to Plainview and married David. We moved to Rochester about 15 years ago. One of my favorite childhood memories is spending a week in Minneapolis every summer and seeing all the plays at the Guthrie Theater. My dad’s brother was one of the original actors so we were able to meet lots of the other actors and their families.
If you had no limitations, what would you do with your life?
I always wanted to be a research librarian and would have loved to pursue genealogical research.
What are you most passionate about?
I love to read, especially historical fiction. Books take me to places I would never see otherwise, and introduce me to many different kinds of people. I also love to take trips around the country to see waterfalls and other places of interest.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
I like to hike in the warmer weather, but am not a fan of snow, so I don’t do outdoor activities in the winter. It makes you wonder what I am doing in Minnesota, but barring winter, I really like this area for the people and the scenery.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
I think Thanksgiving is my favorite because we try to get as much of the family together as possible.
Share one thing that you love to do that you get to do nearly every day.
Read.
If you could live in any sitcom, which one would it be?
There is a sitcom from a few years ago called “Doc.” It actually promotes good Christian values with humor and compassion.
What do you appreciate about Calvary, and where do you serve?
There are so many things to appreciate at Calvary. The messages are Bible focused and emphasize the gospel. The music is gospel focused and varied in style–something for everybody–and we have some very talented musicians to enhance worship. But most of all, I love the people. I have made some good friends and can always find encouragement and support. Renovare has been a big part of my connecting with other women to share our walk and help me to grow. Currently, I am serving in the JOY (Just Older Youth) program as part of the kitchen crew preparing meals for our seniors.