Meet our Elders

Buck was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California. He and his wife Barbara moved to Reno in 1994. There are five grown children in their blended family as well as 11 grand children and one great grand. Buck has been an active member of St Lukes since 1994 and has been back serving on the Board of Elders since since 2023. Retired from the lumber business, he has had many hobbies over the years and currently enjoys working on old hotrods as well as spending time with family and friends. Buck looks forward to continuing to serve Christ in his mission through his role as an Elder here at St. Lukes.

Buzz has been a member of St. Lukes for approximately 13 years. He served on the Board of Property Managers for 8 years in which time the east hall and west hall rest rooms and narthex were remodeled, and all the church lighting was converted to LED lighting. In addition, the parking lot entry landscaping and flag pole installation were completed. Buzz and his wife Karen reside in Damonte Ranch where they are focused on gardening, their two dogs and seven grandkids. Buzz enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and being on the water teaching kids to fish, waterski, tube, and appreciate the great outdoors. Buzz served as a teacher for kids 5-13 for 8 of his 19 years in Bible Study Fellowship-Reno.

Darrell has been a member of St. Lukes since 1984. He and his wife Donna were married by Paster Mike Benke 40 years ago, and have three adult children, and three grandchildren who affectionately call them Oma and Opa. Darrell has deep Nevada roots growing up in rural Nevada before moving to Reno to attend the University of Nevada. His family has been in Elko for generations. His great great grandfather was a Pony Express rider in Ruby Valley, Nevada. Darrell worked as a CPA for ten years before starting his own financial planning firm in 1994. Three years ago, his daughter, Lena, joined him at Sensible Portfolios. Donna and Darrell collect regional art, mostly paintings, photography, and clay. He also enjoy hiking and running. Darrell joined Board of Elders in 2024. Previously, he served on the church council as the Stewardship chairman, and for the past four years, has been a member of Internal Audit Committee.

Jay Krider is a lifelong Lutheran and graduate from Penn State University with a professional background in agricultural economics. He spent 42 years in supply chain management, has led many teams in telecom, food service, and energy industries, and served as President of the Institute of Supply Management – Northern California Chapter. He serves St. Lukes through many ministries including Elders, Choir, North Valleys Oikos, and has attended leadership training courses. He's been married for 43 years to his lovely wife Jane, together they have one daughter, Jennifer. Jay enjoys travel, gardening, landscaping, golfing, skiiing, hiking, and physical fitness.

Since arriving at St. Lukes in January of 2020, Josh immediately knew he found his faith family. He actively is growing relationships Up, In, and Out through faith and volunteers with several ministries including MNF men’s Bible study, Damonte Ranch Oikos group, Board of Property Managers, Production Team, Church Council, and is currently the Head Elder and Care Ministry Director. While his Marine Corps and management background contributed to temper his mettle, God’s commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself” propels his motivation today. Josh, his wife Sally and their four-legged joy, Remmi, reside in Damonte Ranch.

Larry Plecha and his late wife Marla have two children, Delaney 21, and Stanley 20. Marla was a former Ruth Guild president. Delaney is a junior at UC San Diego, planning a career in medicine. Stanley is a first year cadet at the US Air Force Academy hoping to be a fighter pilot. Larry is also a graduate of the academy and has been a pilot since 1969. He has been practicing ophthalmology in Reno since March of 1987 with plans to retire next year. Larry enjoys golf and bowling, and looks forward to continuing to serve as an elder.

Laura has been a member of St. Lukes for five years and loves the strong biblical core of the St. Lukes community. She has lived in Reno for 28 years and currently resides in the Caughlin Ranh area. She worked for American Airlines and took an early retirement after 15 years to raise her kids. In 2007, she started a real estate/investment business and owned a women’s gym/weight loss center. Laura enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren, playing tennis, traveling, and sailing. She serves at Hospice as a volunteer and does a little part-time work with the Junell Group, helping the elderly downsize into assisted living. Here at St. Lukes, Laura has served on the welcome team, volunteers on Sunday mornings with our children in Odyssey, is a member of an active OIKOS group, and serves at our annual Eggstravaganza. She's also a member of a weekly BSF group outside of the church. Along with other St. Lukes members, Laura recieved 2 1/2 years of leadership training in the PLI program where she studied techniques in which to grow God’s kingdom. Laura is excited to be a part of our Elder team to continue to live life with brothers and sisters in Christ.

Lynn grew up in a small town in North Dakota and is a lifelong Lutheran. He is a graduate of North Dakota State University, Webster University, and the United States Army Command and General Staff Officers Course. His degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Humanites and Social Sciences, a Master of Arts in Management, and a Master of Arts in Military Science. He served as a personnel officer in the United States Army and Army Reserve for 20 years and as a Boy Scouts of America Professional for 17 years. He also worked as a manager trainee at McDonalds in Winnemucca, a surveyor's assistant and mill laborer at Getchell Gold, and substitute teacher for Humboldt and Lander Counties. He has been a member of St. Lukes since 2004 and has served on the Board of Elders for over five years. He is married to his lovely wife of 41 years, Bonnie. Together they have a daughter, Jessica and a son, Jeremy. Lynn likes to travel, read books on history, and camp, and is into collecting coins and stamps, home improvements, and improving his marksmanship and golf skills.
Click here to select Lynn as your Elder.
Click here to contact Lynn.Click here to contact Josh.

Robin was born, baptized, and confirmed in rural Wisconsin. Most of her working career was spent teaching students with special educational needs. Coming from a small church, she was active in church education, teaching all ages at various times including Bible Schools in Alaska. Eventually, she moved up to Alaska where she volunteered for the church on the Kenai Peninsula. She then went back to the classroom and made her way to Reno where she is currently residing in the North Valleys. At St. Lukes, she is working behind the scenes, especially with the Mercy and Care Ministries.
Click here to contact Robin as your Elder.