Rev. Richard D. Feyen

Reverend Richard D. Feyen, 58, was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. He is one of five children with one brother and three sisters. He has three daughters. His wife Peggy, currently pastor at Union UCC in Green Bay, has two daughters. Together they have five grandchildren.

 

Richard entered the UCC church as a layperson in 1973 after meeting a minister who opened his eyes to the UCC and liberal Christianity. Richard had been raised in the far more conservative Christian Reform Church so this was quite a shift! He spent 20 years as a very active lay person in the UCC in Texas and considered entering the seminary. Due to business obligations and the duties of raising a family as a single parent, he did not respond to his call to ministry until 1990. He was ordained in 1995.

 

Richard considers himself to be very good at two things: pastoral care within his ministry and skiing. He probably would not consider himself an artist but his many hidden talents include: stained glass, photography, painting, and sculpture. The last two mediums he studied in college. He likes to fish but admits he is usually the last one in the boat to catch one and would appreciate not being asked to fix anything!

 

The most important person in his life is his wife, Peggy. Richard stated, ―We have fun together and share the same interests. Her experience in ministry has led to strengthening mine and vice versa.‖ Richard left the UCC Church in St. Germain to have less distance between he and his wife. They have a home just south of Algoma in Alaska, Wisconsin.

 

When asked if he was blessed with a superpower what would it be, Richard quickly replied, ―The power of flight.‖ He has loved flying ever since he was a child. He would spend time with his father just watching planes take off and land near their home. He has his pilot‘s license and had his own plane. Richard considers learning to fly his greatest achievement.

If you want to spend time with Richard, please ask him to join you on the slopes. He is an avid downhill skier and a member of the National Ski Patrol. He also likes to snowshoe, hike, take long walks, go boating and sailing or just visit with a cup of tea or coffee. In periods of reduced snow you will find him riding his Honda 750 Shadow motorcycle.

 

The most significant events for Richard occurred in 1990 when, within six months, six people he was very close to died. It was during this difficult period that the tides of Richard‘s life turned his focus toward ministry. So much so, that upon his death he would most like to be remembered as a compassionate and caring minister.