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Jeff Olinger
Decorah, Iowa
Greater Iowa Region
 Those who know and work with Jeff Olinger – members from Jeff’s church, First Lutheran, and Thrivent Financial members – characterize him as a man of deep faith, committed to serving others by example. As a Thrivent Financial associate, Jeff truly reflects the mission of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to “improve the quality of life of its members, their families, and their communities.”
Jeff is actively involved with the Winneshiek County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. In 2007, he was instrumental in Care in Regions® program fundraisers for two important causes. With his help, more than $1,000 was raised for those affected by local flooding and more than $18,000 was raised to assist a retired pastor who is a member of at Decorah Lutheran Church.
Also, in the effort to build homes for families in need as part of Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity in Decorah, Iowa, Jeff’s service took many forms.
Not only did he participate in planning and leading fund-raising activities, Jeff helped recruit volunteers and was an enthusiastic contributor to the building process. Those involved with the project said Jeff’s role went beyond that of a participant. “He was not just part of the team,” says Brendalyn Shird, Lutheran Community Services Specialist — Thrivent Builds. “He was the catalyst that led to the team’s existence, continuing presence and its success. The project spoke to his heart and offered a chance for his best qualities to shine through.”
In the community, Jeff is an active participant in Rotary International and is a contributing member of the Decorah Shareholders Committee — an organization dedicated to providing a high-quality education to students in the Decorah school district. He teaches adult Sunday school classes and has served on numerous church committees. He also spends countless hours serving as a co-coach and mentor to the players on his daughter’s fifth-grade AAU basketball team. |
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