KEY PEOPLE

SUE THOMPSON-ARMENTROUT

Director

Sue Thompson Armentrout has had a life-long love for choral music, especially sacred music. One of her earliest memories is of sitting in church listening to the choir when her mom would bring her along to weekly practices. She later sang in the children’s choir, then a junior high girls’ ensemble, and eventually the sanctuary choir.
In the mid-70s, Sue joined a women’s ensemble called The Noteables as a second soprano, and in 1985 began a 15-year tenure as the group’s director. She was also the founding director of a choir at Unity of Beaverton. A position she held for about 10 years.
Sue was introduced to LCA in 1976 by her future husband Fred Armentrout, a bass in the choir. After attending the concerts for years, she, along with her mom, Ann Thompson, began singing in the choir in the mid-90’s. Sue was appointed director in 2011 and considers the opportunity to be part of LCA as one of the great joys and blessings of her life!

KARL JURISONS

Accompanist

Karl continues his long service as our accompanist. He is a graduate of Marylhurst University. Joined the choir as a singer over 35 years ago. One rehearsal he volunteered to fill in for the accompanist which turned to full time shortly after. His other accompanist ventures include organist at First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Portland and the Scandinavian Chorus of Portland. Karl is also active in Latvian musical events.

MARK HOELTER

President

Mark has been in a choir somewhere almost every year since high school. He is a retired Lutheran pastor who has been a member of the Lutheran Choral Association since 2017. He is proud to be a part of the great tradition of the choir, and is grateful to be singing the praise and love of God under the leadership of our gifted and committed director and accompanist. Aware that the last years have been a real challenge for singing groups, he hopes that we can remain strong and continue to find joy in what we do.

OLIVE "JAC" KISTNER

In Memory of...former President

Jac (pronounced "Jake") passed away in 2015 after serving as president for 37 years and being a member of the Lutheran Choral Association since 1955. She directed choir at St. John's Lutheran Church. Involved strongly in the children's choirs at Peace Lutheran Church. She loved to hear the group gather and harmonize to her direction. Her favorite song to direct, even in the LCA group non public gatherings, was the "Seven Fold Amen". The LCA has set up scholarships for our youth in her honor. More information on how to apply can be found on our scholarship page.