Chaplains, Larry and Paula Funk
In October 2002, Larry and Paula Funk, who received education and training as volunteers under the supervision of Reverend Behling, were called upon to continue the spiritual care of those at the Hospital. In the years since, they have become Commissioned Lay Pastors of the Presbyterian Church USA, members of the Association of Professional Chaplains, and founders of Northern Chaplain Services in their efforts to better serve the patients, patients’ loved ones, and their Colleagues at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital.
Dan Thompson, Assistant Chaplain was born and raised in Columbus Ohio. After graduating from Taylor University in 2002 with a Bachelors Degree in Christian Education, he served for two years in youth ministry in Petoskey before partnering with Larry and Paula Funk in 2005. Dan is a commissioned Lay Minister with Genesis Church in Petoskey. Dan holds Masters Degree in Biblical Counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary. He is enrolled in Clinical Pastoral Education at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He lives in Petoskey with his wife Christy, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and daughter Kaia (6) and son Levi (4 months).
Linda Oostmeyer, Assistant Chaplain, has been involved in NMRH chaplaincy services since returning to the area in 2005 from holistic ministry among Palestanian Muslims in Nablus, Israel . Linda is a commissioned Pastoral Care Minister at Family of Christ Church in Petoskey, a graduate of Harvest Bible College, and a retiree of Big Rock Nuclear Power Plant. Her quest is to help people encounter at least some aspect of a loving God in the midst of the trials of life, particularly those relating to health and emotional wholeness. The opportunity to come alongside hurting people (of any or no faith belief) in the hospital setting is, to her, such a great privilege and honor. Beginning this summer, Linda will represent NCS’s expansion of spiritual care services to the Cancer Outpatient Department.
Rev. Todd Thompson, Assistant Chaplain, is a Retired Ordained United Methodist Pastor with 21 years of Pastoral leadership experience. He holds 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education, and will be pursuing completion of the remaining units of CPE at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Center in Grand Rapids. He lives in Charlevoix with his wife Jodi and two children, Carly and Rachel. Todd also serves as part-time Pastor of Brutus Mennonite Church.
Rev. Jim Hempstead has been involved in the Hospital Chaplaincy for many years, begining in the late 70′s and early 80′s when the Chaplaincy was first being established and also since his retirement in 1998. Jim focuses his ministry to the OB, Neonatal, Pediatrics, and Mental Health units. He graduated from Alma College in ’58, married his sweetheart Susanne in ’59 and graduated from Virginia Episcopal Theological Seminary in ’62. He was ordained into the Episcopal Priesthood following his graduation and served parishes in Lincoln Park and Taylor Michigan, before coming to serve Immanuel Episcopal in Petoskey from ’76-’86. Later, Jim became the Dean of Christ The King Episcopal Cathedral in Kalamazoo, and served as Priest of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Evansville Indiana before retiring in 1998 and returning to Petoskey. Jim and Susanne have two grown children and grandchildren. They enjoy walking, running, gardening and woodworking.
