Mark Bakker
Mark was raised in a small town in Iowa within a strong Christian family. He has known who Jesus Christ was from an early age. It was around eighth grade when he realized that being good was not enough for salvation, and he placed his hope in Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. Mark made a profession of faith at the age of 16 and has enjoyed worship, teaching, and singing for most of his life.
He attended a Christian school from Kindergarten through eighth grade, went to public school for high school, and pursued further education at Dordt College. Mark graduated with a degree in Chemistry and spent 17 years selling industrial chemicals before transitioning to financial services and ultimately to tax preparation. He is a partner in an accounting firm and continues to work because he loves meeting people and solving problems.
In his church, Mark serves as an elder and chairman of the Evangelism committee. He also participates in a short-term mission trip to Hungary every year and serves as the CFO for International Messengers.
Married to Teresa for 47 years, Mark has one son and three grandsons. His hobbies include golfing, watching sports, playing in a Jazz band, and singing in the church choir.
Mark's goal in life is to live a rich and faithful life for the glory of God, with the hope that God's name be praised.
He attended a Christian school from Kindergarten through eighth grade, went to public school for high school, and pursued further education at Dordt College. Mark graduated with a degree in Chemistry and spent 17 years selling industrial chemicals before transitioning to financial services and ultimately to tax preparation. He is a partner in an accounting firm and continues to work because he loves meeting people and solving problems.
In his church, Mark serves as an elder and chairman of the Evangelism committee. He also participates in a short-term mission trip to Hungary every year and serves as the CFO for International Messengers.
Married to Teresa for 47 years, Mark has one son and three grandsons. His hobbies include golfing, watching sports, playing in a Jazz band, and singing in the church choir.
Mark's goal in life is to live a rich and faithful life for the glory of God, with the hope that God's name be praised.
Doug Peter
Doug grew up in a Christian home in north central Iowa and was taught the distinctives of the Reformed faith at an early age. He is a graduate of Dordt College (University) and is currently self-employed. Together with his wife, Kim, they have one son and enjoy their time as grandparents of four boys. Since relocating to Des Moines in 1992, he has been active in various Reformed congregations and helped start two churches in the metro area. Doug began attending Westkirk in 2011 and has served as a ruling elder since 2013. He participates in the church music program, teaches adult Sunday School classes, leads one of the fellowship/Bible study small groups, and facilitates the leadership training program. His hobbies include tennis, enjoying University of Michigan athletics, composing music at the piano, and developing his wood-working skills.
Chris Rohloff
Chris and his wife Stephanie were married in 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas. Chris and Stephanie are blessed with two daughters, Kate and Hayleigh.
Chris and his family moved from Texas to Iowa in 2010. Despite having no family connections in Iowa, they embraced the challenge of the transition and quickly came to appreciate the "Iowa Nice" spirit. They enjoyed the change of seasons and the small-town atmosphere of Des Moines.
In 2016, the Rohloff family joined Westkirk Presbyterian, and by 2019, Chris was ordained as a Ruling Elder. Serving Christ’s Church in this capacity is both an honor and a privilege for him, and he looks forward to getting to know the congregation as they journey together in the new life found in Christ.
Additionally, Chris has a variety of hobbies and personal interests. He values spending quality time with his family, is an avid reader, enjoys watching soccer, and has a passion for playing modern board games.
Chris and his family moved from Texas to Iowa in 2010. Despite having no family connections in Iowa, they embraced the challenge of the transition and quickly came to appreciate the "Iowa Nice" spirit. They enjoyed the change of seasons and the small-town atmosphere of Des Moines.
In 2016, the Rohloff family joined Westkirk Presbyterian, and by 2019, Chris was ordained as a Ruling Elder. Serving Christ’s Church in this capacity is both an honor and a privilege for him, and he looks forward to getting to know the congregation as they journey together in the new life found in Christ.
Additionally, Chris has a variety of hobbies and personal interests. He values spending quality time with his family, is an avid reader, enjoys watching soccer, and has a passion for playing modern board games.
Kirk Yentes
Kirk and his wife Samona (Mona) were married in 1997 and began attending Westkirk in 2004, shortly after Pastor Michael began serving. Kirk and Mona especially appreciate Westkirk for Biblical preaching and teaching, glorious worshipful music, and fellowship with other believers. They are especially grateful for the grounded children’s ministry and the “baby music” in church which indicates the presence of children in our worship! They are part of the Coram Deo Bible study group, the Thursday and Sunday morning prayer group, and you will also see them serving on the Westkirk Welcome team.
Kirk grew up in Nebraska and moved to Iowa when he was 35, but remained a loyal Husker fan!
Although Kirk knew of Jesus as a child, he came to saving faith in his 30’s. His passion for Westkirk is understanding God’s Covenant-keeping relationship with mankind through Jesus Christ and passing on that faith to our children.
Kirk and Mona have 3 grown, married children and 10 grandchildren in three different states. Semi-retired from the floor covering business, he also enjoys hunting and fishing, hunting, fishing and outdoor TV shows, and his German Shorthair dog, Maggie.
Kirk grew up in Nebraska and moved to Iowa when he was 35, but remained a loyal Husker fan!
Although Kirk knew of Jesus as a child, he came to saving faith in his 30’s. His passion for Westkirk is understanding God’s Covenant-keeping relationship with mankind through Jesus Christ and passing on that faith to our children.
Kirk and Mona have 3 grown, married children and 10 grandchildren in three different states. Semi-retired from the floor covering business, he also enjoys hunting and fishing, hunting, fishing and outdoor TV shows, and his German Shorthair dog, Maggie.