Skiff welcomes a new chaplain

Skiff Medical Center announced Wednesday that Larry Peterson is the new hospital chaplain.

Peterson, who previously served as the parish pastor of the Lutheran Church in Kellogg, has long been interested in the culture of Skiff.

“During any interactions I’ve had at the hospital, I’ve always been treated warmly,” he said. “Skiff is a friendly place, and I’ve been impressed by the organization’s various outreaches into the community. When I learned the chaplain position was open, I thought, ‘This is a place where I definitely want to interview.’”

Peterson’s background fits well with his new position, as a portion of his seminary education had been spent in a hospital setting.

“It’s been an interest of mine for a number of years,” he said.

“Larry has great experience as a hospital chaplain,” said Lora Mattson, Skiff’s social services director.

“He understands this position and very much values spiritual care as part of the healing process. The care he provides will be non-denominational, and he is eager to minister to patients in a way that is comfortable to them.”

“Skiff recognizes that people go through unique, specific and life-challenging situations,” Peterson said. “I’m pleased that Skiff takes these difficulties very seriously and values a holistic approach to health care. Providing a spiritual care provider can and does have a positive impact on their healing.”

Peterson grew up in Fairfield, Conn., and completed his undergraduate education in New Jersey before attending seminary training in Philadelphia. His work has led him to live in a variety of areas, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Oregon, Illinois and finally Iowa. His wife Karin works for Pella Corp. and the two have a 13-year-old daughter, Sarah.

It is no secret that Peterson is stepping into a pair of significant shoes, taking over the position formerly held by Merle Smith, a beloved member of the community. With this transition, the role also will have a more focused scope, allowing it to be scheduled within 18 hours a week.

“When Merle was preparing to retire, Mary Swoboda (Skiff’s chief nursing officer) and I spent a lot of time analyzing the needs of the position,” Mattson said. “Merle, who worked 32 hours a week, spent a large portion of his time conducting funerals. While that was a wonderful service he offered, he recognized that it was also quite draining. Therefore, Merle, Mary and I felt that, going forward, we would not expect the new chaplain to conduct as many funerals. That alone reduced the number of hours needed for the position. Since Merle knew this job from the inside out, his support of this change was very important.”