Salem Staff
Don is a Minnesota native but spent 26 years ministering to teens in South East Iowa. He is married to Lisa and has six grown children: Keven and wife Faith, Connor, Nicole and husband Ben, and Erica. Don has been serving teens and their families since 1986 and recently completed his Master of Divinity degree, and Doctor of Ministry in Leadership. Don's passion is to see people take the Next Step in their faith walk with Jesus Christ, especially teens and kids. He loves to utilize discussions, discipleship teams, skits, and puppets in his ministry. When he has free time, he loves to hike (outdoors) and play strategy board games (indoors).
Don Ruffenach
Director of Youth & Family Services
Bernadette lives on a hobby farm with her husband Bob near Pennock. They have 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren. Bernadette works as an Office Administrator for Salem Covenant Church as well as Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Pennock and Best Life Ministries of Benson. She is also the treasurer for the Mamre township. When she is not working, she enjoys coffee, reading, movies and being with her family and friends.
