Pastor Carole Gerber
Pastor Carole Gerber led the English-speaking ministry at St. Markus for many years. She conducted worship services, founded the Freudenquell women’s group, and coordinated the women’s retreat on Thetis Island for an extended period.
A Bridge Between Languages, a Voice of Hope
After the sudden death of her husband, Pastor Adolf Gerber, in 1990, Carole Gerber took on pastoral care and worship for the English-speaking members of St. Markus. She officially became vicar in 1999.
With theological depth, warmth, and openness across generations, she shaped congregational life in meaningful ways. She founded the Freudenquell women’s group, led confirmation classes and a YouTube youth group, and was seen by many teens as a second mother.
A defining aspect of her ministry was her long-standing leadership of retreats on Thetis Island, both for women and youth. These gatherings blended spiritual depth with creativity, laughter, and lasting connection. Unforgettable remains her bold climb up the “Screamer” on her 60th birthday – a moment of joy, courage, and youthful spirit.
Even while seriously ill, she continued leading these retreats until the very end – carried by her faith, dedication, and deep love for the people she served.
Carole Gerber is remembered with deep gratitude as a spiritual guide, community builder, and joyful leader who bridged faith and everyday life.