Our Team
Founders John & Linda Smedema
It all begins with an idea. John wanted a project during retirement, and he loved his volunteer work at the Loaves and Fishes ministry out of Watertown, WI. He decided to bring the same ministry to Beaver Dam, WI and brought his wife, Linda along for the ride. He felt there was a need in the Beaver Dam area for the same type of meal service. John says he’s the dreamer and Linda is the practical one. While John dreamed big of what this ministry could be, it was Linda that was making sure he was focused on the “how” the ministry was going to function.
John & Linda are the heart of Beaver Dam Loaves & Fishes. Their work started long before our first meal was served by raising funds, writing grants, finding supplies, networking and finding volunteers. They continue to work week after week to ensure the continued success of our ministry.
Chef Louis Gregurich
Chef Louis is our ministry’s angel. While John and Linda were out working on getting Loaves and Fishes set up in Beaver Dam, they were telling their story at the ReStore. They were approached by Louis and asked if they were in need of chefs.
Louis is a professionally trained and experienced chef. He has faced hard times himself through homelessness, job loss and health issues that left him feeling hopeless. When hearing about Loaves & Fishes, he knew this was a way he could help others in similar situations. “I wasn’t going to let anyone feel like that again. So, this is what I’m doing, I’m trying to help out.”
Each and every week, Louis uses his knowledge to figure out how many pounds of food we need for each meal. His dedication to putting out a good meal has gained Louis followers who look forward to his meals.
Core Volunteers
John says it every week…our ministry wouldn’t be where it is today without our volunteers. We have a dedicated group of volunteers that help weekly to make and serve meals.