Note: Refurbishment means "returning to good condition or repairing to look different and new." To help avoid confusion and provide clarity, all references to this project that previously indicated "Redecorating" have been changed to "Refurbishment". (3/6/2025)

Gratitude For Our Refurbishment Team

We extend heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated crew of men whose time and energy are keeping the refurbishment project moving forward. Under the leadership of Dennis Wiedmeyer, the team’s efforts ensure the project stays on schedule. We also wish to acknowledge Marg Wiedmeyer for her faithful support—researching, organizing, preparing materials, and even providing a nourishing and hospitable meal for the crew. Their combined dedication has been a true blessing to our parish community.

A Bit of History Uncovered

Some items of history were recently discovered within the organ pipe closet in the choir loft. This wood box stored wood items made in Italy, likely used for the original altar. The box came from the Dubuque Altar Mfg. Co in Iowa and was shipped via the American Railway Express Co. to the Allenton Railway Depot, likely in the 1920's. 

The photos show the type of decorations. Interestingly, the actual shipping box was repurposed for this shipment and was previously used to ship dynamite! 

If you have any older photos of the church that you would like to share, please contact us. (Posted 1/21/26)

By now, many have noticed the Riehle Decorating semi is no longer parked in the Resurrection Church parking lot. The Riehle family has finished their job in Allenton. We are extremely pleased with the work Jerry, Ron and Dennis accomplished since December 1st. The rendering was the blueprint, but their extensive experiences in countless churches, offered so much more as they provided input on multiple facets for a cohesive result. Church surfaces included the sanctuary, nave, balcony, stairway to balcony, narthex and cry room. 

A group of parishioners helped unload and/or reload scaffolding components. Thanks to ALL the following: 

John B, Jerome F, Don G, Roger G, Bob H, Tony H, Andy K, Gary K, Dennis P, Warren R, Jim R, Paul R, Ron R, Scott R, Russ S, Wayne S, Joel V, Dennis W, Joe W, Ralph W, Bernie W, Dan W, and Ray W. 

Tennies Electric crew remains on site doing electrical improvements as the project progresses. They have also offered recommendations, having worked on other

area churches. 

As Riehle’s were packing for the final time on Friday morning, February 6, carpenter, Randy Heinecke, was beginning to rebuild the sanctuary step and will proceed to build new steps to the back altar. 

Currently, the project is on schedule. Keep praying so things continue to go smoothly. (From 02/15/2026 bulletin)

The pews in Resurrection church were removed last November. Employees from Wood Renovators disassembled each pew, marked the individual pieces, and transported them to their woodworking facility in Waupaca. Having recently reached the halfway point of the refinishing process, notification came that a sample of a stained pew end was ready for viewing. An invitation to tour the business was accepted in late January. During the visit, our pew parts were visible at various stations and stages in the refinishing process. Repairs were completed as needed; pews were cut down to allow wider side aisles as requested. Many thought our pews were oak, but it seems likely that they were built from ash lumber and had a “pickled” finish. The finish was removed using a laser stripping technique. Viewing the laser in action required safety goggles with green lenses. The focused laser beam offers advanced technology to remove layers of coatings without the use of harsh chemicals that could damage the underlying wood. This effective, efficient process preserves the natural beauty of the wood grain which may be compromised with traditional stripping methods. 

Once all the finishes and stains are removed, the pew parts will go back to the repair area to be checked again and sanded as needed. Finally, these pieces will be hung in the finishing room. The approved, custom mixed stain and catalyzed lacquer top coats will be applied. When we’re ready, the pew parts will be delivered and reassembled in our church. 

Sherwin Williams did a color match from the wood sample provided by our refurbishment committee. The wood stain has a warm undertone that will blend well with the new flooring and paint colors. Parishioner’s comments after seeing the rendering included hopes that the pews wouldn’t be too dark. This input was taken into consideration when decisions were made. (From 02/08/2026 bulletin)

Scripture refers to angels as light (2 Cor. 11:14). Art depicts them as glowing. 

The sanctuary angels at Resurrection Church have undergone a transformation! The pair originally stood on either side of the high altar at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic

Church in Nenno. Formerly, the angels were blue and pink, appearing to have gender, but those symbolic colors made it easier for humans to think about them. According

to Catholic Answers, God designed angels to be immortal, without physical forms; they do not reproduce. With that in mind, the chandelier-carrying angels are now beautifully neutral. Their large, upstanding wings were removed and received a fresh coat of paint as well. The candelabra (bulb holders) were sprayed a brilliant gold that is now gleaming to match the gold-trimmed angel statues. When our church reopens this spring, these familiar guardians will once again take their place in the sanctuary on their appropriate side of the altar that holds the tabernacle. 

Consider the angels joining us to illuminate life’s journey, guiding us to heaven, as we seek it. The statue depicting our Mother Mary holding the Sacred Heart Christ Child has been restored and renewed at the same time as the angels. Catholic churches are rich in history; statues are part of the tradition that connects us to our past. 

Excitement, anticipation and enthusiasm for the project are contagious. Hopefully, you’ll catch that, rather than a cold or flu this winter. :)  (From 02/01/2026 bulletin)

God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw how good the light was. Gen 1:3-4.

Resurrection Church has been graced with beautiful suspended light fixtures for as long as we can remember. Quality and quantity of light have been an ongoing concern in recent years. Lenses were cleaned and bulbs were changed in hopes of improving light output, but that never seemed to be enough. Now was an opportune time to inspect the fixtures as they were taken down. These traditional pendant lights were showing their age, which was not surprising. 

Gary Konrath offered his time and passion to tackle the task of restoration. Recently, he carefully disassembled each fixture, gently removed the tarnish, and applied a new finish. Electricians have replaced and rewired damaged sockets. 

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Much has changed in the world of lighting since Thomas Edison’s contribution to the reliable, widespread use of light bulbs. The evolution to LED technology brings bulbs with color options from yellowish to white. We chose neutral tone illumination for optimum light reflection of the newly finished walls and ceiling. The combination of these updates will improve the beauty of our church as well as the quality of light, enabling lively worship for generations to come. (From 1/5/26 bulletin)   Below are before (first two pictures) and after refurbishment pictures of the ceiling light fixtures.

Though many decisions were made months ago, the refurbishment committee continues to meet as work proceeds. At year end, paint samples were on the wall, needing approval. It was nice to have the opportunity to review our choices after seeing them displayed. We did make some minor changes, but overall, it will follow the previously shared rendering. 

Refurbishment Committee Members: 

Jackie Stroik   

Sandy Hottenroth

Karen Wulff     

Karin Hug 

Jim Jacak 

Kyle Rate       

Dennis & Marg Wiedmeyer 

Joe & Sue Zuern 



Many contributing their time, talent and treasure to our church interior updating are content to remain “behind the scenes.” They do not want to be publicly recognized for their efforts. 

A project like this does not proceed without generosity on many levels. Gratitude overflows for all responses to the Holy Spirit’s urgings in order to create beauty, befitting a house of God. (From 1/18/26 bulletin)

Riehle Decorating has been on site since December 1st. Their work began with wall and ceiling restoration. A unique, multi-step reinforcement system was used to stabilize damaged surfaces. Cracks were identified, scraped, cleaned, and filled. An oil-based primer was applied to the church interior. This step was followed by a polymer 

adhesive which provides a durable bond and embeds fiberglass mesh sheeting to the walls and ceiling. Fiberglass mesh is a thin, strong, yet flexible membrane that creates a smooth uniform surface for the paint finish.

Once the properly prepared surfaces are ready, the “fun” part begins; think creativity, drawing and paint blending to generate the symbolic depiction of the Holy Spirit in the sanctuary. Transferring the artistic rendering from paper to plaster is an interesting process. The scale and symmetry of the design must be compatible with the available space to transform the vision into reality.  (From 1/11/26 bulletin)

The large crucifix in the vestibule at Resurrection has been viewed by many entering or exiting our church through the east door. Its location in that stairwell was well suited for quite some time. 

As refurbishment planning began, discussion revolved around the idea of returning to a traditional looking design to blend with our German community heritage. This quickly led to consider hanging that crucifix in our sanctuary because of the German inscription on the bottom of the cross. The darker stain color also appealed to the committee. 

It’s believed this crucifix hung on the wall to the choir loft at Sts. Peter and Paul church in Nenno prior to that church closure. “Zum Andenken an ihrer Mutter Anna von der Familie Albert Goudrom” translates to: In memory of their Mother Anna by the Family of Albert Gundrum. Cemetery records show Anna M Gundrum died in 1917; her husband Albert died in 1928. The couple had eleven children. Several descendants remain in our parish family. 

The names preserved on our pew name plates listed in last week’s bulletin and on this crucifix speak of a people who gave generously for our sake, and we honor them; may our own sacrifices today become the same enduring gift for those who will worship here long after us. (From 1/4/26 bulletin)

While work has started inside the church, additional work is taking place off site as well. 

The tabernacle is being refinished and the tabernacle doors are being adjusted with a company in Chicago. This work will be completed before the church reopens. 

We have a set of Sanctuary Bells, (also called Processional Bells) that likely go back to the first Mass at Resurrection in 1918. We use them on weekday Masses at the beginning of the Mass. These are being refinished with a company in Milwaukee. In addition, this same company is in the process of refinishing our Sanctus bells (also called Alter bells). These are used by the servers during Mass. 

We are also refinishing a set of brass candlesticks for the back alter, a larger set of brass candlesticks near the front alter and a small brass cross and corpus for the altar. (from 12/21/2025 bulletin)

Before and after polishing photos:

The first two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity in our church! Much forethought went into the plans which are now being carried out both on and off site.

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On-site, our sacred space was emptied top to bottom by energetic parishioners eager to get this long awaited project going. Riehle Decorating & Painting arrived as planned on December 1st. Parking their camper on church grounds allows for an easy

commute to the job site just yards away. With their erected scaffolding now in place, personnel entry to the construction/work area is strictly limited. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding.

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Off-site, volunteers are filling the ministry openings at our Saturday 6:30 PM and Sunday 8:30 AM Masses which are being held at St. Lawrence Church temporarily. It’s wonderful to be a part of this faith filled Catholic family; the Spirit is truly working within us. If you are inclined to assist where needed during the refurbishment, share your smile as a Greeter.

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The prayers and positive attitudes of many will make this project a success. Your participation is truly appreciated! (From 12/14/25 bulletin)

The “Last Supper” statue was donated to our church years ago by the Stoffel family. When there was a single altar in the sanctuary, this statue was more visible. As our committee pursued a traditional-looking interior design, the decision was made to move this meaningful gift from its previous, somewhat hidden location, to a niche in a new front altar. 

So recently, this statue was taken to an artisan for cleaning, chip repair, colorization, and a protective acrylic sealing. Once completed, it will be displayed in the specially built altar for all to enjoy. 

The four evangelist statues were also taken to the art studio. These already had beautiful antique color tones, so they will be cleaned, repaired, and touched-up. It has been a blessing to find people devoted to their craft who have time to help us with this ongoing project. (From 12/7/25 bulletin)

REFURBISHMENT is now underway! No need to press your nose up against the door windows leaving smudge marks as work progresses. Dennis Wiedmeyer is the "project coordinator" and will keep close tabs on contractors as they begin the church beautification process. Several parish members accepted roles with the group tasked to design an updated interior at Resurrection church. In 2013, a partial remodel - renovation was completed. The goal of that project was primarily to make our church ADA accessible.

This, indeed, is a "Refurbishment: returning to good condition or repairing to look different and new." Many are excited to see new flooring and fresh paint. Along with choosing wall colors came a host of other decisions. The committee considering available options has been meeting since June of 2023. At this point, most of the plan is in place. A few details are still up for discussion. We are so appreciative of all contributions to this project!  

You can stay up-to-date by keeping tabs on the "Refurbishment Update Corner" in weekly bulletins or check the parish website: resurrectionallenton.org (From 11/23/25 bulletin)

Beginning Nov. 22/23, our weekend Masses will be held at the same times at St. Lawrence. You will be greeted by the same friendly faces you see each week at Resurrection. Some things to be aware of, especially if you are not familiar with St. Lawrence church… 

• Handicap parking is in front of church on Hwy 175 
• General parking is in the lot across Hwy. K. Use caution when crossing the street. 
• Restrooms are only handicap accessible through a basement exterior entrance with greeter’s assistance. 
• Those with mobility limitations typically sit in the back of church. Let a greeter know if you would like Holy Communion brought to you. 
• If at any time before, during, or after Mass you need assistance, please talk to a greeter. 
• On Sunday, please disperse promptly; St. Lawrence has a 10:00 Mass. As guests, we want to respect their hospitality. 

Temporary dwelling, eternal faith. 

(From 11/16/25 bulletin)

As Resurrection Church undergoes important refurbishment, your continued stewardship remains vital. Even while attending Mass at St. Peter or St. Lawrence, please remember to use the “Resurrection Church Offering Envelopes.”

This ensures your financial contributions are directed to our home parish. If you would like to order envelopes, please contact the parish office.

We are deeply grateful to all who have been faithfully using the blue envelopes found in the pews. Your generosity will help us furnish the Sanctuary and re-plate the Tabernacle—beautiful enhancements that will enrich our worship space for years to come.

Your ongoing support is making a real difference. Thank you for helping us care for our parish home during this season of renewal. (From the 11/9/25 bulletin)

Liturgical Ministry Volunteers Needed & Appreciated

As we move our weekend Masses to St. Lawrence, liturgical ministry volunteers will be extremely important and most appreciated.

If you are wondering what you can do to make the next few months go smoothly, consider volunteering to help your parish family in one of our Mass-assisting ministries. “Greeter” is the easiest way to become more active, while also meeting fellow parishioners. Training is always joyfully provided for new recruits.

Check out the “Ministries/Volunteer” page on the parish website for more options and information. (From the 10/26/2025 bulletin)

Mass Schedule during Resurrection Church Closure

Last Mass at Resurrection Church on 11/16/25 - Our church will be closed about 4 months. While our building is closed, the Mass schedule will be as follows:

• Wednesday evening Eucharistic Adoration, Confessions and the 6:30 p.m. Mass will be cancelled during the
• closure.
• All Wednesday Mass intentions that were scheduled for Resurrection have been moved to other dates
• Friday 8 a.m. Mass will be held at St. Peter Church
• Saturday 6:30 p.m. Mass will be held at St. Lawrence  Church .
• Sunday 8:30 a.m. Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Church

Mass intentions and liturgical ministry roles for the above-mentioned Friday, Saturday and Sunday Mass times will be covered by Resurrection Parish.

We kindly ask all ministry volunteers to step forward during the closure to assist at weekend Masses at St. Lawrence. Training will be provided. (From the 10/19/25 Bulletin) 

We are grateful to share that an unexpected opportunity has allowed us to begin work on planned refurbishments inside our church earlier than anticipated.

As a result, our church will close on November 17th to begin removing pews, kneelers and flooring. The painters will begin on December 1.

The church will remain closed until work is completed. The refurbishment period is estimated to last approximately four months. If all goes smoothly, we hope to reopen by Easter - though this timeline is not guaranteed.

In the meantime, Mass times for Resurrection will continue at our neighboring parishes, St. Lawrence and St. Peter.

This transition came together quickly, and some details are still being finalized. We appreciate your patience and flexibility during this time. Please check this bulletin space and the website weekly for updates, changes, and progress reports as they become available. (From the 10/5/25 Bulletin)

Mass Schedule during Church Closure

Beginning November 17, 2025, we anticipate that Resurrection Church will be closed for approximately 4 months to complete the refurbishment project. While our building is closed, the Mass schedule will be as follows:

• Wednesday evening Eucharistic Adoration, Confessions and the 6:30 p.m. Mass will be cancelled.
• Friday 8 a.m. Mass will be held at St. Peter Church 
• Saturday 6:30 p.m. Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Church
• Sunday 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Church 

We would appreciate your patience and continued financial support during the duration of the project.