August 19, 2026 //
Celebrating The Ministry of Deen Hubin
13 Years of Faithful Service With Our Community
For the past 13 years, if you’ve stopped by the parish office, chances are Deen Hubin was one of the first people to welcome you.
Officially, Deen has served as St. Stephen’s Parish Administrator. Unofficially? He’s been the person who quietly kept countless parts of parish life moving. As Deen likes to say, “I don’t do the money, but I do all the other little stuff to keep things running.” After a moment’s thought, he laughed and asked, “I’m not sure there is a ministry I haven’t touched.”
Much of Deen’s work happened behind the scenes. During his years with St. Stephen’s Church, he helped modernize nearly every part of the parish’s office infrastructure—from replacing an aging church management system and outdated phone network to upgrading internet service, expanding Wi-Fi throughout the building, and, most recently, overseeing a complete refresh of the church’s network hardware and phone system. They’re the kinds of improvements most people never notice, but they make it possible for ministry to happen every day.
Yet when asked what he’ll miss most, Deen didn’t mention technology or projects. “The people,” he said simply.
Every day brought a steady stream of phone calls, questions, drop-in conversations, and unexpected situations. “Sometimes it feels like I work on fifty different things in a day,” he laughed. “There’s structure to the work, but every day is different.” But to Deen, the “interruptions” weren’t distractions, they were often the most meaningful part of the job.
Over the years, Deen’s ministry extended well beyond administration. Whether welcoming vistors and vendors into the office or walking with loved ones through the Memorial Garden as they chose a final resting place for a family member, he became a calm, compassionate presence during both joyful and difficult moments. Since the passing of his wife Lori, those conversations have taken on even deeper meaning. “It’s one thing to be sympathetic,” he reflected, “but having been through grief, being empathetic has made things even more personal.”
Fr. Tom Cook has witnessed that ministry firsthand. “I have always appreciated Deen’s understanding of service within the community of the church,” he shared. “On days when the church is hosting a funeral, Deen dresses smartly, puts on his name tag, and helps look after the family during a difficult time. I’ve always appreciated that sensitivity and understanding for others.”
The Rev. Christy Stang agrees. “Although Deen’s role is officially administrative, he has been a pastoral presence and a listening ear for so many in our community. Every week I see people sitting down in his office to share their experiences with him. I am grateful for his presence.”
Of course, after 13 years there are plenty of memorable stories, too—including the still-unsolved mystery of Deen’s very first Easter with St. Stephen’s, when every printed Easter bulletin disappeared after he’d delivered them to the sacristy. They were never found, and the clergy wound up reprinting the entire service on Easter morning. Around St. Stephen’s we often joke that inanimate objects have a way of walking off—but that remains one of the biggest mysteries we’ve ever had!
Those who have worked alongside Deen also know another side of him: the musician, motorcycle enthusiast, problem solver, and faithful friend. Director of Music Clark Duhrkopf recalls countless conversations about jazz, concert bands, and Drum Corps International, along with attending Deen’s performances on trombone, guitar, and bass. “I have absolutely loved working with Deen,” Clark said. “I’ll truly miss those chats.”
As for retirement, Deen says the first challenge is “figuring out what I want to do when I grow up.” He hopes to spend time volunteering in new ways, continue playing trombone with the Minnetonka Concert Band, and, before long, point his motorcycle toward the Ozarks for another road trip.
When asked if he had a message for the people of St. Stephen’s as he retires, his answer was simple: “Thanks for a great 13
years. It’s one of the very best places I’ve worked.”
We couldn’t let him leave without saying thank you in return.
Thank you, Deen, for the countless little things you’ve done that most of us never saw, for the conversations that made people feel welcome and heard, for your steady presence, and for the quiet faithfulness with which you’ve served this parish.
We wish you every blessing in this next adventure, and we look forward to hearing about the miles traveled, the music played, and wherever retirement leads you next.
Join us on Sunday, August 30, as we celebrate Deen’s retirement during the 10:15 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist. Following the service, everyone is invited to a reception where you’ll have the opportunity to thank Deen personally, share a favorite memory, and wish him well as he begins this exciting new chapter.
