Deborah Schleisman

​Presentation Medical Center/Rolla

The call to chaplaincy often comes amidst the forum of ordinary life. Deborah became an empty nester after spending years as a stay-at-home Mom, homeschooling four children. Following that, she worked as a copy editor for the local newspaper for three enjoyable years. Restless and longing for something more spiritually gratifying, she prayed for guidance, asking God to use her and show her the way. That prayer opened the way when she received a call from the CEO of their local hospital. Known as a lector, a Eucharistic minister, and a lover of God and His people for many years, Deborah’s name was suggested to him by community members. He invited her to consider applying for the open Pastoral Care Director position. Feeling very humbled and after praying about it, she applied and accepted the position. Stepping out in faith, offering herself to God, she asked him to lead her on that new journey.

Involved in that position since October, 2012, two profound experiences have strongly influenced Deborah’s pastoral ministry. Being an only child, her three week bedside vigil with her mother all the way “home” made her acutely aware of end of life issues. She longed for someone to visit her mother, to pray with them and to companion them at that difficult time. That painful memory reminds her of the importance of prayerful presence, where she can offer comfort, strength and hope to patients and their families.

The second experience that continues to be unpacked in her heart and soul was the death of her son, David, 27, in a tragic accident. That loss and sorrow has afforded her the “woundedhealer” compassion for others who have experienced a significant, untimely death in their lives. Drawn from her own immobility and pain, with God’s help she was able to keep turning inward while still looking up. In reflecting upon her pastoral ministry she remarked: “The only way I could possibly be serving in this position is truly by the grace of God. I offer my hand to Him every day, asking Him to take hold of it and to walk with me throughout the day. I receive untold joy from seeing the patients smile when I visit with them. Their smiles make my day, every day.”

Chris Albertson, CEO, made the following comments on Deborah’s ministerial presence there. “It is a real blessing to work with Deborah. Always pleasant and highly professional, she truly cares about our mission and for people. It is obvious she really enjoys our patients and the people she works with. She is very busy here, not only meeting the spiritual needs of our patients but also visiting with her fellow employees. She assists in the activities role with our patients at times. She is the chairperson of PMC’s Mission Committee, which works to ensure we are following our mission. The mission includes working with certain county socioeconomic needs. Most recently, the committee raised money towards providing tasers for the underfunded Rolette County Sheriff’s Department.”

Deborah has been married to her husband of 38 years, Terry, an optometrist. Their three living children are son, Jason; daughters: Kathryn (Jesse) Bergstedt and Anna. The Bergstedt’s have five children.

​Deborah has been fascinated with health, wellness, and natural foods. Her library of books attests to this interest! Her secret indulgence is watching Hallmark movies when she finds the time. Her husband is a private pilot of their own plane, so they enjoy visiting family and friends across the country.