B ARB J ACOBSEN , C HAIR
S AR AH C HRISTENSEN , V ICE C HAIR
S TEVE S HAFFER , T REASUR ER
M ARK J ONES , S ECR ETARY
M ARK K ESSLER
S UE W EDE
B OARD OF D IRE CTORS
If you are no longer interested in receiving issues of The Friendship Forum, please contact
Genelle Deist at 712-563-2651 or [email protected].
Administrator Mary Gross
Director of Nursing Karol Dammann, R.N.
Medical Director Dr. Jim Cunningham
Office Manager Jenny Fox
Dietary Manager Roxanne Pross
Social Services Director Shirley Langel
Activities Director Rose Brabham
Hskp. & Laundry Director Melodie Cooper
Director, Environ. Services Jeff Hernandez
Fdn/Marketing Director Genelle Deist
Rather receive the Forum by email? Let me know at marketing@ friendshiphome.com.
712.563.2651
www.friendshiphome.com
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Sunday School Choir,
April 13, 10:30 am
Volunteer Appreciation Event, April 22, 6:30 pm
Sue Kroeker’s Student Piano Recital, April 27, 2 pm
Audubon County Naturalist, May 6, 2:15 pm
Mother’s Day Tea, May 11, 3 pm
National Nursing Home Week Activities (May 12–16)
David Winchester Performance, May 14, 2:30 pm
Keep up with events by checking our website,
www.friendshiphome.com, and click on “Activities.”
Activities are subject to change.
New Office Hours
Starting May 1, the front desk will be
open 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Mark Your Calendars!
Operation T-bone fun walk/5K/10K
Saturday, August 2, 2014
8 a.m.
The Friendship Home Foundation will host its 3rd
Annual T-Bone Run in conjunction with the T-Bone
Celebration on Aug. 2. You can now go to our
website to register online or print off a mail-in form! Jeff Riesberg (July 9, 1966 – March 27, 2014)
Former maintenance director Jeff Riesberg lost his brave battle with brain cancer on March 27, 2014. Jeff was known by his co-workers, Friendship Home residents and the families of residents for his smiling attitude and echoing laughter. In fact, his favorite saying was “Just laugh!”
Our sincere sympathies go to his fiancé, Donna Parish, a fellow Friendship Home employee, as well as his many family members and friends. He will be deeply missed!
S pring is always a wonderful time
at the Friendship Home. The
flowers in front of the building
come into full bloom (thanks to
the dedicated volunteer Garden Club),
residents begin enjoying outdoor walks,
and celebrations are planned.
In the next few months, we will
celebrate our volunteers, we will enjoy a
week of festivities for National Nursing
Home Week, and we will honor our
nursing staff. Stay tuned to hear more.
We’d love to have you join us!
We also get ever closer to being ready
to build the new Memory Care Unit. The
community support has been amazing, and
I cannot thank our supporters enough. I
especially thank the Friendship Home
Foundation, campaign chairs and the
campaign cabinet members for their diligent
work in making this happen. While you may
not “see” the progress yet, behind the
scenes we’ve been busy getting details in
place to move forward.
Our goal is always to provide the best
possible care for the community and plan
for the needs of future generations.
Thankfully we have a Board of Directors
committed to making thoughtful, and
sometimes hard, decisions. If you ever have
questions or concerns, please give me a call!
God Bless,
Mary Gross,
Administrator
The Friendship Forum
T he J oy o f S p r ing t i me
In s i de th i s i s su e :
Senior Spotlight
Scrapbook Memories
Thanks to Our Donors!
Employee News
Upcoming Events
S pr i ng 2 0 1 4
Vo l u me 1 3 , I s s ue 2
Resident Rights Review
Each resident has the right to be treated with
dignity and respect. The facility will protect the
residents from any kind of harsh or abusive
treatment. Residents may keep and use their
own clothing and personal items and be assured
that their surroundings will be safe, clean and
comfortable.
Our Mission: “Caring for our residents in a Christian setting of compassion and choice”
F R E D S H ORT
J a nu a ry Re s id e nt o f th e M o nt h
Fred Short was born February 23, 1928. He was born and raised in Spencer, Iowa. His parents were Leland and Winifred (Gay) Short. Fred’s brothers were Larry Miller and Robert Short and his sister is Margaret (Short) Stacy of Santa Barbara, CA. Following high school graduation in 1946 Fred enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1948. He then attended Iowa State University and graduated with a Civil Engineering Degree in 1952. Fred has served as County Engineer in Palo Alto County, Emmet County, and most recently Audubon County from 1981–1992. Fred received the Iowa Outstanding County Engineering Achievement Award in 1990. After Fred retired from his position with Audubon County in 1992, he then served as the coordinator and instructor for the Iowa Motor Grader Operator Training Program (MoGO) for 13 years. Twice during Fred’s career path he was a new car dealer, first selling Buicks & Chevrolets in Estherville, Iowa, and then later Ford–Mercury–Lincoln in Shenandoah, Iowa.
Prior to coming to the Friendship Home Fred lived at his home in Audubon with his wife Joni. Fred and Joni were engaged at the Cobblestone Ballroom in Storm Lake Iowa and were married at the First Congregational Church in Spencer, Iowa, on Dec. 17, 1950, and honeymooned in St. Louis, Mo. Fred and Joni have six children, Merry Jill (Short) Olson, Debra Gay (Short) Schmidt, Robert Lee Short, Rebecca Ann (Short) Fahey, Thomas Jeffrey Short, and Christopher Michael Short. Fred and Joni have 14 grandchildren. Playing golf was Fred’s lifelong hobby, which he especially enjoyed with his sons and friends. Fred and Joni spent part of many winters in Green Valley, Ariz. While there Fred played golf, spent happy hour with his Audubon friends and enjoyed the warm sunny weather. Fred enjoyed reading the daily newspaper, following sports (especially professional golf, Iowa State football and basketball) and solving various word and number puzzles. For many years Fred enjoyed his friendship and camaraderie with a group of local friends while
having coffee at the Hometown Café. Fred now enjoys listening to music, visiting with family, watching sports, “Wheel of Fortune,” “Lawrence Welk” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” Fred has been a member of many service organizations through the years including the Jaycees, Elks, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions. Fred also served as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Estherville, Iowa, and an Elder Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon. Fred’s “claim to fame” was entering a Lute Olson look-a-like contest in 2002 sponsored by the Tucson Arizona newspaper (while wintering in Green Valley) and being selected by votes as the first runner up. Fred is a kind, caring and devoted husband and father.
T h e F r i e n d s h i p F o r u m
P a g e 2
Senior Spotlight
Welcome to the
New Admissions! Jim Friedrichsen
Dorothy McCune
Best Wishes to
Those Who Have
Returned Home after
a Short Stay
Royce Nichols
Irene Meislahn
We’re on Facebook!
Visit our page—Friendship Home of Audubon, Iowa! Be sure to “like” us and see regular updates of happenings around the Home!
With Deepest Sympathies to the
Families of:
Dorothy Betts
Daisy Schmidt
Biroda Seastrom
Joyce Frevert
Elsie Porsch
Ralph Jorgensen
Ollivine Linn
Veda Larsen
P a g e 7
Empl oye e Ann i ve r s a r i e s April Anniversaries
Deb Inman, 35 yrs
Carol Wolff, 23 yrs
Genelle Deist, 4 yrs
Whitney Richardson, 3 yrs
Ashley Fox, 3 yrs
Kayla Inman, 3 yrs
Julie Wilson, 1 yr
Donna Parrish, 1 yr
Employee News
Nursing
Kimberly Greene
Rachelle Knapp
Taylor Knutsen
Andi Williams
June Anniversaries
Nancy Baack, 21 yrs
Julie Knutsen, 13 yrs
Karol Dammann, 5 yrs
Annette Christensen, 5 yrs
Steph Brannan, 4 yrs
Rose Brabham, 3 yrs
Ben Nelson, 3 yrs
Kasie Simpson, 3 yrs
Jodi Soll, 1 yr
Janie Magner, 1 yr
Michelle Andersen, 1 yr
Dietary
Saraya Gipple
Brandi Mulford
Alyssa Vesper
May Anniversaries
Joan Bauer, 16 yrs
Kendra Bladt, 11 yrs
Jennifer Albert, 7 yrs
Traci Weitzel, 4 yrs
Peggy Weighton, 4 yrs
Sandee Ericksen, 1 yr
W el come Ne w Empl oyee s !
Resident-Made Items for Sale! We have some very talented residents at the Friendship
Home who like to keep their hands busy creating beautifully
embroidered, knitted and crocheted items. If you’re at the
Home, stop in the Senior Sunshine Room, where you can see
the items for sale by resident in the canteen/showcase (with
proceeds going directly to the individual).
Embroidered dishtowels (7 for $45)
Kitchen towels ($4)
Neck scarf ($7)
Doilies ($2–$3)
Crocheted Bells and Angels ($2.50–$3.50)
Pillowcase edging ($5)
P a g e 6
Thank s to Ou r Suppo r te r s Who Ha ve Mad e Me mo r ia l s , Dona t ions , Gi f t s
& Bequ es ts to the F r i endsh ip Ho me Foun da t ion ( January to March)
Robert & Elaine Sornson, $10
Arch & Violet Andersen, $10
Doris Christensen, $10
Lavonne Harper, $2
IN MEMORY OF MARY ANN
IRLMEIER
Tom & Mary Grote, $25
(capital campaign designation)
Jackie Wahlert, $15
IN MEMORY OF BERNIE KLEIN
Dan & Elaine Jorgensen, $20
(capital campaign designation)
IN MEMORY OF VEDA LARSEN
Kaye Nowatzke, $10
Richard & Marilyn Petersen, $10
(capital campaign designation)
Audubon State Bank, $5
IN MEMORY OF BEULAH LUCAS
Marj McMillan, $10
(Activities designation—Bridge club)
IN MEMORY OF ELSIE PORSCH
Gale & Colleen Van Aernam, $10
Jo & Sally Porsch, $25
Jackie Wahlert, $10
Lavonne Harper, $2
IN MEMORY OF DAISY SCHMIDT
Daisy Schmidt Memorial, $500
(capital campaign designation)
Ed & Vickie Andersen, $50
Bob & Linda Blomme, $50
Randy & Gayle Klever, $30
(capital campaign designation)
Ron & Barb Christensen, $20
Phil & Anna Elmquist, $20
(capital campaign designation)
Robert & Donis Hansen, $20
Laverne Lansman, $10
Vic & Cindy Madsen, $10
(Memory Care Unit)
Joel & Rhonda Rattenborg, $5
Lavonne Harper, $2
IN HONOR OF ELAINE CHRISTENSEN
& ROGER CHRISTENSEN
Mary Johnson, $50
IN MEMORY OF DOROTHY BETTS
Lavonne Harper, $2
IN MEMORY OF RITA BRIGGS
Steve & Sharon Miller, $10
` (capital campaign designation)
IN MEMORY OF ARLENE HANSEN
CHRISTENSEN
Neal Christensen family, $250
Arlene Hansen Christensen Memorial,
$120
Dan & Sarah Christensen, $50
IN MEMORY OF BETTY DUVALL
NEYENHUIS
Laverne Lansman, $10
IN MEMORY OF JOYCE FREVERT
(Gifts will be designated to the capital campaign)
Joyce Frevert Memorial, $325
Erin McCarty, $150
Douglas & Gertrude Frevert, $100
Wayne & Norma Hansen, $100
Todd & Shannon Nelsen, $100
Norsvin USA LLC, $100
Bob & Linda Blomme, $50
David & Lynne Frevert, $50
Tom & Virginia Mennenoh, $50
Randy & Gayle Klever, $30
Judith & Billy Mozingo, $30
Marjorie Bourne, $25
Bernice Bro, $25
John & Barbara Christensen, $25
Brian & Molly Klocke, $25
Dan & Sarah Christensen, $20
Allan & Blanche Jacobsen and
Barb Jacobsen, $20
Dan & Elaine Jorgensen, $20
Gene & Kathy Karstens, $20
Robert & Jane Weber, $20
Steve & Ann Brinkman, $15
IN MEMORY OF BIRODA
SEASTROM
Kathy Faye’s Diamond Mine, Inc.,
$50
John & Mary Swetnam, $25
Audubon State Bank, $5
Joel & Rhonda Rattenborg, $5
Lavonne Harper, $2
IN MEMORY OF CHUCK SIEMSEN
Laverne Lansman, $25
IN MEMORY OF WILLIS UMLAND
(Gifts will be designated to furnish a Hospice
Room)
Meredith Corporation, $300
(matching gift)
Iowa Polio Survivors, $20
DESIGNATED AND
UNDESIGNATED DONATIONS
James & Marilyn Dent, $500
George & Roxie Meyer, $500
Verlon Stone, $130
Steve & Cheryl Elliott, $100
Deb Kramer/Ardyth Bertelsen, craft
supplies
Family of Elaine Christensen, books
Gary Clausen, chocolates, popcorn &
magazines
Milo Clemmensen, large-print books
Barbi Elmquist, 2 miniature Christmas
trees and Easter tree
Ladonna Jorgensen, clothes donation
John Bertelsen, craft supplies
Howard Hansen was born in 1921 to Nels and Caroline Hansen. He grew up on his family’s farm, just one mile west of Exira, Iowa. Howard and his siblings learned how to work hard and become well respected adults. Howard went to Exira School until the 8th grade. He had a knack for farming and enjoyed fishing in his free time. Howard met a wonderful girl name Gladys. They spent a lot of time at the Happy Hollow dance hall, west of Atlantic. In 1941 they married in Shenandoah, Iowa. They were very much
in love. Gladys was a wonderful farm wife and gave Howard two boys, Gary and Tom. He now has five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is one proud grandpa. He lights up when he talks about them or sees them. For anyone who knows Howard, either as a farmer or a person, they know that his word and handshake are as good, if not better, than a written contract. He loves to share stories of his life, farm experiences and family.
P a g e 3
V o l u m e 1 3 , I s s u e 2
passed away. She lived at their home then moved to the Friendship Home. Mardell was an avid gardener, quilter and cook. Her favorite recipe is rhubarb pudding from her mom. She is a classy lady and has a wonderful sense of humor.
R e s i d e n t B i r t h d a y s
April
Veda Larsen, Apr 25
May
Jean Michalski, May 2
Mardell Hansen, May 3
Charlene McLaughlin, May 9
Ollivene Mendenhall, May 10
Melva Stone, May 14
Elda Gaskill, May 15
Arlene Nelson, May 18
Phyllis Larsen, May 22
Mardelle Gilbert, May 29
June
Patty Dilliner, June 2
June Campbell, June 6
David Duvall, June 8
Marjorie Miller, June 10
Jo Ann Petersen, June 14
Margaret Law, June 17
H OWAR D H A NS E N
M a r c h Re s ide n t o f t he M o nt h
M AR D E L L H ANS E N
Fe b r u a ry Re s id en t o f t he M o nt h
Milo was discharged from the service and they started to farm in the Exira area. In 1949, they had a daughter named Joyce. Three years later, they had another daughter named Linda. They continued to farm until 1964 when they moved to town so Milo could start his carpentry business. Mardell went to work at the Exira Super Value, where she worked for 15 years. Today Mardell has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Milo and Mardell were married 62 years when he
Mardell Mable Munch was born May 3, 1926, to Jens Peter and Sena Munch. She has three brothers, Virgil, Dallas and Darrell. They all grew up as farmers in the hills of Kimballton, Iowa. Mardell went to Country School No. 9. She graduated from Exira High School in 1945. During high school, she met a young soldier named Milo Hansen. They were engaged within a year. Milo was stationed in Brownwood, Texas. Mardell traveled to Texas to marry Milo on July 26, 1945. She then returned home and worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Nebraska.
P a g e 4
Red Hat Ladies
Juanita Hahn (far right)
gives a show featuring her
extensive hat collection for
the Red Hat Ladies.
Right: Tracey
Armentrout models the hats.
A Valentine’s Day to Remember!
Left: Sam Hahn and Elaine Bowen
are crowned Valentine’s King and
Queen of the Memory Care Unit.
Below, left: Ethel Rasmussen,
Marvin Seastrom and Roma
Murray are also crowned royalty
for the day!
Right: Audubon High School band
students serenade residents at
lunchtime.
Resident Jean Michalski
shares a moment with
husband, Mike.
P a g e 5
March Madness Fun
Residents enjoyed a day of fun activities and
silly outfits for March Madness Day.
Above: Marge Knutsen wins the silly outfit
contest and receives a gift certificate to the
salon at the Friendship Home!
Happy St. Pat’s!
Left: Bill Shaw and Sue Kroeker
entertain residents during the
St. Patrick’s Day party.
A Night to Help and Celebrate Jeff
Friendship Home employees sponsored a fundraiser on
Valentine’s Day to raise money for co-worker Jeff Riesberg, who recently lost his battle with
cancer. Above: Resident Lois Pardee and Joan Bauer sell raffle tickets and flowers at the
event. Right: Jeff and fiancé Donna share a special moment during the evening.
Residents helped the Ebenezer Lutheran Church
Women tie baby quilts for a mission project.
Above: Irene Meislahn, Dorlee Siemsen and Elvie
Scott are hard at work.