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 marketing@friendshiphome.com.

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.