News/Stories

Our 2012 Annual Report can now be downloaded, or email us to request a printed copy.

Belle Plaine, MN— January 15 marked the 40th Annual Meeting of The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA), held at The Lutheran Home Campus at 611 West Main Street. TLHA welcomed visitors from the community-at-large, as well as pastors and delegates from the 214 member congregations from across the United States.

The day included a book signing by Rev. Mark Jeske of Time of Grace Ministry, a worship service, a business meeting and a presentation by WELS Kingdom Workers on our joint efforts.

Elections to TLHA’s Board of Directors included re-elected incumbents Mr. Terry Neubarth of Olivia, MN, Rev. Matthew Rauh of St. Peter, MN, Mr. Mark Schwan of Sioux Falls, SD and Mr. Arvid Schwartz of Green Isle, MN. Newly elected were Mr. Bill Meier of Watertown, WI and Mr. Paul Yancy of Kiel, WI. New appointees to the Board of Trustees included Mr. Jeff Davis of Lake Mills, WI, Mr. Jesse Hieb of Milwaukee, WI, Ms. Sara Snyder of West Bend, WI and Rev. Elton Stroh of Sun Prairie, WI.

Michael Klatt, President and Chief Executive Officer, discussed how economic and political issues will affect TLHA’s ministry. He highlighted the year 2025, which is the peak of the bell curve for the baby boomer generation regarding long-term care. Demand will expand significantly when that generation moves into the very high-cost age range of 80+. Amidst government rate cuts and increasing complexities due to health care reform, Klatt addressed how TLHA is building windows of opportunity and is poised to adapt to these changes rather than maintain a status quo.

Klatt also touched on the challenges of being a Christian organization but emphasized the increasing relevancy of TLHA’s mission to care for the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs of those entrusted to our care. He concluded by thanking the group for their prayers, volunteer efforts and financial support.

TLHA’s annual “Care of the Soul Leadership Award” recipient, Jon Scharlemann of Redwood Falls, MN, was honored. This award recognizes men and women who faithfully serve the Lord and provide leadership in the area of special ministries.

Scharlemann has helped hundreds of individuals and families accomplish this goal through his many years of service to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) through his work as a Gift Planning Counselor with the WELS Ministry of Planned Giving from 1988-2002, as the Director of Mission Advancement for The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA) from 2002-2006 and as the Vice President of Mission Advancement for Martin Luther College. Throughout his years of service, he has also trained and mentored many men and women in this very important field, leaving a legacy of giving far into the future. A wonderful nickname for Scharlemann would be the “great encourager.”

Another highlight of the meeting was the recognition of long-time TLHA team members. All of this year’s honorees work at The Lutheran Home Campus in Belle Plaine. Mary Mathwig of Belle Plaine, MN was honored for 35 years of service. During her time with TLHA, she has gladly served in the same position as a cook. As Mathwig shared, “I enjoy working for the residents and staff of The Lutheran Home. We serve good quality food so a person can be proud to work here.”

Kim Stier of Belle Plaine, MN was honored for 30 years of service. She also has enjoyed the same role during her tenure as a Nursing Assistant. Stier shared, “I enjoy working with my co-workers as well as the numerous residents who I’ve had the privilege of serving over the years. When I see the residents smile, I know that I’m making a positive impact in their lives. I also enjoy seeing and hearing the gratitude from the residents’ family members.”

Phyllis Deutsch of New Prague, MN, Jodie Johnson of Arlington, MN and Carol Schultz of Belle Plaine, MN were all honored for 25 years of service. Deutsch has also served in the same role, a Direct Support Professional, at Hope Residence. When asked what is the most rewarding part of the job, Deutsch replied, “To do unto others as you would have them do unto you; the residents deserve the best of care and it’s nice to feel needed.”

Johnson has spent 25 years at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine. For the first 18 years, she was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). In 2005, she was promoted to Clinical Coordinator. Johnson shares, “I love the elderly and even though I could work in another nursing home, I truly believe in the Lutheran Home. All staff care deeply about the residents and we all go above and beyond to provide a wonderful home for them. We are all like family here and care about one another. I truly believe in our mission, thus the reason I am celebrating 25 years of employment here.”

Schultz has served in three different roles during her tenure. She was a Laundry Aide for 10 years at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine. Schultz then spent 12 years as a Direct Support Professional at Hope Residence and then transferred to Kingsway Retirement Living three years ago to work as a Home Health Aide. When asked why she has stayed with TLHA, she shared, “This is a great place to meet people and make friends. Every job is important; whatever you do, it needs to be done well. I am most happy when I can help others. The residents are so grateful; and appreciate all we do so it is rewarding to see them happy and content.”

The dedication of these team members, and many more, is one of the reasons this 114-year old ministry continues to grow. Our not-for-profit Christian ministry serves persons with developmental and other disabilities, Alzheimer’s and dementia, those needing specialized care and provides independent living options for active seniors.