Candas Schouvieller, Administrator
Oak Hills Memorial Foundation exists to enrich the lives of the residents and staff of Oak Hills Living Center. An assumption could be made that the Foundation came after Oak Hills, however, that would be incorrect. Let’s take a look at our history!
On April 24, 1958, the first 21 Board members of the New Ulm Memorial Foundation, Inc. presented to Brown County to file their articles of incorporation for the purpose of establishing a home for the aged in or near the City of New Ulm. This group elected Dr. Howard A. Vogel – president, Otto F. Oswald – first vice president, Frank J. Schugel – second vice president, Mrs. Lillian Heymann – secretary and Everett Young – treasurer. The Foundation had 67 total members who each paid $10.00 to join.
Looking through the newspaper articles preserved carefully by long-time employee Eileen Jacobson, this group of people sought funds to build our original facility, Highland Manor Inc., as well as worked with architects to design the building and saw it through until construction was completed. The New Ulm Memorial Foundation, Inc. was led by different Board members throughout the years and officially disbanded September 25, 1996. Highland Manor Memorial Foundation, Inc. took its place and later sought the name change to Oak Hills Memorial Foundation, Inc. on May 24, 2001.
With deep gratitude we thank those original 67 concerned citizens and 21 Board members who brought these services to New Ulm! Today, the Oak Hills Memorial Foundation is led by Mike Furth – president, Nicholas Peterson – vice president, Tim Reinke – secretary / treasurer, Eric Warmka, Alicia Rahe, Wendy Hagberg, Tom Berg, and Pat Booker. We also have a separate Operating Board led by Jay Vancura – president, Michelle Markgraf – vice president, Barb Dietz – secretary / treasurer, Dr. Joan Krikava, Betsy Pieser, Judi Nelson, Dr. Ann Vogel, Jean Geistfeld, and Mike Boyle.
The Oak Hills Memorial Foundation Board currently has one open Board position, and the Oak Hills Living Center Operating Board will also have one open position. We thank all past Board members for their service. It is a critical time for skilled nursing homes throughout Minnesota and we look for community members passionate about our mission and history to serve. Contact Wendy Broderson for Foundation Board opportunities and Candas Schouvieller for Operating Board opportunities. Thank You!
September Highlights
Thanks to generous gifts in memory of Jan Hegler, we were able to purchase and dedicate a bench in memory of her over 40 years of service to Oak Hills on September 11, 2023. Jan was kind always. We shared memories and Backerei donuts (her favorite), while enjoying her new bench. She will be a friend forever in our hearts!
A special thank you to Don and Mick Wendel for donating the additional two By The Yard chairs and side table. Our residents and visitors enjoy them every day! Thank You!
Thank you to HyVee Floral for donating flowers for residents to arrange and enjoy! We also enjoyed celebrating assisted living week and some s’mores on a beautiful fall evening!
Staff Celebrate Years of Service in September
Krissy Melzer, celebrated 21 years with Oak Hills Living Center. HUC is the tricky job of getting your assigned work done – admission paperwork, discharges, processing orders, appointments and more – as well as handling everything else that gets thrown your way including helping out on the floor. You handle it all with grace and kindness! Thank you for all your contributions every day!
Megan Meyer, LPN, celebrated 15 years with Oak Hills Living Center. Megan keeps our rehab running smoothly, going with the flow, getting to know each resident, and helping them transition so they are able to heal and get ready to go home. She is committed to learning, and we have been honored to watch her grow into the amazing nurse she is today! Thank you for your hard work, dedication and commitment!
Candas Schouvieller, Administrator, celebrated 17 years with Oak Hills Living Center. Thank you for advocating for residents and staff and for pushing forward to the future of Oak Hills. We are grateful for your dedication and service to Oak Hills Living Center!
Employee of the Month
Bill Smith, homemaker, was nominated by his co-workers because he is extremely positive, full of compliments, works hard and goes out of his way for residents. A calming presence, Bill gives reassurance to whomever needs it. Thank you, Bill, for finding the positive and sharing it with all those around you.
October Employee Anniversaries
| Name | Year |
| Jessica Weisbrich | 2007 |
| Jessica Klinkner | 2008 |
| April Fischer | 2012 |
| Nicola Swart | 2015 |
| Linda Olson | 2016 |
| Michael Groebner | 2017 |
| Elizabeth Bianchi | 2018 |
| Sharon Illikman | 2018 |
| Albina Jaradal | 2018 |
| Shelby Burtman | 2021 |
| Chloe Miller | 2021 |
| Brittany Thoms | 2021 |
| Tammy Litton | 2021 |
| Melissa Engelhart | 2021 |
| Amara Addy | 2022 |
| Halle Meier | 2022 |
| Evan Blekestad | 2022 |
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