Bethel Lutheran Home

11/27/2025

11/26/2025

We also want to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff whose dedicated service, compassion, and genuine love for the residents makes Bethel such a special place.

These are just a few pictures of the many staff whose commitment to excellence is what sets Bethel apart. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes from keeping the courtyards beautiful for residents and families to enjoy, to prepping meals and doing laundry, to finding a misplaced pair of glasses or helping to tie a shoe. Each action is carried out to make Bethel a welcoming, comfortable, and home-like environment.

Thank you to all staff in all our departments from the nursing home to assisted and independent living. You are all part of the Bethel family, and your work is valued and appreciated.

11/25/2025

On this week of Thanksgiving, we are taking a moment to reflect on the blessings we are given through the residents who call Bethel their home. What a wonderful group of people, who live each day filled with God's grace.

Our sincere thanks to the families of our residents for giving us the privilege of caring for your loved ones!

11/25/2025

On this week of Thanksgiving, we are taking a moment to send our thanks to all the friends and families who give of their time, talent, and treasure to make Bethel such a special place.
We had so many blessings this year - from the DSU group who painted a mural on the apartment hall, to a gift of flowers from a new bride, to donations of radios and handmade quilts, to groups of volunteers who helped us clean up and did crafts with residents, to a family who puts on an annual golf tournament to benefit Bethel. We also have volunteers who come in each week and do nail care and help with Bingo and other activities. The list goes on! To each and every one of you, THANK YOU!

11/24/2025

Many thanks to Lori Maher for the beautiful Christmas pots decorating the entryway to assisted living!

11/17/2025

We celebrated the November birthdays today with a party in Activities!

Happy Birthday to Jeanette who was born on Thanksgiving Day. Our other November birthday is Barb (who was unable to join us today). Best wishes to both of these lovely ladies!

Kathy Holland, Bethel's new administrator, stopped by the party to introduce herself and to share some fun November birthday trivia with the residents.

11/14/2025

Bethel celebrated Veterans Day with the help of our friends from Avera Hospice who put on a musical program and presented our resident veterans with a pin and flag, and of course heartfelt thanks for their service. The Avera group also recognized those in the audience who had spouses or other family members who had served.
Our thanks for Avera Hospice for sharing Veterans Day with us!

A group of veterans later gathered under the military flags in the dining room. Along with the residents, that group also included staff members Tom and Adam, both veterans themselves.

11/14/2025

Reminder that the Bethel store is open now through November 21! Order your Bethel apparel today!

11/12/2025

The Bethel Lutheran Home Governing Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Kathy Holland has been named the organization’s Administrator. She will officially begin at Bethel on November 17.

Holland is a native of Brookings and received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of South Dakota. After serving as a social worker and social work consultant, Kathy began her career as a nursing home administrator in Arlington, SD. Kathy has been an administrator in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. She is very involved with the American Health Care Association and National Centers for Assisted Living Quality Award program and looks forward to assisting Bethel Lutheran Home to achieve this recognition.

Governing Board President Jackie Voelker shared, “We are happy to welcome Kathy to the Bethel community. Her extensive experience in the senior care industry makes her well-qualified to serve our staff, residents and their families. We look forward to the future, knowing Kathy will further our mission of ‘Sharing Christ through Caring Service.”

President Voelker also expressed the board's appreciation for interim administrator Gene Wockenfuss' service over the last 8 months. Gene will conclude his duties at Bethel November 21.

Kathy and her husband John are the parents of three grown children. They are excited to be returning to South Dakota and living closer to their three grandchildren. When not working, Kathy enjoys reading, crafting, bike riding and traveling.

11/11/2025

Bethel salutes our veterans, residents and staff, and all the others who served. Thank you!