Lakewood Health System

Home
United States
Staples, MN
Lakewood Health System

Since 1936, Lakewood Health System has made it our business to ensure the health and well-being of our patients and communities.
(321)

02/24/2026

💕 This February, Lakewood is celebrating love with our Sweethearts series, featuring couples from the Lakewood Care Center, as well as the Lakewood Manor and Lakewood Pines independent and assisted living communities. 💕

Our next featured couple is David and Maxine Hoefs, residents of Lakewood Care Center.

For David, 88, and Maxine, 86, love began with a simple moment that would change everything. When they first met at a high school basketball game, David remembers thinking, “She was beautiful. And everything I wanted in a girl.”

After David returned home from serving in the Army, he didn’t waste any time. He asked Maxine for her hand, and just two weeks later, they were married on March 3, 1961, in Excelsior, Minn.

Over the next 65 years, David and Maxine built a life centered on what mattered most to them: family. Together, they raised their son, who became their entire world, and created countless memories filled with love and togetherness.

When asked about the secret to their long and happy marriage, Maxine said: "They enjoy just being together."

And their advice to young couples just beginning their journey together?

“Be good to each other.” said Maxine. And never forget to hold hands, she added with a smile.

At Lakewood, we are honored to celebrate stories like David and Maxine’s. Thank you for sharing it!

❤ To learn more about Lakewood’s senior living services, go to: https://www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com/care-services/senior-living/

🧡💙

02/24/2026

Today, Lori Severson of Randall rang the bell in our Lakewood Cancer Center! 🔔 The celebration marked the completion of her final chemotherapy treatment. It was a joyful, emotional celebration shared with her granddaughter and Lakewood team members.

When asked how she was going to celebrate, Lori said with a smile: “I’m going home to take a nap.”

Sounds like an excellent way to celebrate this big day. 😀

Congratulations, Lori! Lakewood is honored to be part of your journey. 🧡💙

02/23/2026

Calving season is underway across our area. And it's a time filled with long days, late nights, and plenty of newborn calves.

When Jenny Roller isn’t caring for patients as an RN in Lakewood’s Surgery Department, she’s busy alongside her husband, Brent, and their two young sons, raising registered Simmental cattle and crops at the farm near Hewitt.

For Jenny, rural healthcare and rural life go hand in hand, and she's proud to be a part of Lakewood's mission.

“The people, the culture, and how Lakewood continues to blow me away with what our rural hospital can offer our patients and surrounding communities. I’m proud to be a part of that growth," said Jenny, who's been at Lakewood for nine years.

Balancing farm, family, and work is a blessing Jenny is grateful for every day — even during the hectic days of calving season. 🖤

To all of our area farm families, we thank you for your dedication and hard work through all kinds of weather!

📸 Jenny Roller is pictured with her two sons Blake and Bryce and a bull calf born recently on the Roller Ranch. (Photo courtesy of the Roller family.)

02/23/2026

We’re excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at a special video our Marketing Department is creating for Lakewood Foundation's Give Orange Fundraiser & Auction. 🧡

This video interview features Pam Robinson, of New York Mills, who was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease at age 54 in 2016. Joined by her husband, Dr. Gary Robinson, Pam shares how Lakewood’s Parkinson Wellness Recovery class has made a meaningful difference in her life.

The Parkinson Wellness Recovery class is generously funded and supported by Lakewood Health System Foundation.

Stay tuned ... 🧡💙

02/23/2026

🎉MONDAY MOTIVATION 🎉 By Amanda Mithun, Behavioral Health Home Integration Specialist/CLC Therapist at Lakewood

"𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚." – 𝙅𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙙

When I think of balance, I think of the peaceful images of rocks balancing by an ocean. How they look like they could topple at any minute –- yet they don’t due to balance.

However, as humans, we probably don’t want to be on the verge of toppling at any moment. I am willing to guess that many of us often feel like that.

I like the quote above about balance. It is not something we find, but something we create. It means we need to be intentional in creating balance in our lives.

Sometimes this might mean we need to take a pause and examine our lives.

🔶 Do you feel like you are “in balance”?

🔶 Do you feel like at any second –- or if one more thing gets added –- that you will topple over?

🔶 Do you feel like the things you value in your life are not aligning with how you are living your life?

These are some tough questions and not easy answers. But it’s a great opportunity to look at your life, your values, your balance, and explore if these are aligned for you.

And if you feel like you could topple over at any minute, or that you are one rock away from toppling into the ocean, it’s probably time to make some adjustments in your life.

𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡.

Take care of yourself and each other.
🧡💙

02/23/2026

🌟 PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT: Lexie Otteson, DNP, CNM 🌟 This week, we shine a spotlight on Lexie Otteson, a Certified Nurse Midwife who sees patients at our Staples and Pillager clinics.

As a midwife, Lexie has a variety of interests including obstetrics (prenatal, labor, and postpartum), physiological birth, care for women throughout their lifespan, contraception, newborn care, and breastfeeding.

Originally from Proctor, Minn., Lexie completed her undergraduate education through the College of St. Scholastica and her DNP graduate program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She is a member of the American College of Nurse Midwives.

☎️ To schedule an appointment, call (218) 894-1515 or schedule your appointment at: https://shorturl.at/cMQE4

🧡💙

02/22/2026

The Staples Area Men's Chorus filled Lakewood Care Center's dining room with beautiful hymns and rich, blended vocals this Sunday morning — and our residents enjoyed every single, beautiful note!

Thank you, Staples Area Men’s Chorus, for sharing your amazing music with us. 🧡💙

02/21/2026

Lakewood Health System announces it will assume ownership of the Staples Eye Clinic, effective May 1, 2026. At that time, the clinic will officially become Lakewood Eye Clinic and relocate to its new home at The Plaza.

The transition strengthens Lakewood’s commitment to expanding local access to high-quality, comprehensive eye care. The move also aligns the eye clinic more closely with Lakewood’s impressive variety of patient-centered health services.

The new clinic space at The Plaza is twice the size of the current location, providing room for enhanced patient care and future service growth.

“Integrating eye care more deeply into our health system allows us to better coordinate services and support patients throughout their entire healthcare journey,” said Lisa Bjerga, president and CEO of Lakewood Health System. “We’re grateful for the long-standing partnership with Dr. Dokken and the Staples Eye Clinic team and are excited to carry that legacy forward.”

The Staples Eye Clinic has served the community for roughly 50 years, with the last 15 years under ownership of the Dokkens. Their team has been working closely with Lakewood to ensure a smooth transition for patients and staff.

“We’re proud of the care our team has provided and are excited for this next chapter,” said Dr. Seth Dokken, owner of Staples Eye Clinic. “Dr. Jesse Fenstermacher, our entire team, and I will continue providing the same high-quality eye care our patients are accustomed to — now with the added support and resources of Lakewood. This partnership allows us to spend more of our time where it matters most: caring for our patients, rather than managing the day-to-day operations of a business. We look forward to continuing those relationships as we move into our new location at The Plaza.”

Staples Eye Clinic patients will receive additional details about the transition directly, including any updates related to appointments, insurance and clinic processes.

Both organizations emphasize that continuity of care remains the top priority throughout the change.

02/20/2026

If only we had a picture of each and every one who serves as a dedicated caregiver at Lakewood, we would surely fill social media with an abundance of COMPASSIONATE, CARING people! ❤

Established in 2015, National Caregivers Day (Feb. 20) highlights the essential role caregivers play in supporting vulnerable individuals with long-term, hospice, and daily care.

Today, we also recognize devoted family members and loved ones who provide care at home as well.

Thank you for your tireless efforts. 🧡💙

02/20/2026

🧡 Faces Behind the Care 💙 Carol James

Exceptional care starts with exceptional team members in all areas at Lakewood — like Carol, one of our dedicated phlebotomists for the past 19 years.

🌟 ‎Tell us a little about what you do and where you’ve served.
CAROL: “In addition to drawing blood, I perform EKGs and CLIA-waived testing. I was in the Staples clinic for the first 16 years with some evening hospital shifts and then worked in the outpatient draw room for three years, until I moved to the cancer center last October — and I’m loving every minute of it!”

‎🌟 ‎Favorite part of your job?
CAROL: “Feeling like the care I give makes a difference. Listening to and sharing stories with patients, having empathy when needed and putting a bright spot in their day when I can.”

🌟 ‎What makes you proud to be at Lakewood?
CAROL: “The amazing team I work with and hearing our patients express how happy they are with the care they receive. I’m also proud to be part of this system that has done so much for our community.”

🌟 ‎Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents?
CAROL: “I enjoy gardening, cooking, canning and spending time with my husband and our three pups. We enjoy small music festivals with camping in the summer and fishing all year long."

"Something people would probably never guess about me: In my teens to early 20s, I was the drummer and lead singer in a top 40s band in the Twin Cities. One of our biggest gigs was playing at First Avenue in Minneapolis.”

🌟 ‎What are you grateful for right now?
CAROL: “God, my family, lifelong friends, and the friends and community that have become family!”

We’re thankful for the incredible people who make Lakewood what it is. 🧡💙

02/19/2026

One of the most exciting parts of Lakewood Foundation's 🧡Give Orange Fundraiser & Auction🧡 is back — our annual RAFFLE is officially open!

This is a fun way to support a great cause while giving yourself a chance to win BIG. With only 300 tickets available, they tend to disappear fast each year. So, if you’ve been thinking about grabbing one, now’s the time!

🎟 Tickets are $100 each and are available at the following locations in Staples:
🔶 The Shoppe at Lakewood
🔶 Longbella Drug - The Plaza
🔶 First International Bank and Trust
🔶 Or contact Sarah Winter at (218) 894-8579 or sarahwinter@lakewoodhealthsystem.com

Need not be present to win. Must be 18 or older to purchase ticket or win prize.

Give Orange will be held on Friday, April 24 at Lakewood’s Main Campus. Our goal is to raise money to help support patients and families in the communities we serve.

THANK YOU for your support! 🧡💙

02/19/2026

💕 This February, Lakewood is celebrating love with our Sweethearts series, featuring couples from the Lakewood Care Center, as well as the Lakewood Manor and Pines independent and assisted living communities. 💕

Our next featured couple is Leon and Carol Kaminski, residents of Lakewood Pines senior living apartments.

Leon, 85, and Carol, 81, share a love story that has spanned more than 60 years.

Carol grew up near Sebeka, while Leon is originally from Wittenberg, Wisc. Their paths first crossed through a mutual friend when Carol was just 16 years old and Leon was 20.

“My dad said he was too old for me,” Carol recalled with a smile.

Though life would briefly take them in different directions, their story was far from over.

“When I moved to Minneapolis for school, I was working at a nursing home and living on the third floor,” Carol said. “That’s when I reconnected with Leon. Eventually, we started going together again.”

On March 21, 1964, Leon and Carol were married at a country church near Menahga, the beginning of a lifetime spent together.

Over the years, their bond grew stronger through shared experiences, hard work, and raising a son and a daughter. Together, they even built an addition onto their home, a reflection of the teamwork that has defined their marriage.

When asked what they admire most about each other, Carol said: “Patience and a willingness to work together.”

Today, Leon is legally blind and uses a wheelchair, yet the love he feels for Carol remains unmistakable. He listens intently and smiles as Carol fondly recalls their early days of dating.

Their advice to new couples just starting their life together?

“Don’t fight. Talk things out,” Carol said, adding, “Show appreciation. Say thank you. And never go to bed angry.”

Thank you, Leon and Carol, for sharing your wonderful love story with us. 💕

❤ To learn more about Lakewood’s senior living services, go to: https://www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com/care-services/senior-living/

Address

49725 County 83
Staples, MN
56479

Telephone

+12188941515

Website

http://www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lakewood Health System posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Lakewood Health System:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Staples?

The History of Lakewood Health System

History of the District

The United Hospital District was formed in 1973 when the city of Staples transferred ownership and operation over to the hospital district. The city hospital first started as a 24-bed hospital in 1936, and expanded to a 40-bed facility in 1957. The hospital district consisted of 10 townships and two cities, and at that time elections were held by various townships and cities to form the hospital district.

The purpose of forming the district was to expand board representation and financial support for health care services in the Staples / Motley area. The hospital district is allowed to be formed under state statutes which gives the board more flexibility in securing debt, owning real estate and had fewer restrictions than a 501C6 city facility.

In 1977, a new hospital and nursing home was constructed on Prairie Avenue with the merger of the hospital and the Mary Rondorf Nursing Home. The hospital merged with the clinic in 1997 and a private 501C3 corporation called Lakewood Health System was formed to merge public and private dollars. The district retained the debt and ownership of property, but turned our daily operations through an affiliation agreement and lease with Lakewood Health System.

Clinic Merger / Affiliation Agreement with Lakewood Health System

In the 1990s, it was projected that payment systems across the country would be changed to a capitated dollar system in which a set dollar amount would have to be divided between hospitals, clinics and other health care providers. In response to this proposed change, insurance companies and larger health systems began buying clinics to control the dollars in providing healthcare services. Lakewood Clinic knew that these market changes provided limited time for them to obtain any value in the sale of their practice. There was concern that in the years to come, the opportunity to sell the practice would be significantly reduced or minimized.

In 1995, a proposal was made by the hospital district to the Lakewood Clinic physicians to purchase the practice. The physicians agreed to the purchase by the United Hospital District and two years of negotiations were conducted.

On March 1, 1997, the hospital and clinic officially merged and became Lakewood Health System. The merger consisted of an affiliation agreement in which the district board transferred the assets, equipment, employees and third party contracts over to a new 501C3 private non-profit corporation called Lakewood Health System.

The district board has two representatives on the system board for oversight and to make sure they are effectively managing Lakewood Health System. The structure of the two boards maximizes the benefits of both for the health care system. The two boards each play a significant role providing the most effective support and availability of resources and effort to be focused on the access and delivery of exceptional health services to the Staples / Motley area.

Lakewood Health System

02/24/2026

02/24/2026

02/23/2026

02/23/2026

02/23/2026

02/23/2026

02/22/2026

02/21/2026

02/20/2026

02/20/2026

02/19/2026

02/19/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

The History of Lakewood Health System