Board members, staff, local leadership officials and members of the design and construction team at groundbreaking for the new 72,000 square foot nursing and assisted living facility on Monday, April 8, 2024.
Aase Haugen Senior Services broke ground on the new 72,000 square foot nursing and assisted living facility on Monday, April 8, 2024. Pictured above are board members, staff, local leadership officials and members of the design and construction team. Pictured from left, Karen Berg, Thea Hartzel, Rex Nelson, Greg Brickl, Kim Berns, Mayor Lorraine Borowski, Jacob Bauer, David Robinson, Grant Soper, Patty Casterton, Pastor Mike Wilker, Wanda Askelson, Pastor Peter Kowitz, Kevin Sand, M.D., Tyler Wright, Sam Boeke, Mardy Holst, John Dambek, Rev. Roger Buhr, Brian Huinker, Steve Langland, Rebecca Hanna, Cindy Hoyme, Joel Farley and Pat Ries.

Aase Haugen broke ground on its new senior care facility, which will feature 78 private rooms for nursing and skilled care and 12 assisted living apartments. With more than 72,000 square feet near Aase’s independent senior living neighborhoods of Vennehjem and Nabotunet, the new facility will replace the existing facility on Ohio Street in the city of Decorah.

“Today was a special day,” said Sam Boeke, Aase Haugen executive director. “The groundbreaking marks the long-planned beginning of a facility that will positively impact the long-term care needs for seniors who have built this beautiful community we have the benefit of enjoying.”

The new facility will provide a variety of care levels in a home-like setting. This includes caring for those without the funds to pay for care themselves. With the “A New Place to Call Home” capital campaign, Aase Haugen is working toward raising $3 million. More than $1.5 million has already been raised.

“We are truly grateful for the support we’ve seen from the community,” said Boeke. “We appreciate the businesses and individuals who made today’s groundbreaking possible, and we look forward to how these contributions will improve care for our community’s aging population.”

Brickl Bros., Inc is the general contractor who will build the new facility. At more than 60-years-old, the current building presented challenges including near-constant repairs with antiquated mechanical systems and inefficient workflow. The new facility will take care of those problems while also maximizing care and offering a cozy feel, with ample natural light, along with private rooms and bathrooms for each resident.

It is noteworthy that the date of the groundbreaking, April 8, is the birthday of the benevolent founder, Aase Haugen, who was born in Eggedal, Norway, and immigrated to the United States in 1854. She donated the entire Haugen estate to build a home for the aged, as she said, “so that no one would die alone.” Aase Haugen Homes has been serving seniors in the area for more than 109 years.

For those who would like to support ‘A New Place to Call Home,’ click to learn more. For those who would like to learn more about the campaign, visit Aase Haugen’s website or watch the Youtube video.

Aase Haugen Senior Services is a top employer in Winneshiek County and an all-embracing, all- inclusive senior living organization, providing a continuing care retirement community in a Christian environment, which nurtures the mind, body, spirit and connection to community.

Posted April 9, 2024 in Capital Campaign, New Facility
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