Riverwood celebrates staff milestone anniversaries

On November 14, Riverwood Healthcare Center celebrated a remarkable group of employees and retirees at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, honoring 43 individuals for milestone anniversaries and retirements. Together, their contributions total nearly 750 years of service—a testament to their enduring commitment and dedication to the communities they serve.

Riverwood CEO Ken Westman opened the evening with a heartfelt welcome, expressing deep gratitude for the honorees’ service and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Chief Operating Officer Cindi Baker expressed appreciation for the dedicated people who work at Riverwood. She praised the resilience and adaptability of Riverwood’s health care professionals in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

“I want to begin tonight by simply saying thank you,” Baker shared. “We are proud of each of you. Your years of experience contribute greatly to our success and, most importantly, to our mission of improving health by delivering high-quality, compassionate, and personalized care. I am honored to work alongside every one of you.”

The evening spotlighted each honoree’s unique contributions to Riverwood, celebrating the ways their dedication has shaped the organization over the years.

Attendees included both current staff and retirees, reflecting on shared experiences and the impact of their collective work. For those unable to attend, their dedication was no less recognized or appreciated.

This celebration wasn’t just about years—it was about the people who have turned those years into a legacy of care, compassion, and community. Congratulations to all the honorees!

Those attending the event included from left, front row: Jennifer Schneider, Laura Hann, Sheryl Wold, Nancy Hoffman, Sarah Pederson, Linda Tuenge, Lynda Smith, Jean Gravelle, Helen Weimer; back row: Kim Leikvoll, Brian Gehling, Janelle Gehling, Judy Turner, Rose Appel, Tabatha Peters, Jeanine LeBlanc, Judy Christy, Sam Ruud, Kathy Minarich, Jen Ehnstrom, Casey Johnson, Marc Carley.

Those unable to attend the celebration included Jeanna Asmus, Mary Belz, Ryan Henry, Linnea Homstad, Tina Hughley, Tammy Johnson, Dr. Aaron Jordan, Jessy Kliewer, Madison Lake, Melissa Magnuson, Pam Paukert, Dr. Sweety Prethish, Sara Ritter, Gordy Schwartz, Julie Smith, Leanne Sura, Robb Warner, and Linda Zasmeta.