QUIET OAKS - A PLACE FOR LIVING
Your support is more important than ever as Quiet Oaks remains committed to our mission of providing high quality, personalized care, comfort and dignity to our residents and their families in the remaining days of their lives together. In order to accomplish our mission, we need your help. We are thrilled to announce a $100,000 match made possible through the generosity of community donors; The Anderson Family Foundation, Diane Wojtanowicz, Richard & Marlene Schlichting and an Anonymous donor.
Each dollar raised up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar.
It has been a privilege to serve our community in such a meaningful way and we look forward to continuing to exceed expectations of our future families.
Please accept our gratitude for your support and generosity.
QUIET OAKS: A PLACE FOR LIVING
Rick and Jean's love story began on a warm June day in 1990 at a wedding they both attended as guest. They walked down the aisle together an immediately felt a deep connection. Over the next two years their bond grew stronger, and on June 13, 1992, they exchanged vows in the same church where they had first met. For three decades, they shared a life filled with love, laughter and cherished moments with family.
Rick was a man of diverse interests and talents. He had a deep passion for theater, which he cultivated over the years through his involvement in various plays and productions. He had a knack for remembering lives from movies and often quoted them, bringing humor and a touch of cinematic magic to everyday life. For a remarkable decade, Rick dedicated his time and creative energy to the theater, leaving a lasting impact on the local arts community.
Rick's love for woodworking was another prominent aspect of his life. He found solace and satisfaction in crafting beautiful pieces from his favorite material, wood from oak trees. The oak tree, a symbol of strength and endurance, held a special place in his heart, and he often drew inspiration from it.
Moreover, Rick's love for his family was immeasurable. He cherished moments spent together, especially the exhilarating motorcycle rides that allowed him and Jean to explore the world together. His bond with his daughters, Molly and Courtney, was unbreakable. Courtney shared, "My dad had a unique talent for finding ways to scare me during movie nights, and he never failed to make me cry from laughing so hard." Molly adds, "My dad was not just my father,; he was my best friend, biggest supporter and my favorite movie buddy. He was the best father I could have ever asked for."
In January 2022, their peaceful life took a painful turn as Rick's health began to deteriorate. He experienced increasing shortness of breath and fatigue, which led to a series of medical tests and consultations with specialists. It wasn't until March 2022 that they received the devastating news that Rick had cancer, setting them on a challenging journey filled with doctor's visits, medications and uncertainty.
During this journey, Rick suffered several strokes, each one sapping away his strength and hope. Depression began to overshadow his spirit, making his battle even harder to fight. On August 16, 2022, Rick was admitted to the hospital after another stroke. It was during this time that Jean discovered the extent of Rick's despair, as he contemplated ending his own life because he didn't want to be a burden to his family.
"It was great to be able to spend time with Rick during this part of his journey. To be honest with you, I really didn't know what to expect when our dinner party was planned, but the staff at Quiet Oaks knocked it out of the park. It was a very emotional day hanging out with my High School buddies from Danube, but your staff made us feel right at home and relaxed even through the COVID protocols. I can't say enough great things about your staff and volunteers. I am so thankful that we were able to capture this day with a photo. I will never forget the time I spent with Rick at Quiet Oaks."
-Curt Hein
Jean recognizing the need for specialized care and safety for Rick, knew that hospice was the answer. However, she was unsure where to turn, given Rick's fragile state of mind. A compassionate, palliative care worker introduced her to Quiet Oaks, a place she had heard of earlier from Dr. Patrick Lalley. The decision to move Rick to Quiet Oaks was challenging, as he had expressed a strong desire to die at home. However, the family was exhausted, and they needed the support of a hospice team to ensure Rick's comfort. Jean accepted an invitation to tour Quiet Oaks to help her make this difficult decision.
Upon visiting Quiet Oaks, Jean and her daughter immediately felt a sense of belonging. "We knew within moments of walking into the home that this was where Rick should go. We loved seeing the volunteers in the kitchen and all of the comforts of home, "Jean said. It was a place where they could leave Rick in capable hands, knowing he would receive the medical care he needed.
Quiet Oaks became a sanctuary for Rick and his family. Surrounded by compassionate care, Rick began to embrace life again, and thoughts of suicide faded away. He lived his final days on his own terms, surrounded by friends and family.
The staff at Quiet Oaks organized special moments, including a memorable evening where Rick enjoyed a steak dinner with his closest friends from high school. They also helped him record children's books for future grandchildren and create videos for his daughters to cherish on their wedding days. These unexpected treasures made Quiet Oaks a truly special place for the family. What surprised Jean most was the genuine love and care extended not only to Rick, but to their entire family.
Even after Rick's passing in September 2022, Jean continued to visit Quiet Oaks, finding solace and comfort within its walls. She and her daughter Courtney, started volunteering, cooking homemade meals, bread and desserts for the residents, "This has proven to be a very life-giving experience for both of us. We love spending time in the kitchen to make homemade food, filling the house with the comfort of food," Jean said.
In the midst of her grief, Jean discovered the healing power of giving back, and she wants others to know about the existence of Quiet Oaks. She believes that when the time comes for others to seek hospice care for their loved ones, Quiet Oaks is the perfect place to live the rest of their lives.
Quiet Oaks Hospice House provides a place of comfort, not just for residents but for the entire family. It's a place where life is celebrated, even in the face of impending loss. Jean's journey from grief to giving back, is a testament to the transformative power of love, compassion and a place dedicated to living life to its fullest, even in its final moments.
Quiet Oaks is a residential home for residents and families facing terminal illness. At Quiet Oaks, we provide an experience that honors and respects the dignity
of our residents and their families by focusing on a team approach to provide comfort and support for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Quiet Oaks is a 501(c)(3) Tax ID 20-3905841