News Center newsletter

May 7-13 is National Hospital Week. The numerous services provided locally by Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) often walk patients from one area of their care to another, until the patient has fulfilled their goal of returning home.

So many services are offered locally, close to home, but often patients don’t realize that unless they ask. Many of the hospital’s skilled care, surgical, maternity, laboratory, rehab and x-ray patients among others share with staff they would have been sent elsewhere for their care, had they not specifically asked for local care at Veterans Memorial Hospital.   

The following is an example of many of those levels of care and local services working together as a team for the same goal; to help a patient return to their home to live independently.

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) will be hosting the Safety Day Camp for children ages 6 to 14 Wednesday, June 7 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp is open to all children in the area. It is a true safety camp that instructs many areas of safety that address every child’s life.

During the camp, children participate in interactive activities that reinforce the importance of taking responsibility for their own safety, respecting parents’ safety rules and sharing safety tips with their family and friends. Hands-on demonstrations teach lifesaving first aid techniques and reveal the hidden hazards of children’s surroundings. Camp demonstrations also focus on farm hazards associated with various safety topics.

The annual “Family Wellness Fair” will be held this Wednesday, May 10 from 3:30-6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Clinics. The “Family Wellness Fair” is a community wide event offering families of all ages a night of entertainment and education about the local resources available to them, plus many free health testing opportunities. This fun-filled family event is free and open to all members of the community of any age.

As of May 6, Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon has begun suspending the current weekend Urgent Care services for the summer months and will reopen again September 9, in time for fall respiratory illnesses. During this time, patients seeking immediate or emergency care should visit the VMH Emergency Department (ER). For all other needs, patients can utilize either of the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinics located in Waukon, at 105 East Main Street, or in Postville, at 124 West Green Street.

The Waukon Medical Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, this clinic offers early access hours Mondays beginning at 7 a.m., and evening appointments are available Thursdays until 7 p.m. The Postville Medical Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, call the hospital at 563-568-3411 or visit www.veteransmemorialhospital.com.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, May 18 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at Veterans Memorial Hospital in the Large Conference Room on the lower level of the hospital.

This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or who might have a friend or loved one with diabetes. For more information on the Diabetes Support Group, call  Angie Mettille, RN, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 563-568-3411.
 

The local Grief Support Group will be holding its monthly meeting, one week later than usual, at Veterans Memorial Hospital. The meeting will be held Tuesday, May 16 at 5 p.m. in the Meditation Healing Center, located just inside the main entrance of the hospital.

This informal meeting is open to anyone suffering from any type of loss, whether it be death, divorce, illness or some other grief. Feel free to attend and bring a friend. This grief support meets the second Tuesday of each month at Veterans Memorial Hospital.
 

Ruby Rathbun of Harpers Ferry will be celebrating her 90th birthday May 12. In honor of the occasion, cards and well wishes may be sent to her at 1365 Roller Coaster Road, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146.

Neil and Darlene Barth of Waukon are celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary. The couple was married May 12, 1957 at Bethelehem Presbyterian Church in rural Postville by Rev. John Bartell.

In honor of the occasion, cards and well wishes may be sent to 406 9th Street SW, Waukon, IA 52172.
 

Mary Kathleen “Katie” Melde-Donnelly Reninger, age 46, passed away April 18, 2023 in Heath, TX. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing with Fr. Daniel Knipper officiating. Visitation will take place May 27 from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

Katie was born May 29, 1976 in La Crosse, WI to Michael Melde and Helen Boland Melde. She graduated from Edgewood College in Madison, WI with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

Katie is survived by her husband, George Reninger; her son, Kylan Donnelly; her daughter, Keelee Donnelly, her son, Micah Reninger; her son, Noah Reninger; her parents, Michael and Helen Melde; her sister, Ann Melde-Rahe; her brothers, Steven (Sherry), Andrew, Christopher (Erin), Mark and Robert Melde; 17 nieces and nephews; and many friends.

James Lynn Halverson, 77, of rural Monona died Saturday, May 6, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 13 from 1-3 p.m. at the Zion United Church of Christ fellowship hall in Waukon. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family.

Jim Halverson (also known as Gramps) was born December 26, 1945 at the Hall House in Waukon, the son of Lynn Charles and Virginia Maxine (Winter) Halverson. Jim was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville and graduated from Postville High School in 1963. In 1965, he moved to Cedar Rapids and worked as the night supervisor at Weyerhauser Company.