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Featured Resident
Don Weihe
Cathy A. Wyatt, CSA
Midwest Geriatrics, Inc.
To say someone is more reliable than the mailman is pretty amazing; especially when that individual is a volunteer. Meet Don Weihe… a 73-year old semi-retired construction worker from Omaha who spends approximately 90-minutes a day getting residents to and from the dining room at Florence Home Healthcare Center.
“I started volunteering while my mother was there and just continued after she passed away,” says Weihe.
That was 15 years ago. Since then, he’s been beating a path from his front door to theirs every Monday through Friday… rarely missing a day.
“He walks here almost every evening, rain or shine, sweltering or freezing… and back up a steep hill to get home,” says Roseann Clarke, Receptionist for Florence Home.
“Don schedules his holiday family meals around the Florence Home so that he is available to assist the residents,” says Director of Nursing, Alisha Jundt.
As for his legacy, Don says there won’t be one; adding that no one would probably miss him after a few days. Not surprisingly, the residents disagree.
Sharon: “I like him. He will help anybody out… always asking residents if they’ve eaten yet.”
Agnes: “He is wonderful. He tries to help everyone. There couldn’t be a nicer guy. It’s too bad there aren’t more people in the world like him.”
Ed: “…He will do anything for you. He comes every day unless he’s hurt or something.”
Jackie: “He is courteous and is always asking if we need help. He’s always happy, and the people are happy when he’s here.”
Betty: He’s one of the nicest people I have ever met. He’s very considerate. He’s a very interesting person.”
Margaret: “Very nice humble guy who has the Lord in his heart.”
In fact, Don is extremely faith-filled… attending Mount Olive Lutheran Church on a regular basis.
“My family took me there when I was little. I’ve been there ever since,” he says.
As for family, Don said he’s never married and doesn’t have any children; however, he has four sisters; one of whom lives in Omaha.
When he’s not spending time at Florence Home, he’s working in his garden, cooking, traveling to Lincoln for the Husker games, fishing with buddies in Minnesota … and that’s not all.
“I still work occasionally when my boss has a job for me to do,” he admits… assisting with tasks like building decks.
As for future plans, Don will most likely continue doing what he’s doing… and not taking any of the credit. Those who know him know better; as beating a path from his door to Florence Home’s isn’t the only impression he’s made. There’s also the one left in the staff and residents’ hearts.
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