Donor Stories 

 

Vision. Generosity. Commitment.

Those three words sum up Jeff Roethe’s legacy.

Jeff, who died on September 29, 2024, was a well-known local attorney and family man. He was also one of the founders of the Edgerton Hospital Foundation and served on its board for more than 40 years.

In the mid-1970s, Edgerton Memorial Hospital faced challenges attracting doctors to a rural community. At the time, Roethe was a member of the hospital’s Doctor Recruitment Association, and this experience shaped his understanding of rural health care challenges.

Jeff and the other association members knew that the hospital’s future hinged on a solid vision, one that fostered long-term community relations rather than just addressing immediate needs.

With that goal in mind, on Oct. 21, 1976, Jeff and a group of like-minded community members met to discuss the formation of a new organization: The Edgerton Hospital Foundation.

This new Edgerton Hospital Foundation would replace the Edgerton Doctor Recruitment Association but would continue its work. In addition, the foundation would help with the cost of increasingly expensive medical equipment and assist with building and remodeling projects.

The Hospital’s Board of Trustees were told that the foundation would also “promote better relations between the community and the hospital.”  That simple statement was the heart of the Foundation. The community built the hospital, supported its expansions, and was proud of the services it offered.

Over the years, rural hospitals struggled with everything from reduced Medicare rates, competition from larger health care systems and restrictive HMOs.  Roethe was often called on to speak to reporters about the issues.

When he did, he always stressed the deep bond between the community and the hospital.

 “Local people love their hospital,” he told reporters.

 Jeff’s commitment to the foundation continued for another four and a half decades.

Under his guidance, the foundation successfully funded critical medical equipment and numerous renovations, ensuring the hospital continued to meet the needs of the community.

Karen Greene, who served on the foundation Board with Jeff, described him as a “positive presence wherever he went.”

Jeff participated in all the foundation activities, from selling raffle tickets, to timing runners during races. He was generous with his time and support, Karen said.

“He was instrumental in developing the Edgerton Hospital Foundation into the vibrant organization it is today,” she said.  

And for that, the foundation and the hospital couldn’t be more grateful. We are thankful for his work behind the scenes, his active participation in events, and his practice—which we teased him about—of always making the “motion to adjourn” at foundation board meetings.

Generosity, a 40-plus -year commitment to an organization, and a vision for the future—those were Jeff Roethe’s gifts to the hospital and the community he loved.

William and Joyce Wartmann loved their community.  Throughout their long lives, the couple gave back often, supporting everything from the arts to education and health care.

William Wartmann lived life to its fullest. When he needed rehab to return to health, he picked Edgerton Hospital and Health Services.  He was grateful that he could receive top-notch care so close to his home in rural Rock County.  He credited Edgerton Hospital and Health Services with bringing back his quality of life. That’s one of the greatest compliments a health care organization can receive.

“We both felt safe at Edgerton Hospital, like the staff knew us by name rather than a number. All of our therapists were very kind and patient … I am so proud to have Edgerton Hospital in our community, and I’m honored to give back and ensure that everyone will be able to benefit from this hospital far into the future. I would like to encourage anyone who is able to give, whatever the amount may be, to do so and help to facilitate the continued growth and outstanding care offered by our local hospital and rehab department.” – William Wartmann

Giving was an intrinsic part of William Wartmann’s character.  In 2011, he told his college alumni magazine that his immigrant parents taught him, “You have to give back to the world.” He never forgot that lesson.

We’re truly grateful for the Wartmanns’ generous spirit and their commitment to supporting Edgerton Hospital, ensuring that our community has access to local healthcare for generations to come.

 

Liz and Harold Dettinger

More than a decade ago, Liz Dettinger read about the plans for the Edgerton Hospital and Health Services Healing Garden. She immediately saw its potential. Here was a place where patients, their families, staff and community members could relax and absorb the healing properties of nature.

Liz and Harold Dettingers’ love of beauty—and their love for their community—inspired them to give the garden what would be the first of many gifts, a set of wind spinners and a colorful wind sculpture.

Most recently, Liz and Harold donated three moon gates.  Each black metal gate is comprised of two arches. They rise ten feet over the path leading from the hospital to the Healing Garden. In winter, the arches are covered with evergreens and lights.  In the summer, annual vines and roses will create a shady bower.

The couple’s generosity is especially gratifying because Liz’s family has deep ties to the community.

Liz’s parents, Clarence and Nellie Swenson, and her sister, Esther Swenson, ran Victoria Greenhouse in Edgerton.  The business was located on North Main Street where the Lakeside Fire District is now. As a child, Liz earned her pocket money working at the greenhouse, and she helped during busy seasons such as Mother’s Day and Christmas.  It’s there she learned how important gardens are to people. Whether it’s a vibrant red geranium to brighten the front porch, or a field of hummingbird favorites, gardens have the power to transform people and landscapes for the better.

“This garden is a beautiful gift to the City of Edgerton and the surrounding area,” Liz said. “All of the work done by all the volunteers and Mark Dwyer—who does the planning—is fantastic.  It’s wonderful.  We are happy to donate for all the beauty it brings.”