The Oak Circle recognizes all donors making a planned gift that benefits Oakwood after death. This could be through a will or trust, a charitable gift annuity, gift of insurance or retirement assets. Donors names become part of the Oak Circle Giving Tree.

The Oak Society recognizes donors contributing more than $500 in a calendar year.

The Golden Oak Society honors donors who contribute $1,000 or more in a calendar year.

The Lifetime Golden Oak Society recognizes cumulative contributions of $20,000 or more. A tree is planted in recognition of this gift and the donor's name is listed on a wall of honor.

The Preservation Society honors friends of Oakwood who have contributed at least $75,000 or 5,000 hours of volunteer service to benefit Oakwood residents. This amount may have been contributed over the donor’s lifetime or in a single donation. Member’s names are engraved on a brick border lining the flower gardens at Oakwood.

Unless a donor wishes to remain anonymous, his or her name is published in the quarterly newsletter and annual report. A special event is held each year to recognize members of Oakwood's recognition clubs. Individual name plaques are not attached to donated items, however plaques honoring certain recognition clubs and large capital campaign donors are prominently displayed. A memorial wall lists all contributions of $1,000 or more in memory of someone. Any specific naming requests that do not fit into the above policy must be approved by the Board of Directors.

Outstanding Service Award

The Outstanding Service Award is presented each year at the annual meeting of Oakwood Lutheran Homes Association, Inc. This prestigious award is given to a person or couple that has provided exceptional leadership to Oakwood through their volunteer and financial contributions.

Recipients:

1979: George & Erna Vogel
1981: Rubert M. Steinhauer
1982: Donald & Nancy Haselhorst
1983: Berlyn & Marion Oestreich
1984: Lynndon & Norma Brooks
1985: Orrin & Adeline Berge
1986: Floyd & Martha McBurney
1987: Eugene & Jane Lehrmann
1988: Jeanette Renk
1989: Arthur & Genevieve Kurtz
1990: Ruth Petersen
1991: Lyman Frazier
1992: Earle & Maryan Hanson
1993: Robert & Lillian Grede
1994: Dr. James & Sharon Gutenberger
1995: Victor & Dolores Schwenn
1996: Willard & MaryEllen Fuller
1997: Angeline Beld
1998: Reuben Lorenz
1999: Barbara Armstron
2000: Jan Liddle
2001: Rosemary Schmidt
2002: C. Richard Nelson
2003: Charles & Diane Stumpf
2004: Ruth Dobbratz
2005: Elaine H. Warskow
2007: Earl Thayer
2008: Dale & Betty St. John

2009: Hazel Olson

2010: LeRoy Johnson

Appreciation

Person's Name
Donnors are recognized in our newsletters, trees planted in their honor and engraved bricks bordering flower gardens at Oakwood.

Mission Statement

Oakwood is a Lutheran church-sponsored organization whose mission is to serve older persons through loving, caring Christian communities, responding to their physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs, and to encourage a sense of independence, individuality, dignity and worth throughout life.