Good Shepherd Lutheran Home (GSLH) in Rushford celebrated its 60th Anniversary on August 27, 2025. Scrapbooks and pictures containing the history of the home were on display. Guests enjoyed cupcakes, sandwiches, chips and lemonade as well as musical entertainment by Chad Cagle of Winona. Many former employees and families of residents attended to reminisce.
The nursing home first opened its doors on August 28 and 29, 1965, and was formally dedicated on September 13, 1965. Nine area churches collaboratively built the much needed facility. These churches were: Arendahl Lutheran Church; Central Lutheran Church, Winona; Faith Evangelical Church, St. Charles; First Presbyterian Church, Rushford; Grace Lutheran Church, Peterson; Highland Prairie Lutheran Church; North Prairie Lutheran, rural Lanesboro; Rushford Lutheran; and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Rushford.
In a fund raising letter written to parishioners, the need for such a facility was explained, noting that the general population was living longer and families were not able to care for the elderly and their needs in their own homes.
The original building was designed in the shape of a cross to reflect the faith-based beginnings of the home. Each participating church sent a delegate to the board of directors. Today GSLS (Good Shepherd Lutheran Services) continues to be managed by a board of directors with delegates from the churches. The church involvement is essential to maintain GSLH’s non-profit status.
The GSHL Foundation is in charge of any fundraising to support the home. The Foundation newsletters keep people informed of needs at the home. Recent donations have funded baths, lifts and technology.
The home was built to accommodate 66 beds; there were 42 single rooms and 12 double rooms. When the home was first opened, it had 23 residents and 25 to 30 employees.
Through the years there were several additions to GSLH. In 1979, the Good Shepherd Apartments were built. These 32 HUD subsidized apartments provided housing for people based on low income, age and disabilities.
In 1983 the ADD wing was built on the home; this included a multipurpose room and the possibility of an additional 98 beds. In 1985, childcare was begun at GSLH. Initially, this was designed to help staff find care for their own children; now it is an asset for the entire community. The daycare is licensed for 64 children, but it is currently staffed for a daily attendance of 40 children.
Bremmer Suites, an assisted living facility, was opened in 1997. It offers 15 suites with kitchenettes and is licensed for up to 17 residents. GSLH has owned and operated other businesses through the years including Careaway Cottage, an adult daycare based in Winona, a home health aide program and Home Street Floral in Rushford.
Currently, GSLH has 50 to 52 residents and 140 employees; at one point there were as many as 99 residents. During COVID, the west wing was closed and remains closed. Staffing was a huge concern during COVID and single rooms were necessary. Now there are only a few double rooms which usually house spouses at their request.
GSLH has been doing a lot of renovations of floors, walls and decor using grants from the state. A wandering garden has been totally revamped by Winona Nursery for the enjoyment of the residents.
According to Samantha Colbenson, the current campus administrator, some of the challenges through the years have been financial. COVID brought an astronomical rise in the cost of resident care. The flood of 2007 impacted the home’s finances as well. Although the campus was not flooded, there was no electricity and water needed to be brought in.
Staffing, as in any business, is a challenge. Colbenson was quick to note that GSLH has been blessed with many long-term employees. She stressed that anyone working in a nursing facility has to care about the residents and truly want to be there.
GSLH’s goal is to continue to provide the best possible care for residents of the area; the caring and compassionate staff will ensure that that happens.
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