For nearly 75 years, the Freeman Regional Health Services (FRHS) Auxiliary has been making a difference in the lives of patients, residents, and families through dedicated service, fundraising, and a strong commitment to local healthcare.
The Auxiliary’s story began in 1952, the same year Freeman Community Hospital opened. Seventy women attended the first meeting of the Freeman Community Hospital Ladies Auxiliary in March of that year with annual dues of just $2 and a tea towel. The organization was established to supplement the services of the new 16-bed hospital and quickly became an important part of its operations.
In its early years, Auxiliary members helped wherever they were needed. Their work included assembling patient charts, sharpening needles, sewing and mending draw sheets, patient gowns, binders and surgical gowns, and even painting.
Membership once reached nearly 500 women. While the group is smaller today, its purpose remains much the same: supporting local healthcare and helping ensure patients and residents have the equipment, resources, and services they need.
Today, the FRHS Auxiliary continues its mission through annual fundraisers, including Soup Day each October and its spring Fund Drive in April. The Auxiliary also provides a Christmas program for residents of the nursing home and assisted living, bringing seasonal cheer and fellowship to those who call Freeman Regional home.
Funds raised by the Auxiliary have supported a wide range of needs throughout FRHS. Projects over the years have included a medication cart and electronic medication cabinet, a resident clothing-labeling system, surgical equipment updates, a towel and blanket warmer, foot clinic equipment, a respiratory suction unit, a laboratory freezer, high-back wheelchairs, mattresses, and a podium with speakers for the nursing home. Each contribution helps support healthcare professionals and enhance the care and comfort of patients and residents.
The Auxiliary’s impact was recently recognized during its 2026 Soup Day, when Modern Woodmen presented the FRHS Auxiliary with a Home Town Hero Award. The award recognizes organizations making a difference in their communities and serves as a thank-you for their contributions.
The recognition is a fitting tribute to a group whose members have continued to give their time and energy to support local healthcare for generations.
The FRHS Auxiliary is grateful to the community members who continue to make its work possible. From monetary donations to the many baked goods contributed at Soup Day, community support plays a key role in helping the Auxiliary provide resources for FRHS.
“The FRHS Auxiliary is a wonderful example of what can happen when people come together with a shared commitment to their community,” said Julie Crick, FRHS Auxiliary Secretary. “For nearly 75 years, their generosity and dedication have made a lasting difference for generations of patients and residents. We are grateful to our Auxiliary members, past and present, and to the community that continues to support their efforts.”
Current FRHS Auxiliary members include Loraine Deckert, Dawn Stahl, Jeanette Kaus, Marlene Herman, Julie Crick, Delila Mehlhaf, Vernetta Waltner, Cindi Mutchelknaus, Amanda Mettler, Nikki Mehlhaf, Peggy Muchmore, Carolyn Preheim, Courtney Unruh, Tabitha Schoenwald, and Lynnelle Allison.
As the FRHS Auxiliary approaches its 75th anniversary, its legacy remains strong. Through every fundraiser, donation, and project, its members continue to demonstrate that meaningful contributions are measured not by the size of a group, but by the dedication of the people behind it.
The FRHS Auxiliary meets approximately six times a year, during the day, and new members are always welcome. Anyone interested in joining and helping support local healthcare is encouraged to contact Julie Crick at 605-925-4000 for more information.