Hofer’s journey with Freeman Regional began during physician assistant school when she completed a three-month primary care rotation in 2015. Today, she’s bringing more than a decade of healthcare experience back to rural healthcare, where she looks forward to caring for her neighbors and serving the communities she knows so well.

Following graduation from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Hofer joined Avera Medical Group’s Oncology & Hematology team, where she has spent more than 10 years caring for patients with complex medical conditions. She also gained valuable experience in urgent care, treating patients of all ages and a wide range of healthcare needs. Before becoming a physician assistant, she worked as both an Emergency Medical Technician and paramedic while earning her bachelor’s degree in biology from South Dakota State University. Those experiences helped shape the provider she is today and prepared her to care for patients in both the clinic and emergency department.

“I’m excited to return to Freeman Regional and serve the community close to home,” Hofer said. “I enjoy the variety that rural medicine provides and the opportunity to care for patients through every stage of life. Building lasting relationships with patients and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of being a provider.”

Hofer and her husband, Patrick, have three children—Sarah, Simon and Elijah—and are looking forward to welcoming their fourth child in December. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, helping on the farm and tackling home improvement projects.

“We’re excited to welcome Laura to Freeman Regional Health Services,” said Karissa Podzimek, Clinic Manager. “Laura brings a unique combination of experience in emergency medicine, urgent care and oncology that will be an incredible asset to our patients and residents. Beyond her clinical expertise, she has a genuine passion for rural healthcare and building meaningful relationships with patients and families. We’re thrilled to have someone with her experience and compassion joining our provider team.”

Guided by Those We Serve
Freeman Regional Health Services (FRHS) is excited to celebrate the addition of assisted living care to the Walnut and Dewald Street Villages and Oakview Terrace – a continuation of Freeman’s tradition of neighbors caring for neighbors close to home.
To address the need for new assisted living options, FRHS leadership explored new models of senior care in 2024. Hospital leaders, providers, and board members toured senior living campuses across South Dakota that combine independent and assisted living. Inspired by what they learned, CEO Courtney Unruh and Senior Living Assistant Administrator Amanda Mettler met with each Village resident in May of 2025 to understand their preferences for future care.

“There was an overwhelming consensus that they did not wish to move again,” Unruh said. “Residents described moving as emotionally and physically challenging and expressed a strong desire to age in place.”

“These are important changes and will make living here even better – and it’s already good!” said Dewald Village residents Delmer and Shirley Hofer

“I am pleased I can stay here longer than I previously thought or expected. I can feel at home and settle in.” Walnut Village resident Darlene Bauer

Rather than asking residents to leave a place they loved, FRHS recognized an opportunity to bring additional services to them. “This approach allows us to strengthen senior living while supporting residents’ independence, dignity, and desires,” Mettler added.

The opportunity to adapt the Villages today is rooted in the vision of community leaders who planned them nearly three decades ago. “The Villages were thoughtfully designed, making the transition to assisted living a smooth process,” Unruh said. “The vision of the 1996 FRHS Board of Directors and CEO James Krehbiel created a facility that continues to meet our community’s changing needs 30 years later.”

In the summer of 2025, FRHS leadership evaluated how the Villages could be modified for assisted living. By August, the FRHS Board of Directors approved moving the project forward.

“By listening to our residents and thoughtfully evaluating how to build on what we already have, we’re creating a model of care that reflects the needs of today’s seniors while honoring the legacy that brought us here,” said Cindi Mutchelknaus, FRHS Board Member.

Since January, the FRHS maintenance team and local contractors have completed several improvements, including a nurses’ station, security system, and sprinkler installation. Additional enhancements include expanded dining, housekeeping, and laundry services, as well as a new call light system.

“We’re grateful for the support of the Freeman Community Foundation,” Mettler said. “Their grant is funding food warming equipment and steam tables that will allow us to serve three hot meals each day.”

FRHS also recognizes the ongoing need for independent living in our community. While today’s focus is creating new assisted living options, leadership continues to evaluate ways to expand independent and senior housing so residents can continue calling Freeman home through every stage of life.

Continuing the Journey
A decade ago, the Salem Mennonite Home recognized that the aging building would eventually need to transition to meet the changing needs and expectations of future generations. Now with less than 10 residents remaining, the time for that transition has come, and two new assisted living options will be ready to welcome each resident.

In addition to making the Villages assisted living capable, FRHS also received state approval to provide assisted living services at Oakview Terrace. A newly refreshed wing is being prepared to provide another welcoming option for residents whose needs are best met in that setting.

“Every resident has a unique story, and every transition has been approached with that in mind,” Mettler said. “We are walking alongside them and their families with compassion and care – listening, answering questions, and helping each person find the setting that meets their needs. Our goal is for every resident to feel supported, respected, and cherished.”

Some residents will move to the Villages, while others will make Oakview Terrace their new home, where compassionate care teams and welcoming environments await. The transition also allows familiar caregivers to continue serving residents they know so well. Assisted living team members from Freeman Regional Assisted Living will continue providing care at the Villages and Oakview Terrace.

Freeman Regional Assisted Living, which has operated within the former Salem Mennonite Home building, will move operations by the end of the summer. Future plans for the building will be prayerfully and thoughtfully considered in the months ahead.

“The Salem Mennonite Home building has faithfully served generations of residents, families, and caregivers,” Unruh said. “The people who lived and worked there created a legacy of compassion, faith, and service that FRHS is honored to carry forward.”

Honoring the Salem Mennonite Home Legacy – A Message from CEO Courtney Unruh
For generations, the Salem Mennonite Home has been woven into the story of our community. It has been far more than a building – it has been a place of faith, service, family, friendship, and care. For many, it was simply home.

We are planning a time to celebrate this ministry and legacy by sharing memories and honoring those who generously contributed over the years. Please watch the Freeman Courier for an announcement next month.

As we continue Freeman’s healthcare journey, we carry forward the responsibility of continuing the Salem Mennonite Home’s tradition of exceptional care while creating new places for our neighbors to call home. This is a tender time of transition where we can move forward with compassion, careful planning, and your support.

We invite you to join us on this journey – beginning with these new assisted living opportunities and continuing toward a new healthcare campus that will strengthen care, expand services, and support our communities for the next 75 years. Together, we can honor the past, celebrate the present, and build tomorrow together.

Sincerely,
Courtney Unruh, CEO/Administrator

P.S. While buildings and campuses may change over time, our mission and commitment to the people who call FRHS home—our residents, patients, families, employees, and communities —remain the same.

It is our mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care for all ages to positively impact the lives, health, and wellness of our patients, residents, employees, and communities.

For our Attitude Award, some of the things we look for are: demonstrating a welcoming & cheerful presence, being courteous and understanding, and considering each encounter a privilege to make a positive impact. Congratulations, Audra, this is a well-deserved honor for all you do!

For our Respect Award, some of the things we look for are: listening attentively without interrupting, interacts with honesty and sincerity to build trust and is accountable to others in work and actions. Congratulations, Kim, you’re commitment to FRHS, our patients and residents is impressive and we thank you!

For our Excellence Award, some of the things we look for are: goes above and beyond in duties and interactions, and represents FRHS positively. Congratulations, Cary, you check off all these items and more! Thanks for getting it all done!

Well-child exams provide a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s overall health and development and often include everything needed for a sports physical—plus much more. These visits help ensure children are healthy, up to date on immunizations, and ready for a successful school year.

Upcoming clinic dates include:

• Freeman: July 15, 22 and 29
• Marion: July 14
• Menno: July 14
• Bridgewater: July 16

Appointments may be scheduled at any of Freeman Regional’s four Rural Medical Clinic locations by calling 605-925-4000.

A well-child exam offers several benefits beyond a standard sports physical, including:

• Complete head-to-toe examination, including vital signs
• Review of allergies and medications
• Review and administration of recommended immunizations
• Evaluation of medical and social history
• Education on healthy lifestyles and behaviors
• Sports participation clearance when needed

Many well-child exams are covered by health insurance, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for families.

Students are encouraged to bring:

• A parent or guardian for consent
• Completed school or sports physical forms (if applicable)
• Insurance card for well-child exams

Sports physicals are available for $30 cash on the day of service and are not billed to insurance.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 605-925-4000.

Designed for youth ages 11–16, this educational program will provide participants with the skills and confidence needed to become responsible and capable babysitters. As families throughout our communities continue to seek qualified childcare providers, this training offers young people an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical skills while preparing for future babysitting opportunities.

The clinic will cover a variety of important topics, including:

• Caregiving and Safety
• Age-Appropriate Activities
• Diapering and Feeding
• Basic First Aid and CPR
• Nutrition Basics
• And More

“Reliable babysitters are an important resource for families, and this clinic helps equip youth with the skills they need to provide safe, responsible care,” said Kayla Pavel, FRHS Clinical Nurse Educator. “Participants will leave with practical knowledge that can help them feel confident and prepared when caring for children.”

The cost to attend is $25 per participant. Students should bring a sack lunch.

Pre-registration is required, and participation is limited to ensure a quality learning experience. Interested families are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot.

Click here to register your child today!

“We are grateful to have the Freeman Community Foundation partner with us in supporting the senior living needs of our community,” said Amanda Mettler, Assistant Administrator of Assisted Living and Long-Term Care. “Village residents are anticipating the addition of assisted living services, and we remain on track to launch those services this summer.”

FRHS extends its sincere appreciation to the Freeman Community Foundation and its generous donors for supporting its mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care for all ages and to positively impact the lives, health, and wellness of patients, residents, employees, and communities.

In recent years, Freeman Community Foundation grants have supported several important projects across FRHS, enhancing patient care, caregiver safety, and clinical services:

• Emergency Department: Funding helped purchase the AIRVO oxygen therapy system, which provides high-flow oxygen support for patients experiencing shortness of breath, asthma exacerbations, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Nursing Home: Grant funding provided a bath lift chair, enabling caregivers to safely and efficiently assist residents in and out of the bathtub while improving comfort and reducing the risk of injury.
• Surgery Department: Support from the Foundation helped acquire a colonoscope and a Drager patient monitoring system, which continuously tracks vital signs during colonoscopy procedures, enhancing patient safety and quality of care.

These investments reflect the Freeman Community Foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening healthcare in Freeman and ensuring that high-quality care remains close to home.

“Strong communities are built through collaboration and shared investment,” said FRHS CEO Courtney Unruh. “The Freeman Community Foundation, along with the Freeman Development Corporation, the Freeman City Council, local business leaders, and many dedicated residents, all play an important role in helping Freeman thrive and ensuring that quality healthcare remains available for future generations.”

Participants will learn essential lifesaving skills, including CPR techniques and basic first aid response for common medical emergencies. The course also fulfills daycare training requirements, making it an excellent opportunity for those working in childcare settings.

“This training helps equip individuals with the confidence and knowledge to step in when every second counts,” said Kayla Pavel, FRHS Clinical Nurse Educator. “Whether you’re caring for children, supporting family members, or simply want to be prepared, these are valuable skills for everyone.”

The class is open to the public. Registration is required as space is limited to 18 attendees.

To register, email kayla.pavel@freemanregional.com

The daughter of Ross and Amy Glanzer, Kadyn is actively involved in a variety of school activities, including athletics, FFA, Student Council, and the Mentor/Mentee Program.

When asked for recommendations, Kadyn was described as passionate, confident, driven, and hard-working. One reference noted she is a “shining star” among her peers, consistently demonstrating dedication to both her goals and those around her.

Kadyn will attend South Dakota State University this fall, where she plans to pursue a degree in nursing. Her long-term goal is to continue her education and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

This scholarship reflects Freeman Regional’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our goal is to empower students like Kadyn to achieve their educational aspirations and make a positive impact in the field of medicine. We congratulate Kadyn on this achievement and are honored to support her journey toward making a difference in healthcare.

For our Attitude Award, some of the things we look for are: demonstrating a welcoming & cheerful presence, being courteous and understanding, and considering each encounter a privilege to make a positive impact. Congratulations, Wendy, this is a well-deserved honor for all you do!

For our Respect Award, some of the things we look for are: listening attentively without interrupting, interacts with honesty and sincerity to build trust and is accountable to others in work and actions. Congratulations, Tim, you’re commitment to FRHS, our patients and residents is impressive and we thank you!

For our Excellence Award, some of the things we look for are: goes above and beyond in duties and interactions, and represents FRHS positively. Congratulations, Carmen, you check off all these items and more! Thanks for getting it all done!