Bio: Bakken, Dennis – Head of Colonial House (May 1972)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bakken, Schwitzgoebel

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 25 May 1972

Dennis Bakken, a state-licensed nursing home administrator, has been named to head Mid-American Nursing Homes’ Colonial House of Colby.

He replace Buz Schwitzgoebel, who is now managing a Mid-American home in Stevens Point.

Before coming to the 49 bed Colby facility, Bakken served as assistant administrator at the Marshfield Convalescent Center for one and a half years. Bakken has completed a 100 hour Wisconsin Department of Health Course in nursing home administration. He has also participated in several educational seminars and workshops related to his field.

“I’m especially happy to be coming to Colby at a time when the Colonial House is being enlarged,” Administrator Bakken said. “I’m anxious to be a part of the expanded health care and extra employment the building addition will bring to this area.”

Construction began recently ona 48-bed addition to the nursing home. When the facility is completed this fall, it is expected that 20 to 25 new employees will be added to the present staff of 35.

According to Bakken, plans also call for the present dining area to be doubled, and the activity room relocated and enlarged. The beauty parlor-barbershop will also be expanded. Kitchen facilities will be greatly increased.

He noted that an all-faith chapel with seating for 70 and ample space for wheelchairs will be built in the addition.

The new administrator, his wife, Peggy, and their 10-month-old daughter, Heather, presently reside in Marshfield. They plan to move to Colby in the near future.