Bethesda Senior Living Care

Bethesda Senior Living Care is a non-profit organization, which has been caring for senior citizens in the Willmar and Twin Cities areas of Minnesota since its inception in 1897.

Originally built as a children's home out of a lutheran pastor's residential home, the center has expanded and adjusted its motivations to including assisted living care for senior citizens.^[1] The impetus for the establishment of this children's home came from Norwegian-American Rev. Nils Heggerness. The reverend saw a need for this facility after witnessing an instance of child abuse. He then opened his own home to dependent children, and began raising funds for a more permanent facility. The Willmar site was acquired in 1905, having originally been one hundred and sixty-four acres of farmland. It was dedicated by Rev. John Mattson.^[2]

Through the end of the American Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, domestic and international crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Bethesda Senior Living Care has persisted in its care and assistance for folks in need of its services.

^[1]The History of Bethesda care in Central Minnesota, Bethesda. Accessed January 19th, 2024. https://bethesdawillmar.com/about-bethesda/history/.

^[2]"Betheda Children's Home" article, undated, P0683, Box 3, Folder 2, Children's Homes, Norw. American Encyclopedia, Norwegian-American Historical Association, naha.stolaf.edu.