Lutheran Homes of Michigan, Inc.

2004 Volunteers of the Year

Scroll through to read information about all our special Volunteers or click on the links below to go directly to the one you want to learn more about.

CLARIBEL KAMPRATH - LUTHERAN HOME - MONROE

Claribel Kamprath has been a blessing to the Lutheran Home - Monroe since 1991 when her mother became a resident. From that day forward, she has brightened the lives of residents and staff alike.

Claribel is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and serves her Lord with gladness, making quilts for world relief, visiting Trinity members, helping with church bulletins, and staying active in Bible Study.

Her future plan is to live in the new Lutheran Home - Monroe Creekside Village Apartments, where she can continue to serve her Lord all the days of her life. "My name has been on the nursing home list for a long time, one never knows when it will be a need in my life and I know I will receive love and kindness."

In 1995, Claribel developed a tumor in her inner ear attached to her brain stem and had extensive facial and head surgeries that left her deaf in one ear an almost blind in one eye. She returned to volunteer immediately and said, "At one time I would have been self conscious but I decided you are what you are and my looks aren't going to stop me. I thank God for the Lutheran Home and my many friends there."

And we thank God for you Claribel.

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LOIS EISCHER - LUTHERAN HOME - FRANKENMUTH

Lois Eischer began volunteering at the Lutheran Home - Frankenmuth in 1981. She has volunteered in the Day Break program and assisted on resident outings. Currently Lois is volunteering in the Supper Club program every Thursday, along with serving on the Lutheran Home Ladies Auxiliary Board.

There are so many words to describe Lois; compassionate, devoted, and spiritual are but a few to express how she lives her life and shares her talents with those around her.

Lois and her husband, Roy, reside in Frankenmuth and attend St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. They have four children Mark, Kurt, Louann, and Karen and enjoy nine grandchildren. In addition to her many duties at the Lutheran Home, Lois also assists with the St. Lorenz Mothers of Preschoolers program.

To merely say that Lois has made an impact on the life of our elders, visitors, and staff would not do justice to her generosity, time, and talents. She is a caring friend to all.

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ESTHER DOLETZKY - LUTHERAN HOME - LIVONIA

Esther Doletzky began volunteering at the Lutheran Home - Livonia the same day her husband, Fred, became a resident in April 2003. And to this day, Esther arrives at the Lutheran Home to help care for her husband, as well as other residents.

Esther enjoys assisting with bingo, meals, cooking, baking, clean up of activities, and assisting residents back to their rooms. In her spare time she likes to read and do crafts. She and her husband are members at St. John's Lutheran, Westland where she participates in many different organizations including: The Ladies Aid, Lutheran Missionary Society, & contact for African Medical Mission.

For over 15 years, Esther was a Lutheran elementary school teacher. She and Fred have three children, Jo, Beth, and Phil, as well as seven grandchildren. Esther and Fred celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2003.

We feel a formal thank you is in order for Esther. Volunteering every day of the year is above and beyond the call of duty. Esther displays a warm, caring and generous heart. We, at Lutheran Homes, are grateful to have such a dedicated and caring volunteer. Thank you, Esther for your service to all of the lives you have touched!

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GERRY FOURNIER - LUTHERAN HOME CARE AGENCY ~ HOSPICE OF HOPE

Since completing his hospice volunteer training in April of 2003, Gerry Fournier has been a very enthusiastic volunteer. In less than one year, Gerry has been involved with four different patients and their families. He has provided friendly companionship to patients in their homes as well as in the nursing home setting. He has also provided much needed respite for these patient's caregivers and families. His genuine care and compassion for our patients and their families is evident in the fact that Gerry has accepted assignments willingly and been flexible and generous with his time. An example of this is when Gerry had a patient who was discharged from hospice, he willingly stayed on with this patient and family for an additional three months, as part of our special Supportive Services.

Our patients and families are not the only ones benefiting from Gerry's volunteering spirit. He is involved in many community programs and organizations. He serves as a Stephen's Minister, volunteers at a weekly Bible Class for the mentally challenged, assists in weekly art classes at the Lutheran Home, and volunteers on a regular basis at the Frankenmuth Historical Society gift shop. There's no question: Gerry is an asset to us all!

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