Using loss to bring hope to others

Sioux Falls, S.D. – What do you do when you want to honor someone’s memory and make a difference? For Rochelle and Luke Odenbrett of Brandon, S.D., the answer was making a gift to the Good Samaritan – Prairie Creek.

“One of our interests in giving is because Luke's dad is also suffering from memory loss,” Rochelle said. “We just felt this was a good way to support others that are going through it.”

There is no cure for memory loss, but there are ways to help people as the conditions progress. Prairie Creek, located in Sioux Falls, S.D., has assisted living suites that are uniquely designed to support people with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias.

“My grandmother, Josephine, also spent her last few years in a nursing home suffering from dementia,” Odenbrett said. “I recognize the importance that compassionate caregivers play in helping these individuals and their family members cope with this horrible disease.”

A gift to Prairie Creek seemed like a good fit for the Odenbretts and a meaningful way to honor a loved one, Gary Odenbrett.

'Gary had such a love of life'

Gary Odenbrett, whose life was honored through the gift, passed away in late 2019.

Gary is a cousin to Luke Odenbrett's father. Luke's favorite memory of Gary was at a wedding when Gary and a group of family members broke out the banjo and accordion and started making music.

"Gary had such a love of life and lived life to the fullest," Rochelle remembers. Helping seniors live every day more fully is one of the core ideals of the Society, which makes the Odenbrett's gift to Prairie Creek all the more meaningful.

Rochelle has another connection to the Good Samaritan aside from the couple's gift; she is a senior executive director for the Sanford Enterprise Laboratory.  

“Since the merger of the Good Samaritan and Sanford Health, I have had the privilege of getting to know the leaders and caregivers at Good Sam,” she said. “I am so impressed by their passion for the work they do.”

You can join the Odenbretts in supporting the mission of the Good Samaritan at Prairie Creek or any location across the U.S. 100% of your gift will help the Society continue to deliver the highest levels of care to the residents and communities who count on us, no matter the circumstances.