Gayle Goetzman’s memories of Winona Health begin when she was a young high school and college student making deliveries for Siebrect’s flowers. Every day after school, she’d drive the Siebrecht station wagon to Winona General Hospital and climb the front stairs to deliver flowers to patients. A wonderful lady named Edith Przybylski was the hospital phone operator in the 50s and 60s, and her husband, Ray, who was waiting to give her a ride when she got off work, would hold the door for me. Edith and Ray were the kindest people. I had no idea then that I’d end up meeting their son Bob and marrying him five years later! I am so grateful to have a local hospital. We are blessed our forefathers and mothers saw the need and worked to provide hospital and clinic services for the Winona population from early on. My mother, Gertrude Goetzman Abts, was in the wonderful care of the skilled staff at Roger Metz Manor. I ate lunch with her there every Sunday for three years. Dear memories! Dr. Broghammer and the staff at Winona Health saved my life many times, including when they discovered I had breast cancer. So many precious nurses have worked tirelessly to keep me alive and to heal. I have always had great care at Winona Health. I am eternally grateful for these skillful workers. When Dr. Hanson did surgery on my foot, the staff knew I operated a horse ranch. I arrived early and they had put up several horse posters and a sign welcoming me to the room! I felt so honored and happily thankful! I’ll never forget. I cherish this opportunity to share my memories! Based on notes and conversation with Gayle Goetzman-Stolpa of Winona. Gayle, who married Ben Stolpa in May, is a youthful 80-year-old with long auburn hair and a quick smile. After a 36-year teaching career at area elementary schools, she is a life-long learner and educator and is still busy running her Big Valley Ranch riding stable and being involved in many community activities.
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