Winona Health Volunteers celebrated for their caring, serving and giving
April 27, 2026
Heartfelt appreciation and plenty of laughter were among the highlights of the Winona Health Volunteers annual Recognition and Appreciation Celebration on Thursday, April 23 at Winona Health’s Lakeside Café.
During her welcoming remarks, Kris Walters, Volunteer Manager, emphasized the generosity of the Winona Health Volunteers, stating that, “Each of our volunteers represents the heart of this healthcare facility, bringing compassion, energy, and humanity into every corner of our work. From those who have generously given 100 hours to those whose dedication has reached an incredible 7,500 hours, their contributions are nothing short of inspiring. Every moment they’ve shared—whether offering a warm smile, guiding a patient, supporting families, or helping behind the scenes—has made a lasting impact.”
Winona Health Volunteers were recognized for their caring, serving and giving at a special event on Thursday, April 23 at Winona Health’s Lakeside Cafe.
To see more photos from the celebration event, visit the Volunteer Appreciation page.
This year, 40 volunteers received pins for achieving lifetime service milestones, from first-year volunteers who already contributed 100 hours to one volunteer, Mary Breza, who, in just 14 years as a Winona Health volunteer, has contributed 7,500 service hours. Walters commented on the generous gifts of time and talent contributed not only by those being recognized for service milestones, but by all volunteers.
By the numbers, in 2025, the Winona Health Volunteers welcomed 90 more community members to its ranks; volunteers contributed a total of 12,800 service hours; and presented a check for $40,000 from fundraising events, which will be used to benefit patients and residents at Winona Health. Their commitment to exceptional customer service reminds us that healing goes beyond medicine. It lives in kindness, patience, and the simple act of being present. Through the volunteers’ efforts in fundraising, they’ve strengthened our ability to care, grow, and serve even more people in need.
Walters stated, “What stands out most is our volunteers’ unwavering dedication— seven days a week, in all seasons, they show up with purpose and compassion. They embody what it means to give selflessly, expecting nothing in return yet giving so much.”
“Because of our volunteers, Winona Health isn’t just a place of treatment—it’s a place of comfort, hope, and community,” concluded Walters.
For more information about the Winona Health Volunteers, call 507.457.4342 or learn more at winonahealth.org/volunteer.
Volunteers recognized for milestone service hours:
100 Hours Gayle McRae Carol Paggi Kim Schaeffer Debbie Sheets Barb Tust Carol Voshage
300 Hours Jean Bellman Susan Benke Lori Beseler Beth Brault Debbie King Duella Murphy Bob Youngerman
500 Hours Roberta Bumann Jeanette Duellman Sue Fedor Pam Hentges Joan Lisowski
750 Hours Robbie Brown
1,000 Hours Julie Beth Marilyn Breza Pam Degnan Judy Piel Irene Smieja Marie Voegele
1,500 Hours Janice Brone Mary Lou Hooge
2,000 Hour Julie Johnson Mary Joyce
2,500 Hour Donna Sauers Gloria Siewert
3,000 Hour Jane Palmer Jaci Will
3,500 Hours Sandy Curtin Sandy Krueger Barb Pozanc Pat Quinn
6,000 Hours Donnis Noer
6,500 Hours Bev Keiper
7,500 Hours Mary Breza