Home Office in Elkhorn, NE: A Surprise 80th Birthday Party

Sandwiched into the agenda at the recent VHS Quality Symposium was an hors d’oeuvre hour that was set up as a guise for Jack’s surprise 80th birthday celebration. Three days before his actual birthday, July 25, the celebration was hosted by the VHS home office team. Some Vetter family members joined 120 others; the home office team, administrators, directors of nursing and Dr. Gifford, our guest speaker for the day, to celebrate with Jack at Indian Creek Club House. The day transitioned with “Life Well Lived”, a video about the moments and passions of Jack’s and Eldora’s lives.

At the conclusion of the video, Glenn asked Jack to join him at the podium. Jack was completely taken by surprise when Glenn and the group acknowledged his birthday and he noticed Eldora and members of his family standing in the back of the room. He was a bit overtaken with emotion as group gifts were presented: Camo outerwear by Sitka, in Elevated Forest pattern, the finest from Scheel’s, was handpicked by Todd for their upcoming moose hunt to Canada, late September into October. It also included a pair of Wetland Field Boots to wear for the hunt. Glenn presented a pair of beautiful custom made cowboy boots and a matching belt from the group, handmade by Luz Acoeta of Del Bravo Boots in El Paso, TX. The boots are horn back gator with a smooth ostrich shaft. “Oh myyy,” was Jack’s reaction. A basket loaded with cards from team members quality partners, missionaries, and friends was presented.

The party moved from the meeting room into the adjoining area, decorated with high floating red balloons on highboy tables draped with white tablecloths with red wraps at the column. Waiters passed throughout the party with great Hors de ourves. Most enjoyed a piece of chocolate or carrot cake made by the Cakery in Rockbrook.

Jack acknowledged God’s goodness in allowing him these 80 years and “often wonders why he was chosen for this special and incredible journey.” He sends his love along with a big thank you for the gifts, cards, sentiments and hugs he received to celebrate this special time.

The “Life Well Lived” video was compiled by Hudson Brown, Zack Mejias and Nathan York, students at American University in Washington D. C.

Submitted By: Julie Knobbe, Administrative Assistant, Vetter Health Services, Elkhorn NE