Washington Co., Wi – It was a dreary, cold September morning in West Bend, but inside Marian Thoma’s home, the day quickly became a little brighter. Nancy Mehring, with her husband, Jerry, close behind, arrived as part of Interfaith Caregivers’ Kindness Crew. The visit was simple: stop in, sit down, share a few stories and spend some time together.
But for Marian, those moments mean much more.
To kickstart the discussion Nancy brought a local publication, as a gift. Marian set out immediately to thumb through the pages to see who she recognized.
“I’m so thankful for them just giving their time,” Marian said. “They’re all busy people, and just to take the time to visit means a lot.”
Nancy and Marian quickly settled into conversation, trading stories and traveling down memory lane. There was laughter, a few familiar memories and plenty to talk about.
Click HERE to learn more about Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County
Marian knows the value of volunteering from her own experience. She volunteered for 26 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital, first at the former location and later after the hospital moved.
“I loved working at volunteering at the hospital,” she said. “The employees were so appreciative, and that’s really all it took. You just felt like, ‘Oh, I’m needed.’”
Today, Marian finds herself on the receiving end of that same kindness.
“I do get out. It isn’t like I’m a shut-in,” she said. “But I do appreciate them just coming.”
That is the heart of Interfaith Caregivers’ Kindness Crew. The volunteers may arrive thinking they are simply giving their time, but the visits often give something back to them, too.
Nancy talked about visiting with other seniors and how some volunteers will team up, visit the same people and then continue the conversation afterward.
“It’s really good because Interfaith says we’re doing this as a job,” Nancy said. “We think we get more out of it, just helping others.”
For Marian, the volunteers bring more than a visit. They bring stories, new friendships and a reminder that people in the community care.
“When I hear their story, they’re telling me something that’s happening in their life, I’m thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, they’re such busy people and yet they take the time to care for others.’”
That time matters.
A visit does not have to be elaborate. Sometimes it is a cup of coffee, a familiar story, a laugh about the past or simply knowing someone will stop by.
For the team at Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County, it’s showing up, listening and reminding someone they matter.
On a side note:
Marian and John married in 1955. She moved from Slinger to West Bend, Wi. John was a longtime driver for Interfaith Caregivers. A portion of his obituary, Sept. 22, 2015, is below courtesy Schmidt Funeral Home.
John was born April 25, 1930 to John and Rose Thoma. He grew up on the family farm on Mile View Road in the town of West Bend. He graduated from West Bend High School in 1948 and then worked for JC Penney. He joined the Army at age 21 and proudly served his country in the Korean War. When he returned to West Bend he began an electrical apprenticeship at Bauer Electric. He worked for a number of contractors and was a proud member of IBEW Local 494. He retired from Staff Electric in 1992.
John met the love of his life, Marian Gundrum, at a dance at the popular Gonrings on Big Cedar Lake. John and Marian celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past summer. Their greatest joy was time spent with family. They enjoyed traveling, playing cards, casino trips, dining out and their “breakfast club” with friends. He was also proud and grateful of his 43 years of sobriety.
Faith was the centerpiece of John’s life. He was a lifetime member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend where he served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. John was instrumental in the church’s St. Vincent DePaul ministry. John’s service and compassion to others was illustrated by being an active volunteer with St. Vincent DePaul for over 30 years. He drove for the Red Cross and Interfaith Caregivers, and delivered Meals-on-Wheels throughout the area.