Iola Stark - Celebrating 25 Years of Calling Alexandria's Bethel Manor Home

Iola Stark of Alexandria is proudly celebrating 25 years of calling Bethel Manor home. In fact, she was one of the very first residents to move into Bethel Manor II. She often visited a friend who lived in Bethel Manor I and admired it. When she learned that Bethel Manor II was to be built, she immediately signed on to live there and moved into her residence, which overlooks scenic Lake Winona.

When you talk with Iola, who will be 94 in December, you cannot help but feel good. She simply exudes cheer. Her daily outlook is all the more impressive when you learn the tragedy she was dealt at age 32. Living on a farm near Hoffman, Minn., her husband contracted polio in 1944. He died within days of being diagnosed. He was only 35. Iola was left to raise two young children, son Mervin and daughter Javane.

In a world ravaged by WW II, and without her soul mate, Iola endured and kept moving forward. She eventually moved to Alexandria, where she worked at the Alexandria Clinic for 23 years. Even after retiring at age 68, Iola didn't really "retire." She has been a constant presence at Bethany Home helping to organize activities for residents and volunteering at Bethel Manor.

"Iola is truly a gift," says Wendy Halbe, housing manager at Bethel Manor. "All of us here feel very fortunate that she calls Bethel Manor and Ecumen 'home.'

Iola's influence is spreading to other generations. She has five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and this year was blessed with a great-great granddaughter. She enjoys traveling to the Twin Cities to spend time with them.

Congratulations, Iola! And thank you!