Rooted in Generations of Support

Within the foundation’s family are dozens of traditional families, some spanning several generations, who depend on Stoughton Hospital for high-quality healthcare and in turn support the hospital with monetary contributions and gifts of their time and talents.

Cal & Audrey Schneller’s family is a prime example.  For years, the Schnellers have depended on Stoughton Hospital.  The family has donated generously over the years, including gifts of stock to the Hospital Foundation.

“My husband received such good care during his surgery and recovery that we look for ways to contribute to the hospital,” Audrey says.

Becky Greiber, daughter of Cal & Audrey, has donated hours of volunteer service at the hospital.

The third generation of the Schneller family is represented by Cal & Audrey’s granddaughter, Jennifer Greiber, who is now a nurse after receiving a scholarship from the Stoughton Hospital Foundation. 

Here are several generations of a family connected to Stoughton Hospital.  The Schnellers have supported the hospital with charitable donations and by volunteering their time, which is equally important. 

Tribute to a Medical Pioneer

Dr. Rodney K. Peterson, who practiced family medicine in Stoughton for more than three decades, was a healthcare pioneer in many ways. His daughter, Deni Svendsen, who worked in his office in the 1960’s remembers that married UW students would come to Stoughton Hospital because they wanted to take advantage of the natural childbirth techniques he advocated.

When Dr. Peterson passed away, his family requested memorials in lieu of flowers to Stoughton Hospital. “Stoughton Hospital was where he did his work. “His patients, his practice and his heart were in the community of Stoughton,” Svendsen shared.

Memorials were dedicated to the Diagnostic Center. As a breast cancer survivor whose grandmother died of the disease, Svensen says she and her family are pleased that the tributes are supporting such a worthy cause.

A Legacy to the Community

Before Myrtle Volenberg Schumacher died, she took stock of a life well lived and what she appreciated most.  Myrtle valued her upbringing, her education, her travels, her family and her community. 

She created a legacy with her bequest by arranging for a gift (trust) that will keep on giving to Stoughton Hospital Foundation and its community. 

Her sister, Edna, shares, “I think she just appreciated how Stoughton Hospital has grown over the years and provided such a good service to everyone.  She thought it was an important part of the community.”