WesleyLife Hospice and Palliative Care

06/15/2026

🇺🇸 Honoring Flag Day 🇺🇸
Yesterday was Flag Day—a time to reflect on the symbol that represents our nation and the freedoms we cherish.
Just the day before, during our annual Butterfly Release Memorial, each table was adorned with an American flag. 🦋 It was a meaningful touch, reminding us of the courage, sacrifice, and stories of those who have served our country—many of whom we have the privilege to care for and honor.
At WesleyLife Hospice, our commitment to the We Honor Veterans program allows us to recognize and express gratitude to the veterans and families we serve every day.
Each flag is more than a symbol—it represents lives of service, dedication, and love for country. We are honored to walk alongside our veterans, ensuring they are met with dignity, respect, and compassionate care.
❤️🤍💙 Always remembered. Always honored.

06/15/2026

WesleyLife Hospice Butterfly Memorial Release

The WesleyLife Hospice and Palliative Care team hosted its annual Memorial Butterfly Release, a celebration of life and remembrance, at Wesley on Grand in Des Moines today. Families and friends of those served by the hospice team in the past year gathered to share memories, prayer, music, and fellowship, followed by a group release of monarch butterflies.

In the words of Aimee Spores, director of WesleyLife Hospice and Palliative Care: “The release of the butterflies reminds us that although our loved ones may be gone from our sight, they live on and will always be a part of us.”

The annual memorial event is made possible each year by generous sponsors. This year, we extend gratitude to Boesen The Florist; the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm on the WesleyLife Meals on Wheels campus; and Clover Lawn butterflies. As always, we thank the WesleyLife Foundation team for their partnership.

Please take a moment to browse photos of meaningful moments from today’s ceremony. Then, if you have a loved one who you feel might benefit from hospice services or palliative care, please take a moment to learn more about the award-winning services our Hospice team provides at WesleyLife.org/hospice.

06/14/2026

06/13/2026

Yesterday, we recognized Women Veterans Day and would like to honor the women who have served our country with courage and dedication. 💙🇺🇸
Observed on June 12, Women Veterans Day commemorates the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, which allowed women to serve as permanent members of the U.S. military. While women have served in every conflict throughout our nation’s history, their service has not always been fully recognized—making this observance especially meaningful.
At WesleyLife Hospice, we are honored to care for both women and men Veterans. We are also proud to have a female Veteran on our hospice social work team, whose service and continued dedication reflect the values of compassion, strength, and commitment we strive to provide every day. Through our We Honor Veterans program, we recognize the unique experiences of women Veterans and ensure every Veteran is treated with dignity, respect, and gratitude.
To all women who served: thank you for your service and sacrifice.
💙 Want to help us honor Veterans? Consider volunteering with our We Honor Veterans program and make a meaningful difference.

06/12/2026

As we celebrate CNA Week, we’d like to recognize Tricia Dill, CNA, as this month’s Compassion Award recipient, selected by her peers.

Tricia’s kindness, dedication, and compassionate care make a difference every day for our patients, families, and team. We are grateful for all she does and proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations, Tricia! 💜

06/12/2026

💙 Happy CNA Week to the incredible Certified Nursing Assistants who make a difference every day! 💙

Your compassion, dedication, and gentle presence bring comfort, dignity, and joy to those we serve. Whether you’re offering a helping hand, sharing a smile, or simply being there during life’s most important moments, your impact reaches far beyond the tasks you perform.

At WesleyLife, we are grateful for the CNAs who embody our mission and help others pursue their joy, even during challenging times.

Thank you for the care you provide, the relationships you build, and the lives you touch each day. We celebrate you this CNA Week and every week. 💚

05/29/2026

Starting in July, a close adult friend can make end-of-medical decisions for someone who is unable to make them themselves under a new Iowa state law

05/29/2026

Today marks Rob Kretzinger’s final day as president and CEO of WesleyLife.

After nearly 30 years of leadership, including more than two decades as president and CEO, Rob concludes a tenure defined by vision, service, growth, and a deep belief in what aging can and should be.

Under Rob’s leadership, WesleyLife grew from five retirement communities serving about 1,000 people to Iowa’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit provider of health and well-being services for older adults, supporting more than 13,000 people each year. But his legacy extends far beyond numbers. Rob challenged us to confront ageism, think differently about health and well-being, protect what matters most, and continue evolving in service to those we support.

As we give thanks for Rob’s leadership, we invite you to read this tribute reflecting on his impact and the future he helped make possible.

Thank you, Rob, for your vision, faith, service, and unwavering commitment to WesleyLife.

A tribute to president and CEO Rob Kretzinger on his final day with WesleyLife.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
At WesleyLife At Home Hospice and Palliative Care, we are privileged to walk alongside many veterans and their families—listening to their stories, honoring their journeys, and ensuring they are cared for with dignity and compassion.
This Memorial Day, we remember their sacrifices and extend our gratitude to those who served and continue to serve. Your courage and legacy will never be forgotten.

05/21/2026

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