Imagine navigating life against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, the Great Depression, two world wars, the Space Age, the Digital Age and many other historical events. The remarkable centenarians we serve at American Senior Communities possess a wealth of knowledge and are living historical treasures.
What a privilege it is to share their amazing stories and valuable advice. We invite you to scroll through this photo album honoring some of the wonderful Centenarians that we are honored to serve at ASC.
Catherine "Katie" Hennemann conquered COVID-19 the same year she turned 100! Her only child, Deanna, is 80, and the two are very close. They always are so positive and love spending time with their family!
Cecile Kirchner was a very active resident at Coventry Meadows, leading and participating in the daily activities whenever she could. She said there is no secret to her living a long life. She just lives each day doing what she enjoys. “I also think longevity runs in my family,” Cecile said.
Cedric Fowler turned 100 years on Election Day in 2016, but age is just a number to him. Right before his 100th birthday he flew on a Warbird and would do it again in an instant. Mr. Fowler was born in Waynestown, Indiana and served in World War II in the Army Air Corps. After the war, he and his wife of 77 years, Dorothy, settled in Southport, where Mr. Fowler spent his career as an organ repairman, working statewide in churches and homes. The couple have a daughter together and three grandchildren.
West Bend Nursing & Rehabilitation celebrated resident Chester Kozlowski’s 100th birthday on Monday, September 4.
Chester was born on September 4th in LaPorte, Indiana. He served in the United States Navy in World War II, where he traveled the world to countries like South America, Africa and beyond. After the war, he spent his career working in oil fields. He enjoyed playing sports and loves watching baseball and golf on television.
Clarence Towns was formerly an endodontist. Such dentists have additional training to specialize in endodontic therapy, which involves treating the inner tissue of teeth. He also taught at the University of Illinois. As a hobby, he was a marathon runner. He ran in the Boston Marathon but didn’t start this hobby until he was 71 years old. His secret to longevity is exercise and having a balanced diet.
Cora Lehe was the first resident of Brownsburg Meadows when the community opened. Born March 4, 1917 in Manistee, Michigan, Mrs. Lehe is a 1935 graduate of Remington High School. She is the widow of Raymond Lehe and has four children, 10 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.
Her hobbies are gardening, flower arranging and painting. She was formerly very active in her church and the Order of Eastern Star.
Cora Saxon enjoyed volunteering in her church, gardening, baking, dancing, playing bingo and writing letters. She worked in the family farming business before marriage after which she became a homemaker. Mrs Saxon said, “I used to follow my dad while he would take care of business. Mom was so busy, so this helped her out. I always looked forward to going with my dad. At the end of the day, he would buy me a candy bar. I’ve had a great life.” Her advice for a long life: “Trusting in God and keeping busy.”
Delores "Peggy" Burns celebrates her 100th birthday at Trailpoint Village. Peggy was born in Logansport, IN. She was married to George Collins for "too many years to remember," she said as she laughed. They had one son named Skip. Skip passed away three years ago. She was a school teacher at Swanson Elementary School for 25 years. She also loved doing housework and tending her garden. Her current favorite pastime is solving crossword puzzles and word searches. Peggy's advice for longevity is "Be a Christian," and go to church all the time.