Guardian Angels Blog

Angels in Action!

Guardian Angels • August 25, 2018

I remember many trips to the Guardian Angels Care Center to celebrate birthdays and Mother’s Day with my Grandma Schlechter. The whole family would be there. It was a large gathering. Those are really good memories! –Ron Stricker

For Ron and Gloria Stricker, Guardian Angels has always been a part of their family. Grandma Victoria Schlechter (Ron’s Grandmother) made her home here and brothers, sisters, cousins, and family from all over would join in celebrating birthdays and Mother’s Day. Gloria’s dad moved into Guardian Angels after living in Jamestown, ND for 90 years. “As difficult as the situation was, the move went well and Guardian Angels staff was amazing with him,” said Gloria with tears in her eyes. Currently, Ron’s mom Mary is living in a Guardian Angels community. “When you go there to visit your family, you see a whole generation of people who need care,” said Ron “Then you start to realize the significance of Guardian Angels in our community and the importance of ensuring they are able to carry out their mission of providing exceptional care to seniors and their families.”

Neither Ron nor Gloria grew up in wealthy families, but their families did teach them the importance of giving back. They are faithful church supporters, blood donors, and always look out and care for others. This is something Ron and Gloria passed on to their children.

“We obviously grew up with Guardian Angels always being a part of the Elk River community,” said Adam Horner. Adam and Kelli Horner are the daughter and son-in-law of Ron and Gloria Stricker. For Kelli, Guardian Angels was always part of holiday celebrations and trips to see her grandparents and even great-grandparents. Adam and Kelli then started coming to the Guardian Angels Spring Galas and soon realized the importance of sustaining this important mission. When the time came for the couple to create a will, it only seemed natural to include Guardian Angels in it as one of their beneficiaries. Kelli said, “Growing up, generosity was always modeled for Adam and me, and we want to set that same example for our children.”

Both the Stricker and Horner families wish more people would understand the importance of leaving a legacy gift because it’s so easy. Anyone, at any age or income level, can make a legacy gift and make a lasting difference in the lives of seniors through Guardian Angels. To make a difference with a legacy gift, contact Deb Weston at Guardian Angels at 763-635-4485 or visit our website at guardianangelsmn.org and click on Ways to Give.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share this post:

View More Posts

Guardian Angels Senior Services Honored with Multiple “Best of” Awards in 2026 Star News Recognition

March 30, 2026
We are thrilled to announce that Guardian Angels Senior Services has been recognized for excellence across multiple categories in the prestigious Best of Star News Awards 2026. This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and creating vibrant communities for seniors in the Elk River and Otsego areas. Award-Winning Communities Guardian Angels Riverview Landing in Otsego earned top honors in two categories: Best Memory Care Best Retirement Community Meanwhile, Guardian Angels By The Lake in Elk River was celebrated as: Best Assisted Living These accolades reflect the dedication of our staff, the quality of our amenities, and our person-centered approach to senior care across our communities. A Tradition of Excellence The Best of Star News Awards are determined by community votes, making this recognition especially meaningful as it comes directly from residents, families, and neighbors who have experienced the Guardian Angels difference firsthand.  At Guardian Angels, we believe senior living should embrace dignity, independence, and joy. From our specialized memory care programs to our vibrant retirement communities and compassionate assisted living services, our focus remains on enhancing the quality of life for every resident we serve. Looking Forward As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to continuing our tradition of excellence and innovation in senior care. We invite families throughout the community to visit our award-winning locations in Elk River and Otsego to experience the Guardian Angels difference for themselves. Thank you to Star News readers for this wonderful recognition, and most importantly, thank you to our residents and their families for entrusting us with their care.

Introducing Healthy Lifetime

March 23, 2026
Take the free HealthyLifetime® assessment and coaching to spot independence risks early and build a personalized plan to age well.

Engel Haus Wins 2026 Crow River News Reader's Choice Award for Best Senior Apartment Community

February 17, 2026
We’re thrilled to share that Guardian Angels Engel Haus has been named Best Senior Apartment Community in the Crow River News 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards. This honor is especially meaningful because it reflects the voice of our neighbors, residents, families, and friends who took the time to vote and share their support. What This Award Means Being recognized by the community underscores our ongoing commitment to quality, comfort, and connection. At Engel Haus, we strive to make every day easier, safer, and more enriching for our residents—while giving families peace of mind. What Sets Engel Haus Apart Resident-first approach: We listen, adapt, and personalize experiences so each person feels at home. Maintenance-free living: Thoughtfully designed apartments and common spaces that support comfort and independence. Engaging lifestyle: Social opportunities and life-enrichment activities that foster friendships and purpose. Caring team: Compassionate professionals dedicated to safety, wellness, and dignity. Community connection: A welcoming environment where families and neighbors feel part of something special. Thank You to Our Community To everyone who voted in the Crow River News 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards—thank you. Your confidence inspires us to keep raising the bar. We’re grateful to our residents and their families for trusting us, and to our team members for their incredible dedication. Looking Ahead This recognition energizes us to continue enhancing programs, services, and spaces that support vibrant senior living. We invite you to experience the Engel Haus difference for yourself. Interested in learning more or scheduling a tour? Contact our team to discover how Engel Haus can feel like home.

2025 Year in Review

February 12, 2026
See some of the stories, photos and numbers that helped make 2025 a special year at Guardian Angels.

La Dolce Vita Gala 2026

February 3, 2026
Join Us for our 2026 Gala on Saturday March 14th, 2026 from 5 PM - 9 PM

A Love Story at Riverview Landing

By Carlie Heinecke • December 9, 2025
A Love Story at Riverview Landing: How Mary Gray and Wayne Reistad Found Healing, Hope, and Each Other
Show More