Sixty years ago, the doors opened and a story of care, community and connection began.
In 1966, Bethel Home welcomed its first residents, bringing to life a vision that had begun several years earlier around the shared tables of thirteen Lutheran churches in the Oshkosh area.
Those congregations believed elders deserved more than simply a place to live. They deserved a community where they could continue to experience purpose, joy, dignity and belonging.
United by faith, compassion and a commitment to serving others, the churches came together to officially incorporate Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh in 1963. Three years later, Bethel Home opened its doors and welcomed the first residents into a community created especially for them.
It was the beginning of something much bigger.
Rooted in Faith
The thirteen founding congregations were:
- All Saints Lutheran Church
- Calvary LutheranChurch
- Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church
- First English Lutheran Church
- Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
- Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
- Peace Lutheran Church
- St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church
- St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
- St. John’s Lutheran – Nekimi
- Trinity Lutheran Church
- Zion Lutheran Church – Appleton
- Zion Lutheran Church – Oshkosh
Their partnership created the foundation for a ministry that would continue growing alongside the needs of elders and families throughout the community.
From One Home to a Community
Over the decades, Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh, now Miravida Living, grew from a single home into a vibrant senior living community.
Each new building and service represented another chapter in that story and another opportunity to support elders through the many seasons of aging.
1966 • Bethel Home
Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation
1972 • Simeanna Apartments
62+ Independent Living
1985 • Carmel Residence
55+ Retirement Community
1994 • Elijah’s Place
Memory Care
1997 • Gabriel’s Villa
Assisted Living & Respite
2010 • Eden Meadows
Rehabilitation & Green House Homes
Today, Miravida Living offers retirement living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing and wellness-centered support. While the organization has grown and changed considerably since 1966, the heart behind it remains remarkably familiar.
The Heart Behind the Mission
At Miravida Living, caring for elders has always meant more than meeting needs. It means helping people continue to live with purpose, joy, connection and dignity.
That commitment is reflected in the beliefs that guide our community today:
We love others.
We live joyfully.
We cultivate peacefulness.
We cherish patience.
We choose kindness.
We exemplify faithfulness.
We commit to gentleness.
We employ self-control.
These beliefs come to life every day through relationships. They can be found in moments of laughter and worship, in friendships formed around a table, in the patience of a caregiver, in the kindness of a neighbor and in the countless ways residents, families, team members and volunteers care for one another.
60 Years of Living the Mission
This year, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of welcoming our first residents, we also celebrate everyone who has become part of the Miravida Living story.
In 2026, we’ll look back at the people, places and moments that shaped our first six decades. We’ll share memories, reconnect with our history and celebrate the community that continues to carry this mission forward.
Because while much has changed since those first residents walked through the doors of Bethel Home in 1966, the reason those doors opened has not.
To create a place where elders are valued, relationships matter, love leads and life continues to be lived fully.
And 60 years later, that story is still being written.