Our History

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Our History

There are some who dare to dream dreams and make a difference.

    Jacob Rummel and Emilie Dow, both of whom individually dared to envision the creation within
    the city of Sioux Falls of a new type of community, one that would serve the needs of those of
    advancing years. Both embodied their visions in their wills.

So it was that in 1958, after the death of Jacob Rummel, the Rummel Memorial Home was incorporated by five trustees named by Jacob Rummel. The original 9 ½ acre site located in the airport addition on the city’s north end, was purchased from the City of Sioux Falls. Another bequest, from the estate of Mathilda Rummel, made possible the initial building of 29 self-care units and 12 infirmary rooms that were completed in 1962. The retirement community concept was in its infancy, and thus the first years were lean. In 1964 the United Church of Christ agreed to partner with Rummel Memorial Home. The conference loaned money to Rummel Memorial Home, which was later repaid and, at the same time, several UCC members joined the board of trustees to provide their support and guidance alongside the original trustees.

    In 1966 the Baron and Emilie Dow Home was incorporated for the purpose of acquiring and maintaining
    a home for the aged using funds received as a bequest from Emilie Dow.The board of Dow Rummel
    included representatives from Calvary Cathedral Episcopal, Good Shepherd Episcopal, and Northwestern
    National Bank. After numerous meetings, the Dow and Rummel Boards agreed to combine their efforts, with
    Dow Board members coming on to the Rummel Board of  Trustees. This merger, which created Dow
    Rummel Village, also included the construction of the Dow Wing on to the  facility (the Rummel Wing) that
    already existed.

    Among its residents, allegiance to the village has always
    been strong. The 1986 bequest of long-time resident Eva
    Allen was used to construct  the Allen Wing, the village's
    health care center.

Over a twenty year period, 6 cottages were built adjacent to the main building. These cottages contain 17 garden type apartments, both one and two-bedroom. One cottage was sold and removed to make room for the addition of the health care center and later another cottage wassold to allow for a new dining room to build for the health care center.

    In 1992 the Board of Trustees set up an Endowment Fund, proceeds from this fund are used to
    help those residents who find themselves in need of financial assistance. Any gifts or
    memorials received are to be added to this fund. Gifts and memorials are tax deductible to the
    donors.

    In 1992 the construction of a 3-story apartment building was completed and contains 24
    apartments: one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and deluxe two-bedroom. Also provided is an
    underground  heated  garage, dining room, and a guest room, which was once an exercise
    room. In 1994 the construction of a second 3-story apartment building was completed.

In the mid-1090’s, sisters Jewell Halladay and Laura Peterson chose to gift money during their lifetimes so they could see the construction of the award-winning chapel whose first service was on Easter 1997.

The Halladay-Peterson chapel is used on a daily basis for many events including Sunday
church services, special musical events and community  programs. In 1999 the property adjacent to the village to the west was  purchased and we began developing a master plan to expand our campus and services.

    In the fall of 2003 we opened the new Village West
    Apartments adding 59 new independent apartments
    to the campus. In February of 2004 the Village Center
    was completed, which brings Dow Rummel Village to a new level of premier retirement
    communities with the addition of a Wellness Center including an aquatic and therapy pools, clinic,
    Covell’s  dining room, deli and  travel center. In the Spring of 2005 our  Main Street shops including
    the Main Street Beauty Salon and  Barber Shop, Community/Game Room, First National Branch
    Bank, Main Street Shoppe and Library were opened.

The Raymond Roti Assisted Living Center was completed in January  of 2005 adding 35 assisted living apartments and in September of 2005 our 14 bed Ruth Rossow Memory Care Center was opened. We also opened our remodeled Rummel Wing in September of 2005 which includes 16 one bedroom apartments on the second and third floors.

After some remodeling of our Dow Wing we opened 2 new hospice suites in 2006.
This completes our campus as a Continuing Care Retirement Community with 113 independent apartments, 9 garden style cottages, 40 residential living apartments, 35 assisted living apartments, 14 memory care beds, 50 nursing home beds and 2 hospice suites. Over the 47 years of our existence we have grown from 41 units to 265 units. Now we are on to dreaming new dreams of the future growth of our campus.