A Faith-Based Senior Living Community

West Bend has been home to Cedar Community for 70 years.

Cedar Community is located on five campuses on over 550 total acres, with more than 900 residents, nearly 400 team members, and 300+ volunteers. Over the years, the diligence and dedication of many people has made us one of the preferred faith-based senior living communities in Wisconsin.Learn more about our mission, guiding principles, leadership team, and vibrant history below.

Mission & Ministry

Cedar Community is a not-for-profit Wisconsin senior living community where our residents enjoy, explore, and embrace their best lives. Our natural settings, faith-based mission, and high-quality services afford seniors the opportunity to live a more purposeful, fulfilled life among family and friends. We have senior living facilities for those 55 and better in West Bend, Wisconsin.

Our ministry program offers opportunities to worship in large and small gatherings, work with others in
fellowship and prayer, explore spirituality and diversity, and enjoy the blessings of all faith traditions. Cedar Community works in partnership with all faiths and area congregations for our residents. Together, our team members, residents, and volunteers live out the mission of Cedar Community each and every day.

Guiding Principles and Priorities

To model Jesus’ love by creating life-enhancing relationships, services, and environments.

Cedar Community's community, team, quality, and responsibility.

We do this by building respectful relationships, creating welcoming environments, and fostering wellbeing of body, mind, and spirit.

We do this by respecting, appreciating, and valuing every team member while fostering engagement, wellbeing, and growth.

We do this by delivering compassionate healthcare, life-enhancing programs, and best-in-class services.

We do this by honoring our commitments to our stakeholders, fulfilling our fiduciary obligations, and respecting our environments.

Board Members

*Denotes executive committee of the board of directors

Joe Carlson, Chair*

Retired Chief Executive Officer Lakeside Manufacturing

Chuck O’Meara, Vice Chair*

Retired Senior Managing Director Ziegler Companies

Tom Ross, Treasurer*

Retired Chief Credit Officer Ziegler Companies

Joan Adler, Secretary*

Retired Executive IBM

Sheri Katzer, RN

Director of Acute Care Services Froedtert Health

Rev. Erik Kirkegaard

Pastor Peace United Church of Christ

Mike Wisnefske

Retired President & Owner West Bend Machine Works, Inc

Chris Zwygart

Senior Vice President & Chief Legal Officer West Bend Mutual Insurance

Executive Team Members

Nicole Pretre

President & Chief Executive Officer

Sarah Malchow

Chief Administrative Officer

Tracy Blaubach

Vice President of Human Resources

Kelli DERuyter

Administrator/Vice President of Clinical Services

Jen Fullhart

Vice President of Assisted Living

Julie Jennings

Vice President of Spiritual Care and Wellbeing

Joe Pichler

Vice President of Finance

Todd Miller

Vice President of Facility Operations

Milestones & History

1950s: The Beginning

The story of Cedar Community starts in the early 1950s. Aging bachelor farmer William Koehl generously donated his property overlooking West Bend’s Big Cedar Lake to the United Church of Christ (UCC) in 1953, with a vision to serve the elderly. Four years later, in 1957, Cedar Community opened its first nursing home at this location, laying the foundation for what would become a leading faith-based senior living community in Wisconsin. 

1957–1991: The Riesch Era

The growth and expansion of Cedar Community was greatly guided by Executive Director Rev. Louis Riesch. Under his stewardship, the Cedar Lake Home grew over the next 35 years to provide as many as 415 skilled-care nursing home beds. Rev. Riesch was nationally recognized as a pioneer in aging services.In 1976, he created one of the nation’s first nursing facilities dedicated solely to the unique needs of those suffering memory loss. A decade later, Cedar Valley Retreat Center was opened on 100 acres in nearby Kohlsville, along with Cedar Ridge, a 312-unit apartment complex for active and independent seniors. Rev. Riesch also supervised the development of four independent Village Home neighborhoods for active retirees and one of the nation’s first not-for-profit rehabilitation agencies. Riesch retired in 1991, and passed away in 2007, leaving behind a long-lasting legacy. 

1991–2016: The Jaberg Era

Rev. Riesch was succeeded by Steve Jaberg as Cedar Community’s CEO. Steve’s 24-year tenure was marked by expansion and innovation. Under Steve’s leadership, Cedar Community expanded assisted living and rehabilitation services, establishing itself as the region’s preferred provider for short-term rehab. In 2003, Cedar Community launched its home-based divisions.Four years later, in 2007, Steve directed expansion into Sheboygan County with Cedar Landing in Elkhart Lake, which offered both independent homes and assisted living apartments. By 2014, The Cottages at Cedar Run garnered national attention as an innovative assisted living home for those with memory loss. Steve retired in January 2016, after a distinguished tenure. 

2016–2021: The Olson Era

Steve’s successor, Lynn Olson, brought about transformative changes. He led renovations of several key Cedar Community facilities, including Cedar Bay West Assisted Living and Cedar Ridge Apartments.In addition, he spearheaded the rebuilding of the Learning Center, now known as The Cedar Lodge, following fire damage. Furthermore, he started the expansion of the new Cedar Ridge Homes project on the Cedar Ridge Campus in 2019. Lynn retired in May 2021, leaving an impressive mark on the organization. 

2021–Present: The Pretre Era

Nicole Pretre, formerly Cedar Community’s vice president of development, took over as CEO following Lynn’s retirement. Having served on the Cedar Community executive leadership team since 2015, Nicole led the rebranding of Cedar Community in 2017. She has been the executive editor of the award-winning Live More quarterly magazine, and was named the 2020 Chief Marketing Officer of the Year by the Milwaukee Business Journal.Nicole brings nearly 20 years of healthcare and senior living experience to her role as president and CEO. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Master of Science degree in gerontology and management of aging services from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. She is a Credentialed Professional Gerontologist (CPG), through the National Association of Professional Gerontologists. Nicole is leading strategic growth and partnership opportunities, repositioning services, diversifying revenue, and anticipating the future needs of Cedar Community, while staying true to its not-for-profit mission and guiding principles and priorities.