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.