Our History

May 22, 1938

The Beginning

The need for a hospital began with an emergency on May 22, 1938. Seven people were seriously injured in a head-on crash near Waukon. The medical office of Drs. Rominger and Jeffries, located above what was recently Klenske Drug Store and is now Gemini Salon, was immediately furnished with beds so the seven victims could be “hospitalized.” The medical office continued to serve as the hospital.

A short time thereafter, Drs. Rominger and Jeffries expanded and began a maternity hospital in a gray framed house in downtown Waukon.

May 22, 1938

October 1st, 1950

The Vision

A few years later, the City of Waukon purchased the land for the construction of the first hospital in 1947. The hospital itself was completed and opened to the public on October 1, 1950. The hospital was named Veterans Memorial Hospital in honor of the Veterans who had served recently in both World Wars.

October 1st, 1950

Present Day

The Legacy

Improvements and efficiencies are always taking place at Veterans Memorial Hospital, but as stated by Mary Riley, RN, long time employee and known as the founding “mother” of the hospital, “You still get the best care here at Veterans Memorial Hospital. The building is incidental—it’s the people who are the important factor.”

Present Day

Our Mission

Veterans Memorial Hospital enhances the lives of those we serve by providing
an exceptional healthcare experience with compassion.

Our Vision

Veterans Memorial Hospital will be a premier health facility and a leader in fostering a healthy community through innovation, excellence, stewardship, and commitment to the people we serve throughout their lifetime.

VMH Offerings

VMH is made up of:
• A 25-bed critical access hospital
• 24/7 ER & Ambulance Coverage
• In-house CT, MRI, Mammography, Ultrasound, Bone Densitometry
• Services including Telecare, Outpatient, Surgical, Ancillary, Sleep Study, Laboratory, Consultations, Home Health