Waukon Legends Leave Lasting Legacy for Local Health Care

By Beth Shafer, Growth and Development Coordinator

Veterans Memorial Hospital & Clinics

Over the past eight months, the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation has been touched by the generosity of the Quandahl family, through gifts given in memory of Ozzie and Phyllis Quandahl and the Osmund Quandahl Charitable Unitrust. Phyllis passed away on July 1, 2025, followed by Ozzie on December 7, 2025. The outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and even those living far away was truly overwhelming.

When Phyllis passed, Ozzie matched the memorial gifts already received in her honor and even treated hospital staff to a pizza party to show his gratitude for the exceptional care he and Phyllis had received. Ozzie didn’t just send the pizza—he, his daughter, Julie and granddaughter, Jill, joined the staff in the lunchroom, sharing stories, smiles, and a genuine sense of community.

Reflecting on their parents and grandparents, the family shared, “We were truly blessed by the loving care both Grandma and Grandpa received in their final days with us.  The staff not only cared for them, but also for our family as we shared those last moments together.  Our grandparents believed in working hard and giving back to their community and that love and generosity continue to live on in our family with each new generation.”

In conversations with Ozzie and their daughter, Julie, the family expressed that they wanted their gift to go toward something the hospital truly needed. After considering several options, they chose to help fund a LIFEPAK monitor/defibrillator for one of the hospital’s ambulances—a piece of equipment that was recently purchased, thanks in part to their generosity.

In early January, Julie Schulte called the Foundation with more good news. Ozzie had established a unitrust, and upon his passing, the remaining assets would go to a charity. Since the original beneficiary no longer existed, the family directed the funds to the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. In total, the Quandahl Family has contributed over $30,000 to support local health care. While the trust funds have not yet been designated for a specific project, Julie shared, “Use it for what you think is best for Waukon.”

Beth Shafer, Growth and Development Coordinator for the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation states, “The Foundation is profoundly grateful to the Quandahl Family for their generosity, thoughtfulness, and the enduring legacy they leave for our community. Their gifts not only strengthen local health care—they inspire all of us with the power of kindness and community spirit.”

For more information on leaving a legacy, please contact Beth Shafer at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.