LutherCare Communities Turns 70
Luther Care Communities celebrated its 70th anniversary on June 11, 2025. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from the last 70 years. Check back often as we continue to update our timeline.
This photo shows members of the founding Board of Directors, as well as two of the first employees. Left to right: Rev. Knut Bergsagel, Superintendent/Chaplain; Harry Jensen; O.K. Jacobsen; Rev. M. A. Dahlen; Rev. J. B. Stolee, President; J. T. Dahle, Secretary; Sister Marie Weiks, Matron; and Lila Storaasli.
The sod for the new home was officially broken on April 5, 1954. Cost of construction totalled around $200,000. Funding came from donations, a 20% grant from the Saskatchewan government, and a loan from the church.
The first six residents moved into Lutheran Sunset Home on March 28, 1955. They were: Andrew Thorstad, Rev. C. L. Jothen, Erling Halvorsen, Sigrid Hauge, Sophia Larson, and Anna L. Tjosvold. Located at 1212 Osler Street, the Home offered retirement living in a Christian atmosphere for 58 guests. Rev. Knut Bergsagel served as the first Superintendent and Chaplain.
The capacity of Lutheran Sunset Home was increased by 63 beds, including 43 for nursing care as needs of residents developed. The new nursing wing cost $265,000 to build, which was assisted by a 20% grant from the provincial government. This was the beginning of LutherCare Communities’ Continuum of Living™, allowing residents to remain within the familiar and supportive community at Lutheran Sunset Home as their needs changed.
Despite ongoing legal challenges, the Board authorized the pouring of foundation pilings for Luther Tower before the building permit expired on June 21, 1975.
Legal challenges to the construction of Luther Tower went all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada, which ruled that the building permit was valid and construction could proceed. Total cost for the building and furnishings was $6.123 million. Funding included a 20 percent grant from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and a 10 percent grant from Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC). Lutheran Sunset Home contributed eight percent, primarily through fundraising, with the remainder financed through CMHC.
Lutheran Sunset Home purchased the Richmond Heights School property from the Saskatoon Public School Board for $151,127.
Luther Seniors Centre opened in the former Richmond School on Alexandra Avenue, providing a pioneering day program for up to 20 adults with dementia.
The 30-unit Luther Family Housing opened on Heritage Way, Saskatoon, providing housing for families in partnership with Saskatchewan Housing Cooperation.
The 120-suite Luther Heights opened on Alexandra Avenue in Saskatoon on the former Richmond School playground. Luther Heights offers 70 life lease suites and 50 affordable rental suites, in partnership with Sask Housing.
Lutheran Sunset Home bought the 52-suite Trinity Tower in Estevan. It also offers a combination of life lease and affordable rental suites in partnership with Sask Housing.
In partnership with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services, the first group home was opened for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities.
Lutheran Sunset Home built the new, 33-suite Luther Place in Outlook.
The organization adopted the operating name of LutherCare Communities to reflect its growth in terms of services and geographic locations.
The 15-bedroom Luther Tower Intermediate Care Home opened at 1230 Temperance Street. Intermediate care extends LutherCare’s Continuum of Living by serving seniors who are unable to live on their own, but who don’t qualify for long-term care.
LutherCare assisted in the development of the 155-suite Luther Riverside Terrace at 915 Saskatchewan Crescent West. Since then, LutherCare has managed the Terrace on behalf of the private owners.
The dementia care unit at Luther Special Care Home was renovated to create the smaller and more home-like Temperance and Munroe Neighborhoods. Pictured is CEO Bernie McCallion and his successor, Vivienne Hauck, with their renovation plans to the dementia care unit at LSCH.
LutherCare Communities’ Seniors’ Housing and Community Services divisions received a full three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). LutherCare’s services are now fully accredited, since the Health Services Division is accredited by Accreditation Canada through the Saskatoon Health Region.