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Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Bill Sexton announced the recipients of the 2013 Employee of the Year Awards during the hospital’s annual recognition event. Cheri Everson was named the Supervisory Employee of the Year. Everson is a registered nurse, and she is the Clinical Coordinator in the Surgery Department. During the presentation, Sexton read some of the comments from her nominations recognizing her leadership skills, her work with patients and staff, and her efforts in planning for the new hospital. He read, “Cheri is a caring, compassionate RN, and she sets priorities to meet the needs of patients and surgeons. She has been a very strong patient and nurse advocate. She is committed to excellent care and demonstrates the values of the hospital and is a competent leader.”

Cheri Everson and her husband, Allan, reside in the Westby area. Her daughter, Sara Eggen, also of Westby, was able to attend the surprise presentation honoring her mother. When asked about her reaction to receiving the award, Everson shared, “I was surprised and humbled by the award. I am very lucky to have such a great staff to work with every day which makes my career so rewarding. I am very proud of being a member of the Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital organization.” Everson has been a member of the hospital’s team since 2011.

Cheryl McCune, Registered Nurse in the Nursing Department, was named Staff Employee of the Year. In addition to working on the Med/Surg Unit, she serves as ICU Coordinator. Sexton read from her nominations that complimented her dedication to her patients and to the hospital. Several of the comments read, “Cheryl is very passionate about educating the patient and she has developed wonderful fact mats to help teach the patient about their new diagnosis. She is an asset to our hospital team to bring service excellence to our patients and to help others do the same.”

Cheryl McCune said, “I am very honored and happy to have received the Employee of the Year Award. Nursing is a second career for me. I didn’t go back to nursing school until I was 42-years-old, and it’s so nice to be recognized for a certain degree of success in this field. I am also so excited about being able to combine both of my careers as a commercial artist and nurse to design some of the hospital’s educational material. I feel it’s the best of both worlds to be able to combine the two, and it’s a honor and privilege to work here at PdC Memorial Hospital.”

McCune has been employed at PdCMH since 2004; she resides in Prairie du Chien. Her husband, Rusty; her father, Everett Lockhart; and her sister, Gwen Silhacek; were in attendance.

Two employees were received with special recognition awards for their outstanding service - Dave Breitbach, Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and Todd Burkle, Pharmacist. CEO Bill Sexton recognized Dave Breitbach’s exceptional leadership as he helped in preparation for construction of the new hospital. Breitbach has been employed by the hospital for over 18 years. He shared, “I would like to thank everyone for all their best wishes. When we work together we succeed, I am very proud to be a part of such a GREAT team!” Vickie Breitbach was able to join the celebration surprising her husband. The Breitbach’s live in McGregor.

Todd Burkle has working at PdCMH since 2007. His outstanding service in the Hospital’s Pharmacy was recognized, as well as his dedication to patients. “I would like to thank everyone involved in choosing me for the special service award,” shared Todd Burkle. “It was a very nice surprise! I also want to say a big thank you to all my Pharmacy Department co-workers, past and present, as they have all been very important parts of our department, and have given me much help over the years. I enjoy all the people at PdCMH - it is a great place to work and help patients with their healthcare.” Patty Burkle was in attendance surprising her husband during the presentation. The Burkle’s live in Monona.

During the event program, 57 employees were presented years of service awards. Monica Shedivy and Ellen Zwirlein were recognized for 40 years of service. Awards for 35 years of service were presented to Rose Bauer, Dawn Ehlinger, Sandi Konichek, Sandy Nagle, Linda Schoulte and Peggy Sklenar. Employees recognized for 25 years of service included Terri Achenbach, Cathy Aspenson, Jean Blake, Ruth Colson, Laurie Ellefson, Laurie Fritz, Judy Hebel, Beth Henkes, Kathy Ihde, Ruth Klang, Diane Koth, Leanne Lessard, Sue Rider, Vicki Schutte, Rich Scott and Tom Wilkes.

Awards for 20 years of service were presented to Vickie Mundt, Julia Nelson and Barb Stagman. Six employees were recognized and presented an award for 15 years of service: Javier Alvarez, John Daane, Annette Kast, Bobbie Jo Kramer, Kim MacEachern and Nicole Martin. Recognized for 10 years of service were Mary Gibbs, Laura Konichek, Traci Konichek, Wanda Osolkowski, Karen Ries and Mary Sadewasser.

Employees honored for five years of services included Peggy Barton,Tim Clark, Stacey Colsch, Lauren Colson, Amy Donlon, Dr. James Gariti, Ben Harris, Heidi Hochhausen, Pam Kiesau, Ben Lange, Mandy Pettit, Monica Preston, Rachel Pruett, Chris Schwartzhoff, William Sexton, Kristi Shaffer, Cheryl Trentin and Karen Ulrich.