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HRMC Honors Miner and Gross at Annual Awards Celebration

January 14, 2021

Mickey Mouse 2020, Jen Gross — Mickey Mouse 2020 Winner, Jen Gross, RN
with Dawn Allen, RN vice president of patient services

Employee of the Year 2020, Tom Miner — Employee of the Year 2020
Tom Miner, PA-C

Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) honored employees for 740 years of combined service in addition to two employees for exceptional customer service skills at the hospital’s Employee Awards Presentation on Friday, January 8, 2021, at the Legacy Plaza Auditorium.

During the event, which was hosted at the hospital and online to accommodate social distancing, 38 employees from 19 departments were recognized for sharing their hearts and years of service, ranging from 5 to 40 years, with hospital patients. Employees in attendance enjoyed a meal while reflecting on 2020 and celebrating the care provided by all in attendance.

In addition to the service awards, HRMC recognized two employees with special awards. Tom Miner, who has worked as a certified physician assistant (PA-C) in HRMC’s emergency room for more than four years, was selected by the HRMC board of directors to be the 2020 Exceptional Employee of the Year from the 12 monthly exceptional employee candidates.

According to coworkers, “Tom is a true friend and coworker and has a special way of listening to what is said – while also looking for what is left unsaid,” the nomination continued. “He does his job professionally and courteously; making sure all questions are answered by confirming understanding and having a plan in place for the best outcome. Tom is very knowledgeable, kind and is very sensitive to the needs of patients and fellow employees.”

Miner earned a nursing degree from Huron University and graduated from the physician assistant program at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. Originally from Huron, he graduated from Huron High School and is the son of Hugh and Helen Miner. In his spare time, Miner enjoys hunting and spending time outdoors.

Receiving the 2020 Mickey Mouse Award was Jennifer Gross, who has worked as a surgical technician in the HRMC surgery department for more than 12 years. The Mickey Mouse Award began in 1989 in memory of Dr. David Buchanan whose uplifting personality and contagious smile were an inspiration to all that knew him. Each year, an HRMC employee who is dedicated to making people feel better in whatever they do is selected by their coworkers.
According to her coworkers, “Jen will not let a mask take away a smile – the joy she shares with a smile, although covered up, radiates and lights up the eyes and lives of each person she meets.,” according to one nomination form. “She has a very special way of making everyone feel valued and appreciated. Jen’s contagious laugh is both heartwarming and uplifting!”

Originally from Huron, Gross completed the surgical technician program at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, S.D. She is the daughter of Jackie Ochsner and Dan and Joani Ochsner and she and her husband, Kyle, live in Wolsey with their daughter Avery.

Other employees honored at the awards ceremony for service anniversary awards included:

5 Years

Sandi Johnson, Food Service
Stacy Johnson-Treib, Intensive Care Unit
Lauren Marquardt, Quality Risk Management
Lindsey McCaskell, Medical/Surgical Unit
Kristin Prtt, Physicians Clinic
Karen Quiram, Environmental Services
Chelsey Schroeder, Rehabilitation Services
Roxy Stienblock, Environmental Services
Lea Telkamp, Pharmacy
Candi Todd, Environmental Services
Dorajean Wipf, Rehabilitation Services

10 Years

Chessa Boomsma, Emergency Room
Jill Christiansen, Medical/Surgical Unit
Jackie Kleinsasser, Emergency Room
Tarryn Korkow, Surgery
Terry Wallace, Plant Operations

15 Years

Amy Gamber, Food Service
Michelle Hohn, Home Care
Kathy Holt, Business Office
Sam Janes, Surgery
Jenifer Kahre, Obstetrical Unit

25 Years

Lisa Kranzler, Obstetrical Unit
Debra Metter, Business Office

30 Years

Carla Brock, Home Care
JoAnn Jones, Business Office
Jeannie Keating, Obstetrical Unit
Sheila Renner, Laboratory
Cindy Thomas, Rehabilitation Services

35 Years

Diane Blue, Health Information Management
Peggy Gleich, Emergency Room
Nancy Hofer, Surgery
Dawn Johnson, Information Services
Emma Kranz, Intensive Care Unit
Bobbi Simons, Rehabilitation Services

40 Years

Carol Clement, Physicians Clinic
Sara Eckmann, Surgery
Sue Hedlund, Radiology
Jim Tapken, Respiratory Therapy

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