Patti Schwenke named Sidney Health Center Extended Care Resident of the Year

SIDNEY — On Wednesday, March 18, the Sidney Health Center Extended Care staff named Patti Schwenke the Resident of the Year for 2025.

An annual tradition spanning over a decade, all residents of six months or more are eligible to be voted on by staff as facilitated by the Sidney Extended Care Activities Board. The staff looks for resident engagement with staff, engagement with the community, and willingness to participate in events as some of the ample criteria that landed this award in Schwenke's hands this year. Her family was in attendance as a celebration ensued, coincidentally enough on her birthday.

Schwenke has been an integral part of the Extended Care community since November 2024, embodying the kindness, compassion and respect that the annual mantle is meant to recognize.

Staff members describe her as someone who is always welcoming to others and makes people feel comfortable and included. She is always willing to lend a helping hand whenever she can and treats everyone with kindness and respect. Her positive attitude and friendly nature help make the Extended Care community a warmer and more welcoming place for both residents and staff.

Schwenke was born in Glendive and grew up with her siblings, Richard, JoAnne and Emagene. She graduated from Savage High School before attending beauty school in Miles City.

In 1971, she met Robert “Bob” Schwenke, and the two soon married, beginning their life together as an Army family. They were first stationed in Germany, where their son Bobby was born and Patti worked in a hat factory. Later, they moved to Tacoma, Washington, where their daughter Tami was born. Following Bob’s retirement from the Army, they settled in Sidney, where their youngest daughter, Angela, was born, completing their family.

She is a proud grandmother and great-grandmother who treasures time spent with loved ones. Schwenke is also known for her talent in bead work, creating beautiful jewelry and keepsakes to share with family and friends. And now, she has a Resident of the Year plaque as a keepsake of her own.