Gov. Evers, Secretary-designee Kolar Break Ground on New, State-of-the-Art Skilled Nursing Facility at King

KING — Gov. Tony Evers joined Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary-designee Mary Kolar today to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art 192-bed skilled nursing facility at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. The construction of the $80 million facility represents a historic investment in the campus that has served veterans and their family members since the Civil War.

“King has been a beautiful and important place for generations of veterans to live following their service to our nation,” Gov. Evers said. “I’m proud to be investing in King’s future. We are looking forward to serving Wisconsin’s veterans and their family members for years to come in this modern facility on this incredible campus.”

“We are proud to have earned a distinguished reputation nationally for our excellent safety record and highest quality of care ratings here at King,” Sec. Kolar said. “This new facility will usher in a new era of WDVA service to veterans and their families.”

The new building has been named the John R. Moses Skilled Nursing Facility. John R. Moses, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient who served as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs for 23 years, was devoted to serving veterans and dedicated to the making sure that King was a place that veterans can be proud to call home.

Moses Hall will have amenities that will create a home-like setting such as private rooms with views of Rainbow Lake. It will boast the most modern technology and nursing tools available. It will also include a memory care unit. View a building rendering.

The total cost of John R. Moses Hall is $80 million, which is split with the federal government paying for 65% of the project. Construction is expected to last two years.

The Moses Hall project is part of an overall investment in the campus of $104 million. The investment includes improvements to provide an honorable resting place for Wisconsin’s veterans at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at King, which opened in 1888. Additional projects include a retaining wall replacement on Rainbow Lake, water system improvements, electrical and other safety upgrades, and an overhaul of food service.

The Wisconsin Veterans Home at King is located on Rainbow Lake one mile southwest of the town of Waupaca and spans 42 acres of the richest, most picturesque scenery. The facility was founded in 1887 by the Grand Army of the Republic, a Civil War Veterans Organization.

In addition to skilled nursing care, King offers top-notch medical services such as dental, mental health services, social services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy and more. King also offers amenities not typically found in skilled-nursing settings such as a barber/beautician, café, bar, bowling alley, commissary, and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum at King. Members are provided daily activities such as boat trips on Rainbow Lake, as well as annual special activity bus trips such as outings to see the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs operates the Wisconsin Veterans Homes which reside on three campuses located at King, Union Grove, and Chippewa Falls.

Office of the Governor

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.