It’s an early winter morning in Henning, MN, and Patty Winkler, the cook at Willow Creek Senior Community moves around the dining hall refilling coffee cups and cleaning off tables. As she works, she smiles, waves, and converses with her fellow employees and Willow Creek residents. It is clear, she takes pride and joy in her work.
Mornings at the Assisted Living Facility
A typical morning for Patty starts by preparing the kitchen for the day ahead. She makes her way between the refrigerator, cooktop, and pantry, adding a dash of this and a pinch of that to breakfast. Always taste testing to ensure the meal is up to par.
This morning’s meal includes pancakes, whipped up and perfectly cooked by Patty. Residents at Willow Creek are treated to three homemade meals every day. Patty stands by her cooking, making as much as she can from scratch.
The secret to her world-famous pancakes? A hint of vanilla and her own recipe, made with love.
After breakfast, she cleans and preps the kitchen for the next meal. She continues to chat with residents while restocking the dining hall. And she escorts any resident who needs help back to their apartments. Patty, like all employees at Willow Creek and St. William’s Living Center, is willing to step in and help wherever she is needed.
Patty’s Pies!
Born in Wadena, Patty considers herself a lifelong resident of Henning and has been with Willow Creek for many years as the head cook. Cooking isn’t just her job, it is one of her favorite pastimes, particularly baking!
Once a month, Patty treats the residents and staff to homemade pies. From apple to key lime, she has a knack for creating the perfect pastry. Lemon meringue is her personal favorite and one of the most requested pies on the menu.
Cooking isn’t the only thing that brings a smile to Patty’s face. She also enjoys singing, often humming a tune while hard at work in the kitchen at Willow Creek. In her younger years, she was a taxidermist and attended art and craft fairs around the country displaying and selling her artwork.
Nowadays, Patty likes to stick close to home. She spends much of her time with family, including her son and two adorable grandbabies. Her favorite thing to cook at home? Chicken dumpling soup! Her own, special recipe, of course.
When asked what her favorite part of working at Willow Creek is, “The people!” she says, without hesitation. The residents and staff at Willow Creek are a cherished second family to her. Everyone is willing to go above and beyond, and that suits Patty just fine!
Assisted Living is Living Done Right
At Willow Creek, resident satisfaction is our number one priority. There is never a shortage of smiling faces and full bellies in the dining hall, thanks to Patty and the rest of our amazing staff. If you or a family member is considering an assisted living facility, check out Willow Creek. Contact us for more information about the amenities available in Henning!
