Founders & Heritage
Just like the philosophy under which we operate today, WEL-Life’s roots stem
from a long-standing notion of obligation to reject the status quo and provide a
true home away from home for our aging population.
Will Lantis began his career in healthcare working as a nursing home chemical salesman
for Huntington Sales. After years of witnessing the lack of quality in these nursing
homes first hand, Will, along with his wife Mary Ellen, decided they could do better.
They purchased a facility in Bridgeport, Nebraska, and in 1972, Lantis Enterprises
was born.
Over the next decades, as people came to be living more healthily and actively into
their later years, a need emerged for a kind of care that was less extensive than
a full-service nursing facility. In
response Will, Mary Ellen, and the Lantis family established WEL-Life, still dedicated
to the high standards of its founders, but putting residents’ independence
at the top of the list of priorities.
After five years of planning, in 1998, WEL-Life opened its first facility in Kearney,
Nebraska, with ten others soon to follow in nearby states. With eleven facilities currently under management, WEL-Life has established
itself as a leader in the assisted living field.
In the summer of 2006, Will Lantis was tragically taken in an automobile accident. His legacy endures, however, through
the spirit and dedication of his wife and co-founder Mary Ellen Lantis. Having previously focused on public relations and ensuring the “home-like”
atmosphere of all WEL-Life facilities, Mary Ellen has since taken on the leadership
role.
Along with VP of Operations and manager of all WEL-Life sites Larry Klarenbeek,
Mary Ellen has driven WEL-Life to continue to grow stronger, staying true to its
roots of servicing the people of the rural mid-west United States, and always providing
the best care around.
As we approach our 15th anniversary, we look back with pride at all of
those we have helped and forward with excitement to the future.