A Legacy of Faith, Care, and Community
Nestled in the scenic hills overlooking Sioux City, Iowa, Holy Spirit Retirement Home stands as the region’s only faith-based, locally owned senior living community. Since opening our doors in 1969, we have provided compassionate, high-quality care through a full continuum of services, ensuring personalized support for every resident.
But the story of Holy Spirit begins over 75 years ago. In 1950, across the Atlantic Ocean in Germany, Father Bernard Bendel of the Diocese of Limburg was asked by Bishop Zacharias to establish a community of religious women inspired by the essence of Opus Spiritus Sancti (Work of the Holy Spirit). Sisters came from near and far to join this thriving new religious order, dedicated to serving the elderly, orphans, and the poor. Numerous OSS communities quickly emerged in Germany and grew into a worldwide missionary community.
Holy Spirit became the first OSS community formed outside of Germany in 1962 when Bishop Joseph Mueller invited OSS Sister Elizabeth Pfeiffer to the Diocese of Sioux City to encourage the formation of a community. Charles and Hildegarde Ker donated land known as Diocesan Hills, with financial contributions from the Knights of Columbus and the OSS Motherhouse in Germany to aid in construction. Fathers Jim McCormick and Tom Flanagan played key roles in bringing OSS sisters to Sioux City to minister to the elderly at Holy Spirit.
Milestones in Our Growth
- 1988: Expansion to include 24 independent living apartments designed for maintenance-free living and fostering a neighborhood atmosphere. A beautiful on-site chapel was also added, offering daily Mass and spiritual enrichment for residents.
- 1998-1999: Further growth with the addition of 34 assisted living apartments, including 11 dedicated memory care units to provide specialized care for residents with dementia-related illnesses.
- 2012-2014: A significant $5 million expansion added 30 new private skilled nursing rooms, a state-of-the-art therapy center, recreational areas, a beauty salon, and outdoor entertainment spaces. Phase two involved renovating existing rooms, enhancing dining facilities, and creating family lounges to improve resident comfort.
- 2024: The chapel underwent renovations to continue serving as a serene place for worship and spiritual growth.
The Holy Spirit Difference
Our rich tradition of excellent care begins with our continuum of care approach, allowing residents to receive the right level of support based on their individual health goals and changing needs. We offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term assisted living, and skilled nursing services, each designed around a neighborhood model that fosters familiarity, comfort, and community.
As part of our resident-centered philosophy, we provide essential services and “vital extras” to care for the whole person—emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Residents benefit from onsite physical, occupational, and speech therapy, a full calendar of daily social and enrichment activities, daily Mass, and spiritual guidance from our dedicated chaplain and four Holy Spirit Sisters. Comfortable community spaces encourage connection, conversation, and joy, where residents often share stories over coffee or enjoy time with family and friends.
More Than a Place to Live—A Place to Belong
Ask any one of our residents, and they will agree: there’s a lot to love about retirement living at Holy Spirit. Whether it’s the friendships that form in our vibrant neighborhoods, the individualized care from experienced staff, or the peace that comes from being part of a spiritually grounded community, the Holy Spirit Retirement Home is where faith and care meet to create a true home.
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Our Commitment to Care
At Holy Spirit Retirement Home, we are dedicated to helping our residents live with dignity, purpose, and joy. Our onsite physical, occupational, and speech therapy services empower residents to regain strength, mobility, and independence in a familiar and supportive setting. These therapies are tailored to individual needs, promoting faster recovery and a greater sense of confidence in daily living.
Beyond physical well-being, we believe in the power of community and connection. Our vibrant schedule of engaging activities offers residents the opportunity to explore their interests, build friendships, and create lasting memories. Whether it's a group art project, a musical performance, or a quiet morning of gardening, there is always something enriching to experience.
At the heart of our campus is our chapel—a peaceful sanctuary where residents and their loved ones can reflect, pray, and find comfort. Our dedicated chaplain and the Holy Spirit Sisters provide compassionate spiritual care, offering support through every stage of life’s journey. Here, faith and fellowship come together to nurture the soul and strengthen our community.
A Neighborhood of Care & Connection
Our skilled nursing, assisted living, long-term assisted living, memory care, and independent living facilities foster strong community bonds. Whether enjoying coffee after Mass, participating in activities, or visiting with family and friends in our renovated spaces, residents experience a warm and welcoming home.
Our Mission
Holy Spirit Retirement Home, under the guidance and with the assistance of that same Holy Spirit, supports the beliefs and goals of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City to reach out in assistance to the elderly, the poor, and the disadvantaged. We earnestly strive and wholly dedicate all our energy and available resources towards providing a living environment that provides spiritual, physical, emotional comfort, and an environment that offers personal independence whenever possible, and always insures the utmost personal dignity and respect to those we serve.
Experience the Difference
Ask any resident or team member, and they’ll tell you—there’s something truly special about Holy Spirit Retirement Home. We invite you to visit and experience the warmth, care, and faith-based commitment that define our community.
