By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Maris Grove is often called a family atmosphere. But for Richard and Debbie Zwerlein, that description is especially true.

Debbie is employed in the Maris Grove resident life office, and her father Richard lives just a short trip down the hall, in the community’s Vernon Woods neighborhood.

Something new
The two found Maris Grove around the same time. He was tired of raking leaves and shoveling snow so he began looking for a place that would take care of those chores for him. Meanwhile, she was hunting for a new job where she could work with people in a life-affirming environment.

“My father was looking for a new place to live and had done all of the research and really liked Maris Grove. He had gotten the Information Kit and joined the Priority List and was set to move in 2008,” Debbie Zwerlein says. “He knew I wanted to work with people so he suggested I give it a look too. I went with him one time to check it out, and as soon as I saw the campus and met the people, I knew I wanted to be there too. It was just what I was looking for.”

“She came with me when I looked at Maris Grove, and we both were just impressed at what a pleasant place it was. I wanted to move there, and she thought it would be a great place for her to work,” says Richard Zwerlein.

A great family environment
His daughter explains, “I loved Maris Grove because it’s a good place where people care about the mind, body, and spirit of others.”

So she applied for a  position with the resident life department and soon after became a member of the Maris Grove team. “He always says I came to work here to keep an eye him,” she says with a  laugh.  “But the truth is, it works both ways!”

“I love getting to see her every day,” her father responds, “even if it’s just for a few minutes. Plus, we’ll have lunch and go to the Sunday dinner on occasion too.”