Fall 2026

Duane at Oktoberfest

Family of a La Crosse ‘Legend’ Finds Value in Agrace’s Support 

To the citizens of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Duane Moore was a local legend—a veteran, TV weatherman, record store owner, advertising company founder, Oktoberfest Festmaster, Rotary president and super volunteer. To his family, he was an “idea man,” the brains behind iconic area events like the High School Quiz Bowl and the Riverside Park Rotary Lights.

But as he approached 90, Duane’s lifetime of extraordinary memories began to fade, due to dementia. When Agrace started serving La Crosse County in July 2025, he became one of our first local hospice patients.

Duane’s son, Chuck, saw that his dad needed more care than his mom, Jan, could provide at their home. “They had some private help coming in,” Chuck explains, “but a couple hours a day doesn’t cut it when the other 22 hours, you have a 91-year-old as primary caregiver for a 93-year-old with dementia, and they’re trying to live independently.”

Agrace’s care was invaluable for Jan and Chuck Moore

“The introduction of Agrace was quite an eye opener for us—to see that this type of service was even available—because we were not familiar with hospice,” he says.

Jan recalls, “I was impressed because there were five people, and they all came with a smile on their face. And they had continuous smiles through the whole process. The love and the care and the concern—you can put in capital letters.”

Feeling the growing health toll of caring for Duane, Jan was relieved when the Agrace team took worries off her shoulders. Liz, an Agrace social worker, contacted the VA and arranged in-home nighttime care for Duane, who was a Korean War veteran. Their main Agrace social worker, Jodi (“an amazing communicator”), later secured Duane a place in memory care. And Jan credits their spiritual & grief counselor, Seth (“a gem”), for his skill at maintaining Duane’s dignity during their conversations.

In Duane’s final weeks, his Agrace nurse, Tuesday, visited more frequently, says Jan. “One week, Tuesday was there three times to check on him, and she let us know the stages in preparation [for Duane’s death], which I appreciated.”

Extra Care, Not Extra Cost

Another huge relief for the Moore family was learning there would be no huge bill from Agrace. Chuck remembers, “To get the level of care we got, basically at no cost because it was covered by Medicare and VA benefits, was just jaw-dropping for me!

“I figured when you get ‘free’ stuff, it’s not going to be top shelf. And it was over the top, really good. We were amazed at the amount of effort that was put into our situation.”

Jan says simply, “I talk a lot about Agrace, because God sent them to me, and they saved me. No question.”

Heather helps Roger with a paper craft

Walking into the Agrace Adult Day Center, you quickly notice something special. Clients cheer on one another during games, share stories from their lives and gather around familiar songs that spark memories. Activity Coordinator Heather Foss says it starts with one simple philosophy: “Showing up how you are today and making the best of however that is.”

“Some days we’re dancing, going for a walk or playing someone’s favorite song,” she explains. “Other days, we’re providing a quiet space for rest or having a conversation. Being able to meet people where they are is a huge honor.”

Music is woven throughout the day because it taps into memories, Heather explains. Community musicians, choirs and KinderMusik classes bring children together with their “grandfriends” (as they lovingly call Adult Day Center clients), creating joyful connection across generations. “There’s never enough music!” Heather notes.

That welcoming community also gives family caregivers peace of mind, helping their loved ones remain living at home longer because they’re cared for, engaged and having fun during the day. “Everyone helps each other and looks out for each other in specific ways,” Heather says. “It’s such a nonjudgmental, encouraging environment.”

Heather believes volunteers become part of that community, too. “If there is interest, there is a place for you,” she notes.

Whether you can visit regularly to build meaningful relationships as a companionship volunteer or stop by to share a hobby like music, crafts or exercise, you can help create the moments that make the Adult Day Center so special. Musicians of all levels and ages are encouraged to share their talents.

To learn more about volunteering for activities, email Heather.Foss@Agrace.org. To become a regular companionship volunteer with Agrace, email Volunteer@Agrace.org or call (608) 327-7163.

Five Staff Earn 2026 Donor-sponsored Future Nurses Scholarships

Each year, with support from donations to the Agrace Foundation, Agrace staff who are pursuing a nursing degree are able to apply for scholarship dollars. Future Nurses Scholarships are awarded to staff members who exhibit extraordinary compassion and are striving for a career as a nurse. One staff member also wins the Future Nurses Unity Award, for embodying the spirit of patient care while pursuing a nursing degree.

CNA Aruna Tamang, who won this year’s Unity Award, says, “It’s more than financial. It feels like an encouragement to move forward and pursue my dream to finish my clinical training and become a qualified nurse. It can be emotionally difficult to care for people who are at the end of their life, but I’m glad I made the decision to work here at Agrace. I work with great people and I’m having a great learning experience at the start of my nursing career.”

Phil felt right at home in the truck cab

Phil spent his career driving more than 2.5 million miles behind the wheel of a semi. When he shared his wish to sit in one again, his Agrace Hospice Care team got to work. RN Case Manager Morgan had a connection to a local driver and Lisa, Agrace senior gift officer, arranged the details to make it happen safely.

Phil with his nurse, Morgan (l), and social worker, Baily

“The semi-truck wish was a huge success,” Morgan reports. “Phil got a new hat that he wouldn’t take off, didn’t want to get out of the truck, and his smile said it all! His family is so thankful we were able to do this for him.”

Patient wishes like Phil’s are made possible through charitable donations to the Agrace Foundation. You can help! Learn more about the Wish program or make a gift to help grant future wishes here.

Upcoming Grief Support Groups

When grief feels heavy, Agrace offers a variety of caring options. The groups shown below meet at the Agrace Grief Support Center in Fitchburg.

Journey Through Grief: Six-week guided group for adults grieving the death of a person; $120.*

• October 8 – November 12, Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Spouse/Partner Loss Group: Six-week facilitated support for adults grieving the death of a spouse/partner; $120.*

• In-person: October 2 – November 6, Fridays, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
• Virtual LGBTQ: November 11 – December 16, Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Bridges Grief Support: Peer-based support for adults grieving the death of a person; $20 per session. Meets the first and third Wednesdays each month, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

One-on-one support is available virtually or in-person, in English or Spanish, for adults and children grieving the death of a person; the cost is $50 per session.*

Pre-registration is required: Call (608) 327-7110 or email GriefSupport@Agrace.org.

*Fees can be lowered or waived, if needed.