About Us

I met Viola Barrett in 1990. A relationship began and after a time I noticed Vi's physical health began to require more personal care. After speaking with Viola's family , we chose to open our hearts and home to Viola Barrett. A very special friendship was established and Violas qualities of kindness and a true love of life continue to inspire me to this day. Viola lived with us until the opening of Markesan Barrett House.

In 1992 I had a vision for an assisted living facility in Markesan and would not be deterred from starting this vision. Six plus acres of land was purchased in Markesan from Mary Kienas. The construction started and by September of 1992 the Barrett House was open. The rest is history, after Markesan Barrett House came Fox Lake Barrett House, Samuel's Grove Apartments in Markesan and finally Barrett House Ripon. I have been very fortunate to have had a great staff working with me, many of them since we opened in 1992. Michelle (Shelly) Severson is my manager. She is blessed to love life and people and we are blessed to have her

In 1992 Tom Reif was working as deputy for the Green Lake Sheriff’s Office and Barb was working for her mother at an assisted living facility in Princeton, WI. We were also raising 2 beautiful daughters who were attending school in Markesan WI. Barb had a vision for an assisted living facility in Markesan and would not be deterred from starting that vision.

Six plus acres of land was purchased in Markesan from Mary Kienas. The construction started and by September of 1992 the Barrett House was open. The rest is history, after Markesan Barrett House came Fox Lake Barrett House, Samuel’s Grove Apartments in Markesan, and finally Barrett House Ripon. Tom joined forces with me full time in 1998. We have been very blessed to have had 17 years of meeting and taking care of many folks in all these places.