An Inside Look at the Heart of Gateway Vista: The Final Community
by Jazlynn Sanders
We are shaped by the communities we belong to throughout our lives – family, friends, work. For Therese (Tess) Koehler and her fellow residents, Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility is their last; a final destination after lives fully lived. Built on unwavering love, compassion and care, it is more than a residence; it's a home. As we age, a support system is essential as one navigates life transitions such as retirement or losing a loved one. Gateway in Lincoln, Neb. is a community filled with comfort, connection and the gentle beauty of lives finding their rest.
Earl Erks (69) enjoying some fresh air and reflecting on the “Senior Living” sign outside of Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility before entering in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
Tess Koehler (92) planning out her day, hour by hour, during her daily quiet time in her room at Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
Tess Koehler (92) showing her beloved coffee cup of her late husband (Vernon) in her room at Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. “We have a cup of coffee together every morning.”
Leo Klameth (97, left) enjoying lunch with his dear old friend Edward Stan (97, right) at Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
Sam Anderson (left) and Cameron Meyer (evening cook, right) working hard to prepare a warm meal for the residents at Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility in Lincoln, Neb. Both longtime staff members paying close attention to each resident’s special dietary needs on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
Emma Johnson (right) sharing a laugh with veteran, resident and friend Gene Thummel (88, left) as she hands out his mid-day medicine at Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
Tess Koehler (92) getting ready to sit down for her afternoon puzzle time, a newfound hobby of hers at Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
Tess Koehler (92) hugging a pillow made out of her late husband’s (married for 52 years) favorite shirt before she lies down for a much-needed nap after a morning of community, conversation and stitching at Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
Lifelong Husker fan, Larry Harding (85) reminiscing on his life and the success of past Husker Football coaches including Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne in his favorite recliner at Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
A joining of hands from “newlyweds” Larry Harding (85) and Evelyn Harding (89) as they tell their life story of love, laughs and hardships at Gateway Vista Senior Living Facility in Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.