We’re proud of the family business we’ve built and nurtured over the years and it’s about dang time we share our story with the world. Everything from multiple additions to the changing of management has led us to where we are today and it’s humbling to reflect upon the growth we’ve experienced over the last 33 years. So, without further ado, here is the history of The Wellington, from then until now!

To tell the full story of The Wellington Senior Living, you have to first get to know the Snodgrass family. It all starts in 1932 on a farm in Polo, MO. This is where our founder, Buzz Snodgrass, was born. Just after graduating high school, Buzz met his wife-to-be, Norma, at a Polo street dance just before leaving for college at The University of Missouri. At age 22, Buzz enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he remained in service for 20 years, working his way up to a rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Over these 20 years, Buzz and Norma raised four hard-working and successful children; LeVon, Deb, Terrie and Steve. After moving everywhere around the country, from Georgia to Puerto Rico, the Snodgrass clan finally settled in Papillion, NE.

Retired from the military, Buzz decided to pursue his real estate license and joined Action Realty in Papillion. After accruing four years of knowledge and experience in the real estate industry, he decided to open his own general contracting business, Oakhaven Homes. To this day, Oakhaven Homes is one of the most successful general contractor’s in the Papillion and Omaha area, thanks to the hard work and leadership of Buzz’s son, Steve!

Seeing a need for senior living centers in Papillion, Buzz and three other investors had begun plans to open the first senior living center in Papillion, and one of the first in Omaha! With lots of help, years of hard work and a trusty El Camino, he was proud to open The Wellington’s doors in 1985. Flourishing from the beginning, Buzz decided to purchase the other investor’s shares, making him the sole owner by 1993. With the popularity of The Wellington growing, the decision was made to begin making additions to the building in 1993. Five more additions and five years later, The Wellington had finally started to resemble the look it holds today.

Remember how we told you we’re family-owned AND operated? Well, that brings us to the year 2000, when Buzz’s youngest daughter, Terrie, took over management of The Wellington! Over the past 18 years, Terrie has taken The Wellington Senior Living to new heights and would have undoubtedly made the late, great Buzz Snodgrass proud.

With help from our Assistant Director (Linda Aldinger), Resident Manager (Mary Jo Walker) and many others along the way, the Snodgrass family has been able to maintain the high standard of care and upkeep that resident’s have come to know and appreciate. In fact, our management staff has an average of 17.6 years at The Wellington, which is a result of the love we have for our work and the pride we have taken in the relationships built with resident’s over the years!

If you or a loved one are interested in becoming part of The Wellington family, call us today.