Graduation from Marion High school in 1981. Graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1985 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services Administration. Began working at Tieszen Memorial Home in 1978 when she was 15 years old. She is married to Jim Wilson, who is the Ag Education Teacher in Lennox, SD. They have two children, Erin and Alex. Live on an acreage that they built just north of Marion where they raise sheep. She keeps herself busy with the state nursing home association, South Dakota Healthcare Association, being a member of the Marion Business and Professional Association and Parker Chamber of Commerce. She also is a volunteer for the Turner County 4-H program. In the past she was a member of the Turner County 4-H Leaders Association, Turner County Extension Board, Marion Ambulance Service and Marion Economic Development Corporation. She is member of the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and cruising to warm destinations, high school basketball games and college football games.

I graduated from Menno High School and went on to South Dakota State University to pursue a degree in nursing. I was a registered nurse at the Parkston Hospital and then became the Administrator at the Menno-Olivet Care Center while obtaining my administrator’s license during that time. I started this new adventure of Assistant Administrator at Tieszen Memorial Home in July of 2025.

I live outside of Parker with my husband, Jayden, our two kids, McKenna and Kolsyn and our yellow lab, Bella. The kids are involved in sports so that’s always been a highlight to go and watch them! We are big South Dakota State fans so we love to attend those games or watch on TV as much as we can. My favorite holidays are Christmas and the 4th of July, I love spending time with family and friends, and I love being able to work closer to home in an environment that is so welcoming and rewarding!  

I grew up on a farm near Dolton, SD adn attended Marion School. I completed my RN education at the University of South Dakota in 1985.  I started working at Tieszen Memorial Home in 1980.  I worked in the laundry department, then later started in the nursing department as an aide.  I have spent my entire nursing career at Tieszen Memorial Home, excluding a few months (spent on the pulmonary unit at Sanford Hospital).  I have been in my current role of Director of Nursing since the spring of 1986. 

In my free time, I love to spend time with my kids and grandkids.  I have 3 children. Blake (Kimmee), Brandon (Kaylani), and Kaycee (Korey).  I have 6 grandchildren who I adore!  With 2 of my kids living out of state, time is limited with them but cherished!  Other things I enjoy are spending time in warm weather, reading, and watching sports. 

Life is to short not to smile. That’s my motive most the time. I live in Parker, SD have for about 5 yrs now. We have 3 adult kids and 6 grandkids now, my how time flies. I’ve been in the food business since I was 18. From working at a salad bar/pie to manager of pizza and deli areas and 11 yrs as a Food Production Manager for Burger King. I finally get to use my Business Management degree that I received from University of Sioux Falls. I like watching movies, reading, going on very long walks with my dog, kayaking, volleyball, softball, and my most important having family time. Which these days its hard with all the stuff my grandkids are in. I love flowers, sunflowers and daisies are probably my favorite. I love being around people and also having alone time. My perfect place to live would be on a lake with mountains in the background and fall yr round with a fireplace to read by. And of course my family close by.

Environmental Specialist for Tieszen Memorial Home

I have been with Tieszen Memorial Home for 14+ years.  I came from a custom manufacturing background where I was a certified welder and fabricator with about 17 years experience. 

I was born and raised in Parker SD, I am married and have 2 children.  In my free time I like to hunt, fish and hang out with my dogs.  My wife and I also own and operate a Little Pheasants Daycare center in Parker.

My job at Tieszen Memorial Home is to help provide a safe, comfortable, and clean environment for our residents to live and call their home.

I’m the Activity Coordinator at Tieszen Memorial Home, and I absolutely love planning fun and meaningful activities that bring smiles and connection to our residents. Seeing residents enjoy themselves and feel engaged makes my job incredibly rewarding, and I enjoy finding creative ways to make each day special.

Before this role, I spent 15 years working in the banking industry, which taught me a lot about organization, communication, and working with people. While I appreciated my time in banking, I was excited for the chance to work closer to home and be part of a role where I could make a direct, positive impact in my community.

I grew up in Sioux Falls, but I’ve always had strong family ties to Marion, and moving here over 10 years ago truly felt like coming home. I live in Marion with my two wonderful kids, Rory and Aryssa, along with our cats and dog. Family is very important to me, and I love spending my free time cheering my kids on at their sporting events. When I need a little quiet time, I enjoy doing puzzles—they’re my way to relax and unwind.

I feel lucky to be part of the Tieszen Memorial Home team and to live in such a welcoming community. Every day is a chance to connect with residents, families, and coworkers, and that’s what makes this work so special to me.

Jennifer McConniel, Social Services Coordinator, LAC, MRT, DBT, MATRIX, MI and DUI Prevention Specialist

I graduated high school from Kimball SD and immediately went on to college, graduating with a major in Science and Human Services and Business Management.  I then went on to pursue my License for Addiction Counseling and Behavioral Therapy at USD, landing myself a job at Keystone Treatment Center in Sioux Falls, SD for over 14 years.  I worked hand and hand with the state of SD running the Methamphetamine Corrections Intensive Outpatient Program at the Keystone Treatment Center in the Sioux Falls office. 

When I had the opportunity to work closer to home and spend more time with my kids, I jumped right on it!  I had worked at the Good Samaritan all through college and always knew I would go back someday.  I was a certified nursing assistant for over five years at the Good Sam and also completed my first internship there as well.  This is where I started my love for nursing home settings. 

In my current life, I live in Marion with my husband Zach and two children Emma and Oakley along with three lazy cats and dog.  I am on the Marion school board and often times coach or volunteer for different sporting programs in our community.  My hobbies are jogging, traveling to my kids’ sporting events, camping and traveling. 

Grew up in the Monroe/Marion area and Graduated from Marion High School. Worked in financial institution since High School. Employed since 1987 at Farmers State Bank in Marion, with a current position of real estate loan officer. Member of the Calvary Reformed Church in Monroe. Family - husband Randy, Children - Riston Berens and his wife Tami and granddaughter Braelyn' Rachel Berens. Hobbies include reading and spending time with family.

Grew up on the farm near Hurley and is currently farming west of Hurley. Graduated from Hurley High School. Graduated from SDSU in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Married, wife Lisa with three children. Paul serves on the Bethany Lutheran Church in Hurley. He also serves on the cemetery board and the Norway Township board. Paul enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching all types of sports.

I have been a resident of the Marion area all my life. I am single, & grew up on a farm near Marion & moved into town in 1969. I graduated from Marion High School, & have working at Southeastern Electric coop. for 36 years, currently the Accounting Manager for the coop. I have been a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church & have served on the parish council for the past 20 years. I was a charter member of the Marion Area Jaycees, & have held most all of the local offices, as well as State District Director, Regional Director & State Vice President for the South Dakota Jaycees. I am also a member of the SD JCI Senate, & served as the SD State JCI Senate President. I served on the Marion Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years.  I have served on the Tieszen Memorial Home board for several years. I am currently on the city council. In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, hunting & bowling. 

James A. “Jim” Jones and his wife Lori live in Parker where he was born and raised.  Jim is a graduate of South Dakota State University in Brookings and received his professional degree from the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities.  Having been a licensed funeral director for over 40 years he is with the Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home which has funeral homes in Parker, Marion, Hurley and Viborg and Heritage Funeral home in Sioux Falls.  Currently he serves as the president of the South Dakota State Board of Funeral Service and is a past president of the South Dakota Funeral Directors Association.  Locally he has been involved in Lions Club, Parker Area Community Foundation, Rosehill Cemetery Board, and Grace Lutheran Church.  Since 2003 he has been a board member of the Tieszen Memorial Home and developed an interest in the Tieszen Home since his grandmother was a resident for many years.  Lori and Jim have two daughters, Lindsey and Lauren and enjoy spending time at their cabin near Meckling, SD on the Missouri River.

I am a lifelong resident of Parker where I live with my husband, Mike and our three children, Charlie, Lauren and Joe.  Mike and I both graduated from SDSU in Brookings and that is where our two oldest children attend college. I am an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Parker.  I work as a pharmacist for Cigna and enjoy golfing, attending SDSU events and spending time at the lake.