Naomi Koerwitz Driving Her Jeep in the Hollers of Buckhorn Kentucky.

 

Naomi driving her jeep up the hollers of Kentucky

In June of 1971 on our sunny windy graduation day, we stood together joyously on
the campus lawn. As our parents snapped pictures of us, we both knew we were
taking something “out into the world” with us that was far better than an education!

Lauri Thompson

Naomi worked in Buckhorn Kentucky, a beautiful drive from Hazard!

Calling, Passion and Faith.

After a brief time of teaching at her college after graduation and then serving in the hilly countryside of Augusta, Wisconsin, Naomi was ready for a more challenging experience and calling.

Seeds were planted.

Naomi was encouraged by Urbana and The Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky, but it apparently wasn’t in the Lord’s will for her to pursue midwifery with The Frontier Nursing Service. From 1975 to 1977, Naomi Koerwitz RN worked in Buckhorn with Lucille LeBeau at a small rural health clinic . Lucille LeBeau, was a midwife.   Armed with her jeep Naomi navigated the hollers, to make mother/baby visits. These visits were more than just routine check-ups; they were lifelines for many families who had limited access to medical care. Naomi’s dedication during these years was driven by her Christian faith and values, which propelled her to serve in such a challenging environment. Her work in Buckhorn laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in public health.

Naomi’s time in Buckhorn was marked by numerous heartwarming and challenging experiences. She often recounted the stories of families who had never seen a healthcare provider before her visits. Her presence brought not only medical care but also hope and reassurance to the community.

The clinic ran out of funding and Naomi was forced to make a difficult decision and despite her deep love for the community she had come to serve, she reluctantly returned to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she soon met and married Richard. God’s providence. She knew that her journey in healthcare was far from over. The skills and experiences she gained in Buckhorn would continue to guide her in her future roles.

Spirit of Buckhorn

Back in Milwaukee, Naomi’s reputation as a compassionate and dedicated healthcare provider preceded her. She quickly found opportunities to continue her work, always carrying the spirit of Buckhorn with her.

Legacy

“What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton. By Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Maybe not in this life, but I believe Naomi now knows and sees!

Conclusion

Naomi Koerwitz’s legacy of compassion and service lives on through the countless lives she touched during her time in Buckhorn, Kentucky. By continuing to shine light on the seeds she planted, we can nurture and expand her mission, ensuring that her dedication to maternal health thrives for generations to come. In this way, Naomi’s passions, experience, and gifts can continue to grow exponentially, creating a lasting impact that honors her memory and continues her work.

A Journey of Discovery and Tribute by Richard

Embarking on a journey to Buckhorn, Kentucky April 21 where Naomi Koerwitz dedicated two years of her life working in a small rural health clinic, I am filled with anticipation and reverence. Naomi’s early work in this region laid the foundation for the rest of her life, and I believe her contributions continue to resonate within the community. This is one of my main reasons or goals for the journey! To document her influence in the community. And see where the Lord leads!

To see how those SEEDS grew! Don’t believe Naomi’s work has ended! The story of Naomi’s life didn’t begin at her birth and it won’t and didn’t end with her death! In fact, Naomi is more alive now than she ever was!

Message for students at Buckhorn School

Looking for any pictures of Naomi Koerwitz while she was in Buckhorn. Also any articles about the clinic and Naomi and her midwife partner Lucille LeBeau.

Have had contact with the following and will stop in and visit after April 21st. Hazard Herald, Senior Center, Library and Little Flower Clinic.

Will visit some churches in regard to GriefShare. Getting the ministry started in Hazard.

Naomi and Lucille: December 1976 in Buckhorn

Naomi is on the left side of picture . Lucille LeBeau on right.

Taken by her brother Norm sometime before Christmas!

They worked together and shared an apartment. Lucille was 15 yrs older than Naomi. Both believers!

Naomi and Lucille

Naomi Koerwitz and her dad in Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park July 1977

Story in The Hazard Herald

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Naomi Koerwitz Dassow

A Journey to Honor Naomi Koerwitz: Calling or Quest?

In the serene yet rugged landscape of Buckhorn, Kentucky, Naomi Koerwitz once
navigated the hollers with her trusty jeep, bringing care and comfort to new mothers and
their babies. As an RN working in the 1970s, Naomi’s dedication to her community left
an indelible mark, one that still resonates with the people she served. Now, as I
contemplate a journey to Buckhorn to honor and memorialize my beloved wife, I find
myself grappling with the nature of this endeavor: Is it a calling or a quest? Or perhaps,
simply a heartfelt endeavor?

The Significance of a Calling

In the Christian faith, a calling is often perceived as a divine vocation, a purpose imbued
with spiritual significance and guided by the Holy Spirit. It is an inner conviction that
one’s actions are aligned with God’s will, serving a higher purpose beyond personal
ambition. Naomi’s work as a nurse could undoubtedly be seen as her calling, a
manifestation of her compassion and dedication to service.

As I reflect on my desire to travel to Hazard and Buckhorn, I sense a stirring within my soul, a profound
urge to reconnect with the place where Naomi made such a difference. This feeling is
not merely a fleeting interest but feels deeply rooted in my faith and the belief that the
Holy Spirit is guiding me. The desire to connect with the women Naomi ministered to, to
uncover articles in the Hazard Herald about the clinic’s closure, and to find a photograph
of Naomi during her time in Hazard all point to a mission that transcends a mere good
idea.

The Nature of a Quest

A quest, on the other hand, is often depicted as a journey undertaken in pursuit of a
specific goal or objective. It is driven by determination and a sense of adventure,
seeking to uncover truths, solve mysteries, or achieve a cherished dream. My research
and extensive efforts to piece together Naomi’s legacy certainly reflect the
characteristics of a quest. The countless hours spent delving into archives, reaching out
to contacts, and planning the trip to Hazard demonstrate a relentless pursuit of
knowledge and connection.

While a quest can be deeply personal and meaningful, it does not necessarily carry the
same spiritual connotation as a calling. However, that does not diminish its value. A
quest can fulfill a profound need for closure, understanding, and tribute, honoring the
memory of a loved one in a tangible and impactful way.

Connecting with Naomi’s Legacy

One of the most poignant aspects of this journey is the opportunity to connect with the
women whom Naomi served. These women, who experienced Naomi’s care and
compassion firsthand, hold a unique and invaluable perspective on her impact. By
engaging with them, I hope to gain insights into Naomi’s work, her character, and the
lasting impressions she left behind.

Additionally, the genealogist Librarian in Hazard plays a crucial role in this journey. By
checking microfilm from The Hazard Herald for articles regarding the clinic’s closure,
she can and has uncovered pieces of history that illuminate Naomi’s contributions and the
challenges she faced. Finding a picture of Naomi during her time in Buckhorn would be a
cherished discovery, a tangible link to her past and a visual testament to her dedication.

A Heartfelt Endeavor

Ultimately, whether this journey is a calling, a quest, or simply a heartfelt endeavor may
be a matter of perspective. In my heart, I believe it encompasses elements of all three.
It is driven by a deep sense of purpose and faith, guided by the Holy Spirit’s work in my
life. It is also a determined pursuit fueled by love and the desire to honor Naomi’s
legacy. And it is a profoundly personal mission, born out of the countless hours of
research and reflection.

As I prepare to embark on this journey to Buckhorn, Kentucky, I do so with a heart full of
love, respect, and gratitude for Naomi Koerwitz Dassow. Her legacy continues to inspire and
guide me, and I am committed to preserving her memory in a way that reflects the depth
of her compassion and dedication. Whether this journey is a calling, a quest, or simply a
good idea, it is undoubtedly a testament to the enduring impact of a remarkable woman.

Four years before Naomi entering the Lord’s presence!

Naomi praying Lord's Prayer

A Journey to Buckhorn, Kentucky

 

Naomi Koerwtiz Dassow making home visit in Buckhorn, Kentucky. Verna Farber 1976

Naomi A prayer and providence.

Just found a few pages of some of Naomi’s writings back 50 years ago.

“Please let this be my last winter in all this cold and snow”, Ann (Naomi used ANN” in her writings) half prayed half sighed as she pulled up her hood and shoved on high boots and pushed open the door to check on the amount of digging needed to get her car cleared off after last nights fresh snowfall of 8 more inches. She took in short gasspy breathes of crisp, bitterly cold air and gazed up at a brilliantly blue sky. How lovely to see all the snow clinging to the trees and the shimmering clean covering on the ground. But is was cold, another -12 day the weather man said.”

Naomi liked the farming area of northern Wisconsin and the people, who appreciated her nursing skills. She liked to dream and thought and wrote, “If I like this type of nursing so well, why not move to an even remoter area where there is a greater need for nurses, Ann mused, but where, since she had to admit the desire to travel to foreign countries has never been that great. Besides since mom had developed kidney disease and been on dialysis these last months, Ann really didn’t want to be more than 1-2 days drive away from home.

All these ideas are just dreams, but it’s fun to plan. Across her minds eye flashed the verse from Ps 119:133, “Direct my footsteps according to your word…” Jesus certainly puts all ideas in perspective . Since her commitment to Christ 3 yrs ago, she was learning to rely on Him to direct her. Well, time to quit dreaming….”

THAT is all for now from Nomi’s writing… Naomi used ANN for her name in her writing.

Nomi hosted a Bible Study in her apartment in Eau Claire and with a few friends traveled down to the Urbana Missions Conference held at Christmas time in Illinois.

Naomi was Interested in The Frontier Nursing Service, but not that interested in riding a horse to see patients! She connected with a small clinic in City of Buckhorn and did drive a jeep to see her patients. A young 27 single lady serving as a pediatric community nurse.

___________________________________________________________

This was a prayer that was answered.

Looking back, I’m struck by Naomi’s courage and faith as she navigated the winding hollers of Buckhorn, Kentucky. Having driven those same roads myself in good weather, I can only imagine her determination during the harsh, snowy winters. She told one story of her Jeep getting off the road in winter while making a visit and a logging truck came to the rescue and pulled her back on the road. .

After today’s heavy snowfall, I can’t help but picture Naomi hauling supplies across the Kentucky River for one of her home visits in summer—a challenge in itself. In winter, the obstacles must have multiplied, and I can certainly understand while she wasn’t always eager to make those unannounced home visits…

This was a pivotal point in Naomi’s life…just the beginning of what was to come!

Crossing The Kentucky River…in Spring of 1976

See picture of Naomi crossing the Kentucky River with a wheelbarrel with her supplies.. Date on back of picture is 1976. Patient: Verna

More on God’s providence and calling.

As Oswald Chambers states : “The circumstances of a man’s life are ordained by God. In the life of a saint there is no chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you cannot understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you.” 

Theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul. “God’s sovereign providence stands over and above our actions. He works out His will through the actions of human wills, without violating the freedom of those human wills.” 

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’S purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

“You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me” Nov 19th Devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

“The trail is long, and we won’t arrive at our destination in this life. Still, we’re on the journey with Jesus for the greatest thrill of our lives.” Zig Ziglar

A brief reflection of Naomi’s early life

A Journey of Faith and Dedication

During the mid 70’s Naomi worked in Buckhorn, Kentucky, a region known for its rugged terrain and underserved population. She joined forces with Lucile LeBeau at a rural health clinic. Armed with her jeep, s he navigated the hollers, or narrow valleys, to make mother-daughter visits. These visits were more than just routine check-ups; they were lifelines for many families who had limited access to medical care. Naomi’s dedication during these years was driven by her Christian faith and values, which propelled her to serve in such a challenging environment. Her work in Buckhorn laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in Public Health or community healthcare.

Naomi’s early life: College and post college. Reflections by friends.

Multiplying the seeds Naomi planted…My calling.

Naomi planted countless “seeds” during her short time in Buckhorn. The impact of her work may not have been visible to her, but those seeds sprouted and grew, creating a lasting legacy. She provided essential healthcare, emotional support, and spiritual guidance, touching the lives of many families. I remember what her highschool and college friend Lauri wrote about their graduation: “In June of 1971 on our sunny windy graduation day, we stood together joyously on the campus lawn. As our parents snapped pictures of us, we both knew we were taking something “out into the world” with us that was far better than an education!“

AMEN

And the Journey continues!

Let us praise the LORD together, and exalt His name. Psalm 34:3

Trusting God's Wisdom: A Guiding light for Life's Journey

 

One of the verses that has guided me over these past few years is:

“When the time is right, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” — Isaiah 60:22

Proverbs 3:5-6

That verse has become more than just a Bible verse to me. It has become a quiet anchor. A reminder that God is not late. God is not confused. God is not surprised by the turns in our lives.

There are seasons when we do not understand what He is doing. There are moments when life changes faster than we expected. Family changes. Health changes. Loved ones move. Grandchildren grow up. Doors close. New doors open. And sometimes we look back and realize that God was arranging things long before we could see it.

That is why Proverbs 3:5–6 has meant so much to me:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV

These verses do not promise that we will understand everything as it happens. They call us to trust the One who does.

God’s Timing Is Not Ours to Control

In today’s rapidly changing world, it can be daunting to navigate an unknown future. But I find great comfort in knowing that God sees what I cannot see. He knows the needs of our children. He knows the path of our grandchildren. He knows the burdens we carry quietly in prayer.

Sometimes we want answers right away. We want everything settled, explained, and made clear. But faith often means walking forward while still trusting that God is guiding the road beneath our feet.

“When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen.”

That is not passive resignation. It is active trust.

It means we keep praying. We keep loving. We keep serving. We keep encouraging. We keep showing up. And we leave the results, the timing, and the future in God’s hands.

God Remembers Our Prayers

One of the most encouraging thoughts I have come across is from James Banks in Bless the Lord, O My Soul from Our Daily Bread:

“God’s memory is perfect. He is able to remember our prayers not only for years but also for generations beyond our lifetime. He never forgets them and may move in response long after we first brought our requests to Him.”

That is a powerful thought.

God remembers our prayers.

The prayers Naomi prayed. The prayers I have prayed. The prayers parents and grandparents prayed before us. The prayers we may never see fully answered in our lifetime. Just returned from SLO San Luis Obispo. Cal Poly. Grandson Langdon graduation. I know that Naomi for sure prayed for him and all our grandchildren everyday…and I did too, but probably missed some days…Naomi didn’t. That much I am am certain.

God does not forget them.

That gives me hope for my children and grandchildren. It reminds me that our prayers may continue bearing fruit long after we are gone. We may plant seeds of faith, encouragement, and hope that God waters in His own time.

A Legacy of Faith and Hope

As we move through life, we should not forget the profound impact our prayers, words, and intentions can have — not just for ourselves, but for the generations that follow.

Our children and grandchildren hold the potential to change the world for eternity. They may walk through doors we never imagined. They may be used by God in ways we will not fully see. But our prayers matter. Our example matters. Our faithfulness matters.

Before you leave today, I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on your own legacy.

What seeds of faith are you planting?

What prayers are you entrusting to God?

What words of blessing are you speaking over those who will follow?

A Blessing for the Journey

May this ancient blessing be our prayer for our families, our children, our grandchildren, and all those God places in our lives:

“The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” — Numbers 6:24–26, NIV

Let’s do the same.

Naomi Dassow. About her life.

O Come Let Us Adore Him - Amanda Cook | Moment

The Lord’s Prayer with Chaplain Naomi Dassow

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Naomi Dassow

Naomi’s life Life Story. Naomi H. Dassow,

Naomi Dassow

Naomi H. Dassow

Streaming live Sat. 12:45 pm CST Pictures of her life

In case you missed it, here is a video of service. 126 people viewed it either streaming or later.

“The trail is long, and we won’t arrive at our destination in this life. Still, we’re on the journey with Jesus for the greatest thrill of our lives.” Zig Ziglar

A fall in the woods while hiking in Door County led to a series of complicated medical issues with no good options…and being on kidney dialysis which led to the enviable decision of choosing when to meet the Lord. A peaceful ending. Two days before meeting the Lord. “Why am I having so much fun dying.” Naomi She knew!

She knew the Lord and where she was going and was anxious to get there! Until we meet again! Dick

Naomi’s life

The Rich View for today

Waiting on the Lord. https://faithvisionservice.com/ “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:3-6 English Standard Version (ESV) My motto or major scripture verse of the past few years. “When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen.” Isaiah 60:22 Before you leave! A short message and prayer for our children and grandchildren! Yes, you can change the world for eternity! Someone before us did by praying for us! We are who we are and where we are because of someone in the past who may have prayed for their offspring…children and grandchildren. ..and may still be praying for us wherever they are.  “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’ Numbers 6:24-26 NIV Let’s do the same!

Mission and Vision:

Difference between Mission and Vision Mission is a general statement of ministry objectives; it is philosophic. Vision is a specific, detailed statement of direction and uniqueness: it is strategic.”

Helen Oppenheimer's Journey To American: I Can Only Imagine

We have all heard "stories" of how Ferdinand Weyland met Helen on the boat as she was immigrating to America and Ferd was returning to the U.S. after a year of studying Semetic languages in Germany. And then getting married some 3 years later right after Ferd was ordained as a Lutheran pastor.

What does it mean to "Bloom Wlhere You Are Planted?

  Read a good book recently, Night Light by Terri Blackstock.

●A short quote: "I realized, as all that was  happening before my eyes, that this was what I wanted to convey in this series. That each of us is put in place for a particular time in particular circumstances and prepared in a particular way, not knowing what God will need us for. Some of us have experienced tragedies and crises with no answers from God about why he would drag us through such pain, only  to find that it qualified us uniquely to do some mighty work of God when the time of someone elses's crisis came. And that's how the body of Christ works."

 Some reflections on my early life when my family grew about 2 acres of field grown pansies.

   ●Pansies are Bi Annuals, meaning they go through the winter and come back to life the next spring. We also go through some trying times..sooner or later. 

 

The beautiful field of flowering  pansies in the fall and then again in the spring were ready to be dug up and then were transplanted in other people's gardens. God sometimes transplants us also...due to changing life situations...marriage, career, death and other events. 

 
 ●But WHY should we Bloom Where We Are Planted?

 
 ● As a believer in Jesus Christ and desiring to be a good steward and a faithful "follower" of Jesus on our way to glory...we can be a light for others to see the Truth.

 ●At the end of our lives, I would like to say or have said, "I  have fought the good fight, I  have fnished the course, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim. 4:7)

 ●"The Lord created each of us individually with different Spiritual Gifts, Passions, Abilities, strengths and a unique personality with different experiences.  Helping each other put the pieces of the seeming puzzle together so we each can be most effective in our families, church, community and the world and finish our lives well and leave a legacy that gives glory to the LORD so when we stand before Him one day, we will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

 ●Isn't that what we would like to hear one day?

 ●"God has created each of us with a unique contribution to make in our world and our times. No other person has our same abilities, motivations, network of friends and relationships, perspectives, ideas, or experiences. When we, like misplaced puzzle pieces, fail to show up, the overall picture is diminished."   Richard Stearns: President of World Vision U.S.
Quote from his book: The Hole in our Gospel 


 ●  We are Jesus's hands and feet in the world. 

 
 ● "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

  ● As I was looking back at the pictures of the pansies...and thinking about the phrase.."Bloom where you are planted"...I was thinking of all the steps that went into producing these beautiful flowers...and how our lives are like that.

 

●Was  looking for some spiritual  principles or analogies. 

  

●As there are different varieties and colors of pansies, so too is the human race.

 

●Some varieties of pansies only had a few flowers on the plant and other varieties had a mass of flowers..it made me think of how we can go through life with only a few other close friends and we can also have many more friends to encourage us. 

 

● The pansies were seeded for a purpose...to bring joy to the people who bought them.  Just like our father "plants" us for a purpose...

 

 

 

●  Pansies are Bi Annuals, meaning they go through the winter and come back to life the next spring. We also go through some trying times..sooner or later. 

 

●The beautiful field of flowering  pansies in the fall and then again in the spring were ready to be dug up and then were transplanted in other people's gardens. God sometimes transplants us also...due to changing life situations...marriage, career, death and other events. 

 

●God, the master gardener created each of us unique...plants us here for a short time...for a specific purpose...and cares for us. "Lord, open our eyes and heart".  "Come Holy Spirit, Come, you are welcome here" 

 

●Many other analogies can be drawn. Would love to see your comments!

 

●A few pictures of field grown pansies...from our farm many years ago.

 

●The individual beautiful pansy plants grew well in the field where they were planted for the allotted time they were there. They were seeded in the field for a purpose...The  next year they were individually dug up, put in containers and sold to people who then transplanted them to their gardens to be viewed.

Copied from my Storyworth story!

Thinking more of the “Transplanting” process:
It doesn’t happen instantly, but progress’s over time.
When the pansies were dug, boxed and delivered to the Sentry and Kohl’s warehouses…Took a day’s time. Then they were in the warehouse or on the dock for a day or two. If outside on the dock in the sun for a period of time, stress on the plants. Then they were delivered to the stores, up to 200 miles away in some cases…again over a period of time. Then unloaded at the store. Hopefully, there was someone there to water them and keep them alive and looking good until someone purchased them. The beautiful pansy plants didn’t go instantly from our field into someones garden immediately and keep looking great. A lot of stress. So too with our changing events in our lives, be it a job change, starting college, starting a new business, a new exciting volunteer opportunity or challenging interpersonal relations. Sometimes or even all the time, we don’t realize what others are or may be going through until or unless we also experience a change in our lives. We need personal “self care”. And to continue to “Bloom” where the LORD has planted us, and not fade, die in spirit or become discouraged…until the transplanting process is completed and we continue to grow and “bloom” as we did before the transplanting process started. We need to stay close to the LORD and have friends and family that encourage us. Then when the transplanting process is completed, if it ever is, we will again bloom more beautiful than we did before. Just like the pansies in the field. They were not designed to be grown in a controlled environment free of stress, but to be grown and bloom beautifully in someone’s garden!

Encouraging & challenging people to be “rooted”, “grounded” and “grow” and so bloom” where they are “planted” in their neighborhood, world and career…using their Passion”,” Abilities”,” Gifts”, “Strengths” and prior “Experiences” God has gifted them with and thereby bringing glory and honor to the LORD. 1st Corinthians 10:31

Peace.

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Grates of 5 -2 quart baskets of pansy plants. 6 plants to a quart basket.

We could not supply enough to Sentry Food stores at the time and a neighbor got into the business and packaged the same with lessor quality product and also sold to Sentry. I put labels on our crates so the individual stores could ask for our pansies! 

 Sounds like "Branding"