Antelope Memorial Hospital Celebrates 65 Years

Several hundred people helped AMH celebrate on Wednesday as the hospital hosted an open house and barbecue for the Neligh community.

“The Hospital was opene in 1952 and right now we are celebrating 65 progressive years for Antelope memorial Hospital," said administrator Jack Green.

One of AMH’s longtime supporters, Dr. Dwaine Peetz, was also on hand for the celebration. Green said Peetz was the first to have the vision of what the hospital could become.

“The hospital has beeen very progressive. Dr. Peetz started that progressiveness when he came in 1955 when he came. He set the bar and we are trying to maintain that bar and raise it a little higher.”

Also on hand for the celebration were Neligh Mayor Joe Hartz and AMH board president John Mlnarik. ​

Dr. Roger Rudloff greets Dr. Dwaine Peetz, retired surgeon at AMH, during last week's anniversary celebration.

Dr. Roger Rudloff spoke to the crowd about his long relationship with the hospital, which actually began with his delivery in the hospital. Rudloff was the first baby born at AMH in 1963.

“I was born here in 1963, January 3rd actually, and I was the first baby born that year," Rudloff said.

As a provider at the hospital and clinic, Rudloff is passionate about the ways the facility serves the rural area.

Administrator Jack Green speaks before an audience at the ceremony.

“Its great that this hospital has overcome tons of challenges. We are non-for-profit, not owned by any larger hospital, and there are very few left in the entire United States, not just Nebraska. I’m proud how this hospital has survived all those challenges and we are going to work our best to keep it going for another 65 years like it’s always been."

The celebration concluded with the release of 65 balloons, commenorating the hospital’s 65 years.

Fittingly, the balloons were released by the hospital’s employees, who Green said are the backbone of the hospital now and in the future

“We have a good group of employees. There are 165 people. They are the testament of who we are, not buildings. They are who makes us," Green said.