Photo by Eric Keith / St. Joseph News-Press / Purchase this photo

Lowell Kruse bows out from Heartland with a hug and a smile for Fiona Hummer Friday evening with his wife, Leslie, by his side.

It was a hoedown in a parking lot at Heartland Regional Medical Center on Friday, as the hospital celebrated 25 years, as well as the retirement of its 25-year CEO.

With local band VandelSnook belting out country tunes and a horse-drawn carriage offering rides, Heartland staff and other community members gathered beneath a large white tent to wish Lowell Kruse the best as he prepares to leave the hospital. The evening also included barbecue, games such as a beanbag toss (officially called the cow-pie fly), as well as plenty of hay bales.

“Lowell grew up on a farm, so we decided to go with a ‘Happy Trails’ theme,” said Salli Strain of Hands of Hope Hospice.

Although the focus of the event — complete with a bus set up as a recording studio for video goodbyes and a post-dinner presentation — clearly was Mr. Kruse, he was quick to turn the attention back to Heartland.

“We’re celebrating 25 years of Heartland, really,” he said. “And I’ve been hearing all night how proud people have been to work for Heartland. When you have people with that kind of pride, you can’t ask for anything more.”

There also were people in attendance representing years of dedication that come close to rivaling Mr. Kruse’s, including a group of gift-shop volunteers.

“We all think a lot of Lowell,” said volunteer Virginia Chandler. Comparing her 19 years of service to his 25, she added with a laugh, “but he’s getting paid for it, and I’m not.”

It seemed, though, that in the eyes of those who made speeches in his honor, he’s been worth every cent.

“Looking around here, looking at the facility and at all these friends who have gathered, you should feel very proud,” David Jones, process leader for Heartland’s support services, said to Mr. Kruse. “ … There are many of us here who wish you the best, because … you have given the best.”

Mr. Kruse also will be honored at a dinner tonight at Heartland. Earlier this month, the hospital’s board began interviewing the finalists in its search for a new CEO.

Erin Wisdom can be reached

at ewisdom@npgco.com.