Feb. 21, 2025: Lakewood Health System has welcomed two new members to its District Board: Mary Fitcher and Franz Achermann.
Fitcher started her three-year term on January 1st, replacing Board member, Judy Bjerga, who retired after serving for 18 years. A 38-year resident of the Staples/Motley area, Fitcher spent 33 of those years working in various positions at Lakewood before retiring in 2023. She is married to her husband, Mike, who is recently retired from 3M in Staples, and they have two children and four grandchildren. They love many outdoor activities including golf, fishing, gardening, and playing pickleball. Chasing after their grandchildren also keeps them very busy. Fitcher is a member of the Staples 93 Lions and is the Becker Township clerk. “I retired two years ago after having worked at Lakewood for 33 years. With my history of not only living in the area, but also working at Lakewood, I felt I would be a good representative for our township on the Lakewood District Board.”
Achermann started his three-year term on January 1st, replacing Board member, Linda Dietrich, who retired after serving 13 years. A 40-year resident of the Leader area, Achermann is the seventh of 11 siblings, has 1 son, and cares for his 90-year-old mother. He owns and operates a construction company located on approximately 200 acres of land in Moose Lake township, where his biggest hobby is caring for his assortment of birds, including chickens, geese, turkeys, and peafowl, along with two German Shepards. “I consider myself very fortunate to live where I do, surrounded by wonderful neighbors and community, and I’m proud to represent the Moose Lake township on the District Board.”
The Lakewood District Board is tasked with various responsibilities, such as maintaining Lakewood’s affiliation agreement, acquiring real estate and issue debt, pursuing Board education and development, and advocacy.