THE VALUED VOICE

For the first 24 years of its existence, the Wisconsin Hospital Association operated with many people volunteering their time and talents. In 1943, Nels Hanshus served as the WHA Secretary. Then at a special meeting of the board in January 1944, he was installed as executive secretary for $50 a month. Hanshus served in that position until the end of the 1950s. He was the first paid staff member of the Association and provided strong leadership in that position.
 
Nels Hanshus was hospital administrator of Luther Hospital starting in 1928 and served there for 37 years until his retirement. He accomplished many things during his time at Luther as referenced in this article from the Eau Claire Leader Telegram from 1972.
 
Hanshus received WHA’s Award of Merit in 1952. The Award of Merit recognizes long-time devotion to solving health care problems in Wisconsin. Read about other WHA awards in future “CELEBRATING 100 YEARS” articles.