The date was March 9, 1960, and St. Louis was buried in snow. But Joe and Georgana Linneman were not as concerned with the weather as they were with welcoming the first resident to their newly opened luxury retirement community in Town & Country, Mari de Villa. The driveway wasn’t plowed when the car arrived, so without hesitation, Joe Linneman personally carried the
first guest through the front doors of her new home.
It’s that level of care that has brought Mari de Villa to its 55th anniversary this year. The property has seen multiple renovations and expansions, but the focus has always remained on the people. “Joe and Georgana always instilled a loving, caring family atmosphere that has been passed down to all of us,” says current president Fred Wiesehan. “We not only want to serve the guests who reside here, but also get to know who they are. We want them to be comfortable and for their families to feel comfortable.” He and his wife, Mary Kay Wiesehan (who serves as vice president and director), have continued the Linneman’s hands-on approach since coming to the community 31 years ago. They live on-site, and it’s truly a family affair, since their two sons also work there full-time.
The grounds, which now cover more than 22 acres, include luxury accommodations for all levels of care. The Villa Estates offer independent living in one- and two-bedroom units that range in size from 1,000 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet. “They are beautifully appointed with hardwood floors, kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and private elevators in some,” Wiesehan says. The Villa East and West buildings are for those who require full skilled-nursing care, which is available to all residents 24/7. “That’s the beauty of Mari de Villa,” Wiesehan notes. “Some residents start out in the villas and over time require more care or assistance. But it’s all right here, so the transition is smooth. They’ve gotten to know us and vice versa.”
Approximately 80 residents live in the villas and about 130 in the assisted living and skilled nursing buildings, which allows for everyone to truly get to know their neighbors. “We try to make it a family atmosphere for both our guests and their families,” Wiesehan says. “It’s great for visitors to see the same people each time.”
Wiesehan notes that while most residents in the villas still drive and are involved in their own activities and clubs, Mari de Villa offers countless activities on campus, like water aerobics, exercise programs, Sunday brunch, book clubs and Wednesday night dinners at the clubhouse. “We also have a large motor coach that can transport residents to various venues and restaurants around St. Louis,” he says. “It even transported a group to a winery in Ste. Genevieve and lunch in Washington, Mo., for some of the 24 excursions last year—there are plenty of opportunities for guests to be involved here and in their own lives, as well.”
There have been many improvements at Mari de Villa over the years: the addition of physical therapy, memory care and Alzheimer’s departments, and expansion of the Garden Room and dining and living rooms in the Villa East and West buildings. But the quality of care and service remains the top priority, Wiesehan says. “My wife said it best,” he notes. “Mari de Villa just gets better with age!”
Pictured: Fred, Mary Kay and Fritz Wiesehan
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
[Mari de Villa, located at 13900 Clayton Road, is a luxury retirement community that offers independent living in the Villa Estates, an assisted living environment and skilled nursing on its more than 22-acre campus. For more information, call 636.227.5347 or visit maridevilla.com.]
