Our Story

Franciscan Villa’s rich mission-driven history of providing quality health care in southeastern Wisconsin began more than 40 years ago. We continue that tradition today as we plan new programs to meet residents’ future health care needs.

1966: The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minn., assume ownership of the Villa as part of their health care ministry.

1977: The skilled nursing home expands from 96 to 150 beds. The Franciscan Sisters add the adult and child care centers — making the Villa the first business in the state to offer on-site child day care services.

1993: The Franciscan Sisters transfer ownership of the Villa to Catholic Health Corp. of Omaha, Neb.

1996: Catholic Health Corp. and two other Catholic health care systems form Catholic Health Initiatives. Franciscan Villa becomes a corporate member of CHI, and the Franciscan Sisters maintain affiliation as a sponsoring member. CHI spans 19 states and operates 68 hospitals and 43 long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and residential units in 68 rural and urban communities; it represents more than 67,000 employees and is one of the largest Catholic health care organization in the United States.

1997: The Francis House and the LEAD (Life Enhancement for Alzheimer’s and Dementia) Unit in Franciscan Villa open their doors, and the adult and child care centers are expanded.

1999: The Francis House dedicates its new addition that doubles its size to serve 64 residents.

2002: Franciscan Courts, our 39-unit assisted living apartment complex, opens.

2005: Franciscan Gardens, with 12 units for the frail elderly and 36 for residents with early memory loss, opens.