13-06-2025
Worthington man carves wooden hearts for hospice patients
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — In a world often defined by fast-paced living, some people choose a slower, more meaningful path—quietly making a difference. Inside his garage, Joel Krekelberg is hard at work. He is making small wooden hearts.
He gives them to people hoping to give them comfort, or inspiration, or just a warm feeling. For Krekelberg, the process of making the hearts is special. For him, with the headphones and a mask, it's peaceful.
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'The Dremel makes noise, but it's a steady noise, and often when I'm in there I pray about who is going to get this, and if they get it, I hope it is meaningful and it is my time to basically unwind.
Krekelberg uses all kinds of wood, but his current favorite is bloodwood, which is appropriate for making hearts. He never sells the hearts; he freely gives them to people, sometimes to those who just need a reminder that someone cares.
'Sometimes I will go across and finish them off with a little hand sander, and then they just go up on the pile and I start another one, said Krekelberg.
His journey began in professional sports. For seven years, he was an athletic trainer for the NFL's Houston Oilers. But in 1985, he came back home to Worthington, working as an award winning athletic trainer, now for Sanford Health.
Inspired by his mother, a hospice volunteer Joel has been giving his time to people staying at the Sunset Cottage Hospice. He was inspired to give the hearts to patients and their families.
'Hey got your lipstick on!' He asked Jeanne Goettsch walkinginto her room.
Krekelberg has known her for years. In a small town like Worthington, there are few strangers.
'How old are you?' asked Joel.
'I'm 98, said Jeanne.
'And you are going to be 99,' said Joel.
'I will,' said Jeanne, 'on the 4th of July.'
'You are going to make it that long; that's your goal. Good for you! I didn't think you were going to give up before the 4th of July,' said Krekelberg.
Jeanne, 'Oh no, no,' she said.
Joel has given Jeanne a couple of wooden hearts. She appreciates the gift and wants to make sure we know how much hospice means to people who are nearing the end of their lives.
'Let me tell you it is absolutely wonderful, they take such good care of you,' said Goettsch
Joel is the only male volunteer at the cottage and wants to see more.
'Sometimes that's all you do is just listen, sometimes you just go hold a hand, said Krekelberg.
Joel has carved hundreds of small wooden hearts. Each one different—knots, blemishes, and all.
He says the hearts are like people… each one unique, and the ones with the most scars are often the most beautiful.
In his workshop, he has a sign, a quote from Mother Teresa.
'Do small things with great love,' said Krekelberg, reading aloud.
'I often look at that and say, that's what I'm doing, that's what I am here to do,' said Krekelberg.
An example of someone who has learned to carve out a little time for compassion and kindness.
Joel not only carves wooden hearts in his spare time, but he also makes quilts to give away.
If you would like to become a hospice volunteer in your area, contact your local hospice, or call Sanford Hospice in Minnesota at 507-372-7770 or in South Dakota at 605-312-5500, and they can advise you.
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