Third floor gets a name: Brom Family Cottage at The Deery Suites

Hovey Brom looks back and recalls an interesting life. He lived through the Great Depression, survived a tragic accident as a teenager, served active duty in Europe during World War II, thrived in a 64-year marriage and worked for more than six decades as a successful architect.

Now the 98-year-old resident of Prairie Wind is giving back to Western Home Communities. “It just seemed logical,” he says, humbly. “I just felt it would be good to express my thanks for all the things I’ve done with them.”

Brom’s work with Western Home Communities began with designing a dining room renovation and expansion of the downtown building in the late 1980s. That led to his firm becoming the architects for Martin Health Center and Iowa’s first retirement communities – Willowwood, Windgrace and Windermere.

The connection became personal years later, when his wife, Marge, suffered strokes and moved to what is now Martin Suites. She then became one of the first residents of Thuesen Cottage when it opened in June 2015.

“We were always pleased with her care, which was very good,” Hovey says. From Marge’s room on the south side of the cottage, they watched Prairie Wind being built. It seemed natural that he would move in as he realized their home had become too much to manage.

He still went into the office daily until six years ago, at 92. Hovey now enjoys life surrounded by music, books, and art – much of it the sculptures and watercolors he created. Vivid details from high school, college and the war flow easily during conversation.

“I first got to know Hovey during my college internship at Western Home, as he worked on the dining room project, and it’s been a joy,” says President of Cedar Falls Operations Jerry Harris. “We’re honored that he made this investment and happy that his family legacy will be recognized for decades to come at The Deery Suites.”

Marge and Hovey at a Waterloo Rotary picnic in 2012. Photo courtesy Waterloo Rotary Club.