Residents, clients, team members, business partners, friends, and family members gathered at Edgewater, a WesleyLife community for healthy living in West Des Moines, on May 14 to celebrate 30 years of Rob Kretzinger’s organizational leadership.

The reception and program offered a meaningful opportunity to honor Rob’s remarkable impact since joining WesleyLife in 1996, including more than two decades as president and CEO. Under his leadership, WesleyLife has grown from an organization serving approximately 1,000 people to Iowa’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit provider of health and well-being services for older adults, now supporting more than 13,000 people each year.

During the late-afternoon program, guests reflected on WesleyLife’s evolution during Rob’s tenure, from five campuses to 10 communities for healthy living and an unprecedented network of home and community-based services for people who wish to remain independent and active at home. Following her own tribute to him, incoming CEO Allison Pendroy unveiled a bronze relief of Rob that will hang in the historic Chamberlain Mansion on the flagship Wesley on Grand campus.

The program also included a surprise congratulatory greeting from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds as well as a humorous "welcome to retirement" address from Gordon Bivens, a resident of The Village in Indianola. Gordon, a retired university professor, has known Rob since Rob's college days at Iowa State.

To close the presentation, guests viewed a video that included reminiscences and well-wishes from family members, friends, and colleagues. Many noted that Rob's leadership has helped shape WesleyLife into a health and well-being organization focused on independence, purpose, continued growth, and quality of life, and that his vision has guided major community openings, redevelopments, service expansions, and strategic partnerships, all while strengthening WesleyLife’s role as a leader in aging services across Iowa and beyond.

In its entirety, the celebration served as a moment of gratitude for the thousands of lives touched by Rob’s work, mentorship, and commitment to mission-driven service. Rob will retire as president and CEO on June 1, 2026, and will continue to support WesleyLife as senior advisor.

Please enjoy these photos, provided by Maharry Photography of Des Moines, from the special celebration of Rob's impact over the past three decades.

Rob, on behalf of a grateful organization, thank you.