Naomi Koerwitz Driving Her Jeep in the Hollers of Buckhorn Kentucky.

In June of 1971 on our sunny windy graduation day, we stood together joyously on
the campus lawn. As our parents snapped pictures of us, we both knew we were
taking something “out into the world” with us that was far better than an education!

Lauri Thompson

Naomi worked in Buckhorn Kentucky, a beautiful drive from Hazard!

Calling, Passion and Faith.

After a brief time of teaching at her college after graduation and then serving in the hilly countryside of Augusta, Wisconsin, Naomi was ready for a more challenging experience and calling.

Seeds were planted.

Naomi was encouraged by Urbana and The Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky, but it apparently wasn’t in the Lord’s will for her to pursue midwifery with The Frontier Nursing Service. From 1973 to 1977, Naomi Koerwitz RN worked in Buckhorn with Lucille LeBeau at a small rural health clinic . Lucille LeBeau, was a midwife.   Armed with her jeep Naomi navigated the hollers, to make mother/baby visits. These visits were more than just routine check-ups; they were lifelines for many families who had limited access to medical care. Naomi’s dedication during these years was driven by her Christian faith and values, which propelled her to serve in such a challenging environment. Her work in Buckhorn laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in public health.

Naomi’s time in Buckhorn was marked by numerous heartwarming and challenging experiences. She often recounted the stories of families who had never seen a healthcare provider before her visits. Her presence brought not only medical care but also hope and reassurance to the community.

The clinic ran out of funding and Naomi was forced to make a difficult decision and despite her deep love for the community she had come to serve, she reluctantly returned to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she soon met and married Richard. God’s providence. She knew that her journey in healthcare was far from over. The skills and experiences she gained in Buckhorn would continue to guide her in her future roles.

Spirit of Buckhorn

Back in Milwaukee, Naomi’s reputation as a compassionate and dedicated healthcare provider preceded her. She quickly found opportunities to continue her work, always carrying the spirit of Buckhorn with her.

Legacy

“What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton. By Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Maybe not in this life, but I believe Naomi now knows and sees!

Conclusion

Naomi Koerwitz’s legacy of compassion and service lives on through the countless lives she touched during her time in Buckhorn, Kentucky. By continuing to shine light on the seeds she planted, we can nurture and expand her mission, ensuring that her dedication to maternal health thrives for generations to come. In this way, Naomi’s passions, experience, and gifts can continue to grow exponentially, creating a lasting impact that honors her memory and continues her work.

A Journey of Discovery and Tribute by Richard

Embarking on a journey to Buckhorn, Kentucky April 21 where Naomi Koerwitz dedicated four years of her life working in a small rural health clinic, I am filled with anticipation and reverence. Naomi’s early work in this region laid the foundation for the rest of her life, and I believe her contributions continue to resonate within the community. This is one of my main reasons or goals for the journey! To document her influence in the community. And see where the Lord leads!

To see how those SEEDS grew! Don’t believe Naomi’s work has ended! The story of Naomi’s life didn’t begin at her birth and it won’t and didn’t end with her death!

Looking for any pictures of Naomi Koerwitz while she was in Buckhorn. Also any articles about the clinic and Naomi and her midwife partner Lucille LeBeau.

Have had contact with the following and will stop in and visit after April 21st. Hazard Herald, Senior Center, Library and Little Flower Clinic.

Will visit some churches in regard to GriefShare. Getting the ministry started in Hazard.

Naomi and Lucille: December 1976 in Buckhorn

Naomi is on the left side of picture . Lucille LeBeau on right.

Taken by her brother Norm sometime before Christmas!

They worked together and shared an apartment. Lucille was 15 yrs older than Naomi. Both believers!

Naomi Koerwitz and her dad in Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park July 1977

Story in The Hazard Herald

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Naomi Koerwitz Dassow

A Journey to Honor Naomi Koerwitz: Calling or Quest?

In the serene yet rugged landscape of Buckhorn, Kentucky, Naomi Koerwitz once
navigated the hollers with her trusty jeep, bringing care and comfort to new mothers and
their babies. As an RN working in the 1970s, Naomi’s dedication to her community left
an indelible mark, one that still resonates with the people she served. Now, as I
contemplate a journey to Buckhorn to honor and memorialize my beloved wife, I find
myself grappling with the nature of this endeavor: Is it a calling or a quest? Or perhaps,
simply a heartfelt endeavor?

The Significance of a Calling

In the Christian faith, a calling is often perceived as a divine vocation, a purpose imbued
with spiritual significance and guided by the Holy Spirit. It is an inner conviction that
one’s actions are aligned with God’s will, serving a higher purpose beyond personal
ambition. Naomi’s work as a nurse could undoubtedly be seen as her calling, a
manifestation of her compassion and dedication to service.

As I reflect on my desire to travel to Hazard and Buckhorn, I sense a stirring within my soul, a profound
urge to reconnect with the place where Naomi made such a difference. This feeling is
not merely a fleeting interest but feels deeply rooted in my faith and the belief that the
Holy Spirit is guiding me. The desire to connect with the women Naomi ministered to, to
uncover articles in the Hazard Herald about the clinic’s closure, and to find a photograph
of Naomi during her time in Hazard all point to a mission that transcends a mere good
idea.

The Nature of a Quest

A quest, on the other hand, is often depicted as a journey undertaken in pursuit of a
specific goal or objective. It is driven by determination and a sense of adventure,
seeking to uncover truths, solve mysteries, or achieve a cherished dream. My research
and extensive efforts to piece together Naomi’s legacy certainly reflect the
characteristics of a quest. The countless hours spent delving into archives, reaching out
to contacts, and planning the trip to Hazard demonstrate a relentless pursuit of
knowledge and connection.

While a quest can be deeply personal and meaningful, it does not necessarily carry the
same spiritual connotation as a calling. However, that does not diminish its value. A
quest can fulfill a profound need for closure, understanding, and tribute, honoring the
memory of a loved one in a tangible and impactful way.

Connecting with Naomi’s Legacy

One of the most poignant aspects of this journey is the opportunity to connect with the
women whom Naomi served. These women, who experienced Naomi’s care and
compassion firsthand, hold a unique and invaluable perspective on her impact. By
engaging with them, I hope to gain insights into Naomi’s work, her character, and the
lasting impressions she left behind.

Additionally, the genealogist Librarian in Hazard plays a crucial role in this journey. By
checking microfilm from The Hazard Herald for articles regarding the clinic’s closure,
she can and has uncovered pieces of history that illuminate Naomi’s contributions and the
challenges she faced. Finding a picture of Naomi during her time in Buckhorn would be a
cherished discovery, a tangible link to her past and a visual testament to her dedication.

A Heartfelt Endeavor

Ultimately, whether this journey is a calling, a quest, or simply a heartfelt endeavor may
be a matter of perspective. In my heart, I believe it encompasses elements of all three.
It is driven by a deep sense of purpose and faith, guided by the Holy Spirit’s work in my
life. It is also a determined pursuit fueled by love and the desire to honor Naomi’s
legacy. And it is a profoundly personal mission, born out of the countless hours of
research and reflection.

As I prepare to embark on this journey to Buckhorn, Kentucky, I do so with a heart full of
love, respect, and gratitude for Naomi Koerwitz Dassow. Her legacy continues to inspire and
guide me, and I am committed to preserving her memory in a way that reflects the depth
of her compassion and dedication. Whether this journey is a calling, a quest, or simply a
good idea, it is undoubtedly a testament to the enduring impact of a remarkable woman.

Four years before Naomi entering the Lord’s presence!