Celebrating 50 years of service: LuAnn Lehnertz’s journey at St. Charles
Redmond, Ore. [KTVZ] -- LuAnn Lehnertz’s journey with St. Charles began in 1975 during a cross-country road trip that brought her to Central Oregon.
Originally from the Twin Cities and with a full-time job offer in Minnesota, Lehnertz made a life-changing decision when she stopped in Bend and accepted a part-time dietitian position at St. Charles. That November marked the beginning of an extraordinary 50-year career dedicated to the health and wellness of the local community.
Lehnertz was Redmond’s first full-time dietitian and took on many pioneering roles, including managing food services for two decades, designing the hospital kitchen, and providing inpatient visits—all well before the age of computers and email.
Throughout her tenure, she launched innovative programs such as diabetes education, bariatric surgery support groups, and lifestyle programs to complement medical treatments. She became the first certified diabetes educator dietitian in Redmond and has consistently embraced new ideas and challenges in the evolving field of nutrition.
Today, Lehnertz continues her work at the Center for Women’s Health in Redmond, offering outpatient nutrition therapy. Beyond her professional duties, she also teaches fitness classes at the Redmond Senior Center, making health and wellness her lifelong passion.
Reflecting on her five decades at St. Charles, Lehnertz says she’s never been bored and believes she’s had the best years any dietitian could ask for—both professionally and personally in Central Oregon.
Her story is a testament to commitment, community, and the impact one dedicated healthcare professional can have over a long career, inspiring the next generation of care providers and the Central Oregon community alike.
