At 105 years old, Stan Nelson—World War II veteran, legendary Anoka High School coach, and now a resident of The Plaza by Vivie—has experienced more in his lifetime than most could dream. But one evening in late September offered something truly special: the chance to return to the field where so many of his memories were made.
The idea came from The Plaza’s bus and pedicab driver, Michael Kirchen, who knew Stan’s story and wanted to create a meaningful experience for him. “I just knew it would be really fun to do this with Stan,” Michael said.
A lifetime of leadership.
Stan coached football at Anoka High School for 26 years, leading his teams to six conference championships and a state title. Generations of players still remember his leadership and his genuine care for students and players.
When Michael learned that Anoka’s big rivalry game against Andover was coming up, he saw an opportunity to give Stan one more evening on the gridiron. He reached out to Stan’s three children, who loved the idea and gave their blessing.
A ride through Anoka in the pedicab.
Because The Plaza sits in the heart of Anoka, Michael knew the pedicab—a three-wheeled bike he uses to take residents on local rides—was the perfect way to make the trip. With a small team to help Stan get comfortably seated, they set out on the evening of September 26.
Their first stop was the 201 Tavern in downtown Anoka, which happened to be hosting a celebration for new inductees to the Anoka High School Football Hall of Fame.
“Once I pulled up, just a whole bunch of people started coming out to see Stan, take a picture with him, and just shake his hand,” Michael recalled.
A warm welcome on the field.
From there, they rode the few blocks to Goodrich Field—the home of the Anoka Tornadoes. Michael had arranged with the school administration to welcome Stan and give him a spot near the field.
“I took Stan in the pedicab right down to the field, and when the referees came out, they came over and shook his hand,” Michael said. “The principal even brought some of the players over to meet him.”
Though the young athletes may not have known Stan personally, they quickly realized he was someone special. Soon, word spread that the man in the pedicab was Coach Nelson, who had led the Anoka football team to so many victories.
An evening of gratitude.
Stan, who only wanted to stay for the warm-ups, took it all in with a smile. He watched the players stretch and sprint, the autumn air carrying the familiar sounds of the game he loved.
“He kept thanking me over and over again,” Michael said. “He absolutely loved being down there.”
When it was time to go, Michael pedaled Stan back through the Anoka streets to The Plaza. The trip had lasted only a couple of hours, but for Stan—and for everyone who helped make it happen—it was a night filled with joy, gratitude, and hometown pride.
A community that cares. 
It was also a reflection of what community means at The Plaza: people looking out for one another, and small acts of kindness turning into cherished moments. For Stan, it was a homecoming. For Michael and the team who helped him, it was a reminder of the impact one simple idea can have.
At The Plaza by Vivie, our dedicated team strives to create meaningful experiences that elevate each resident’s story.
Vivie
Vivie is a care provider offering integrated services, including home health care, care management, senior living, rehabilitation, hospice, and more. With over 2,300 team members, Vivie serves more than 13,000 individuals annually across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Rooted in faith and dedicated to transforming the way people live, age, and thrive, Vivie prioritizes compassionate care, excellence, and innovation.
