Finding Home Together: Dwight and Lucy’s Story at Walker Place by Vivie

For Dwight and Lucy Burkhardt, being together has always been the most important thing.

“We’ve been married for 65 years,” Dwight says. “And we’ve known each other for 67 years.”

A lifetime together

Over the decades, they built a life together—first meeting at Northwestern University, then eventually settling in Minneapolis when Dwight joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota. After retiring in 2012, they downsized to a single-level home, planning to enjoy the years ahead.

Like many couples, they had occasionally talked about the possibility of senior living someday. But it always felt like something for the distant future.

Then life changed.

After Dwight suffered a broken hip, he spent 50 days in rehabilitation. During that time, Lucy was living alone in their house.

“Fifty days living by myself—I didn’t want to do that anymore,” she says. “We had to be together. That’s all there is to it.”

Choosing Walker Place by Vivie

With the help of their sons, the couple sold their house and looked for a place where they could live together and receive the support they needed.

Walker Place by Vivie felt like a natural choice. Decades earlier, Dwight’s mother had lived there when it was known as the Health Center, and Lucy had volunteered there. They already knew the neighborhood well—and they knew what the community offered.

“With assisted living, we knew we’d have physical therapy, occupational therapy, and help with medications,” Lucy says, “It was just the right thing to do.”

Support during recovery

When Dwight and Lucy moved into Walker Place—located in the East Harriet neighborhood of Minneapolis—Dwight was still recovering from his injury.

For three months, he worked with physical and occupational therapists right at Walker Place.

“Those people were quite good,” Dwight says. “I made a lot of progress since that time. I can’t imagine what it would have been like not to have that sort of assistance.”

Care that brings peace of mind

Both Dwight and Lucy also receive help with their medications, which has brought added peace of mind.

“The people delivering them are just outstanding,” Lucy says. “They are so pleasant and thoughtful. If we have questions, the people here can answer them.”

Becoming part of the community

As Dwight recovered, the couple began settling into life at Walker Place.

Lucy found a way to get involved through a volunteer effort led by a resident. “There’s a woman who collects knitted hats to give out to people who need them,” Lucy says. “I knit hats for her.”

She’s also looking forward to spending time in the community garden. “I’ve thought about the gardening part,” she says. “Maybe next spring I’ll see if I can plant there.”

Small moments—like friendly greetings in the hallway or conversations with neighbors—have helped the community feel like home.

Dwight says living among others who are staying active and engaged has also been inspiring.

“It’s been unexpectedly positive,” he says.

New home, familiar traditions

Today, Dwight continues to regain strength, and the couple has grown comfortable in their new home. They’ve even been able to continue much-loved traditions—like hosting Christmas Eve dinner for their family.

“It’s wonderful,” Lucy says. “It makes a big difference.”

Moving forward together

The move to assisted living was a major life change. But for Dwight and Lucy, it’s also brought reassurance, connection, and the ability to move forward together.

“We’ve been married a long time,” Lucy says. “We love each other. We’re willing to make changes together, talk about them, and go forward.”

Dwight smiles at the thought. “I would say overall,” he says, “it’s a pretty good story.”