As Seen in Milwaukee Magazine, September 2025
Locals share their advice on making the most of your golden years.
Finding a Community
Jim Fergus and Michael Barndt both live at Saint John’s On The Lake. We spoke to them about why people shouldn’t wait to make the move.
How did you both come to Saint John’s?
Michael Barndt: My wife and I moved here in 2011. I was 68 at the time. I was a professor at UW-Milwaukee, and I knew a number offriends who had moved here. We really wanted the kind of intellectual stimulation that we understood was going to be at Saint John’s. Of course, people come here for the location and the view, which is spectacular. But I think what we both recognized right off the bat was the community aspect of Saint John’s, the involvement of the residents. Before I moved in, I became part of the program committee, helping work on ideas. I put together programs on classical music that I’ve been doing routinely since.
The staff here is willing to let you develop any idea that others support. It’s really a co-production between staff and residents. One example is our library complex, the tech center and media library- it’s entirely resident-run.
Jim Fergus: I came to visit with my wife, and it did not take us anytime to decide. The aura of the place, everything we saw – we signed up that same day. Everyone knows each other here, and when someone new arrives, people will start a conversation, and that was really impressive to me. When you get older, you lose friends. I think sometimes for men, we don’t have social support groups. But here at Saint John’s, I’ve made many new friends, and that’s a wonderful thing. What Michael mentioned about co-production is really important because staff can never know what people living here want as well as the people themselves do, and Saint John’s has us all involved in how the community is run.
One thing that’s unique here is you see the CEO, the COO often just walking around the building. If you want to bring something up, you can talk to them right away.
What are some ways residents get involved?
Fergus: One point I like to make is that just because you move in here doesn’t mean your life outside stops. I have a friend here who works at the cancer ward at Froedtert. There are a number of people who own their own businesses. Residents take classes at UWM. That’s just a few examples. It’s not like your whole life is different when you move in. I was a teacher, so Michael approached me to work with him to teach a four-month course about AI.
Barndt: That was a pretty wild ride, trying to stay on top of AI. One highlight for me has been my involvement with the Fine Arts Quartet at UWM. When the university said they couldn’t afford to support it, a group formed here at Saint John’s to work with the university to preserve the quartet. We’ve been funding return visits by the quartet, which is now coming up on its 80th birthday.
What would you say to someone who’s skeptical about moving in?
Fergus: If you ask anybody here, “Did you move in too early?” everybody will say, “I wish I had been here earlier.” When you move in at a younger age, you can be involved in more of the things available here. One thing that’s amazing is our resident assistants. We have one at the desk at each tower, and there’s no problem they can’t solve – problems with your apartment, your car, navigating appointments with your doctor. They can help with everything.
Barndt: One of the important things about new people moving in is that they bring new ideas. One couple moved in and said, “Where’s the pickleball court?” They put it together, and now it’s a regular activity here. Another person moved in and was concerned about vegan food. She worked closely with our food venues to make certain vegan options are always available. One resident is a strong photographer and leads a photography group. The message I have for anyone thinking about moving in is, don’t wait.
Saint John’s On The Lake has over 155 years of innovation in serving older adults. Known for exceptional living, Saint John’s offers residents the opportunity to enjoy active, fulfilling lives enriched with a variety of amenities, services, and vibrant community activities. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each resident experiences an amazing lifestyle, making Saint John’s a premier choice for senior living. Contact us to schedule a personal tour.