For the 70 years they’ve been married, Roger and Arlyne Burghuis have been building something – highways in central Minnesota, a successful business, and a loving family. Roger grew up on a farm so he knew what hard work is all about. They were married shortly before he shipped off for Army duty in Korea. When he got back, he found work building roads with a Chippewa County contractor.

“We would improve roads mainly,” Roger recalls, “In later years, when they started the Interstate, we built 85 to 90 percent of Interstate 94 from Fargo to Minneapolis.” Roger operated those big earth movers during the ‘70s, and later managed the crew that prepared the road-bed for paving.

Roger and Arlyne’s next building project established their own Ski-Doo snowmobile dealership, in their home town of Clara City. It was a family affair. Arlyne kept the books, and their three kids helped with the business along with Roger’s brother. “If I remember right, I think I had about 500 sleds out,” Roger says.

Roger and Arlyne say they love Copperleaf, since it became home two years ago. “The people are friendly and they take good care of you,” Roger replies.

Copperleaf senior living community offers 55 one-and-two-bedroom Assisted Living apartments, seven Care Suites, providing 24-hour continuous senior care, and 20 Memory Care Suites, designed to awaken the senses and provide support.