LEWISTOWN — Bob and Emma Templeton are celebrating 40 years of service to Geisinger Lewistown Hospital and want to share their incredible milestone with the community.

For the Templetons, who reside in the Belleville area, the hospital isn’t just a workplace — it’s home.

“We feel so blessed to be part of a community that has embraced us as one of their own,” said Bob, an inpatient registered nurse in Same Day Surgery at the hospital.

Relocating to Lewistown right out of college, the community became the foundation of the Templetons’ careers and their lives. Over the years, they’ve built countless memories and lasting friendships.

“Both of our daughters were raised in Mifflin County and now live on opposite sides of the state — Pittsburgh and Philadelphia,” said Emma, a polysomnographic technologist in the Sleep Lab at Geisinger.

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital is the only place they’ve ever worked. The Templetons both began their careers as registered respiratory therapists. Later, Bob returned to school with support from the hospital’s tuition assistance program, pursuing a registered nurse degree — a decision that helped them balance work schedules before starting their family.

Throughout their careers, they’ve always felt supported by leadership and encouraged to pursue their goals.

“At Geisinger, our employees are the heart of everything we do,” said AJ Hartsock, associate vice president of operations, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. “Their dedication, compassion, and commitment make us proud every single day.”

Working alongside other hospital staff members and serving those from the community who rely on their services is what has fueled their longevity.

“We’re proud to serve our patients and cherish the daily interactions with new people,” Bob shared.

Those interactions have no global boundaries. Their love for travel has taken them around the world — and thanks to a patient Bob cared for, they recently visited Manchu Picchu, Peru, which was an incredible experience.

Still, there’s nothing quite like home, which is one reason they’ve remained in Mifflin County.

“It was a small hometown, and very much what we were used to,” Bob explained.

Over the years, the Templetons also became very involved with their church, Locust Grove Mennonite Church in Belleville. They dedicated their time and energy with the children’s church, vacation Bible school and the music ministry.

Plus, they look forward to helping their patients.

“Our journey at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital isn’t over yet,” Bob said. “We look forward to continuing to meet the needs of new patients. Emma plans to retire in 2027, while I hope to keep going for a few more years.”

“Thank you, Bob and Emma, for 40 years of dedication and service,” added Hartsock. “Your commitment to our patients and community has made a lasting impact, and we’re honored to celebrate this incredible milestone with you.”

The patients they’ve served are grateful, too.