About The Clinic

Western Veterinary Service was established in 1974 in central Lincoln County. Separate locations in Lake Benton and Tyler were joined together at the current location in 1978. The business name and structure were changed to Western Veterinary Clinic PLLP in 2000.

Our Mission Statement

To provide high quality veterinary health care, consultative services and animal health products in a manner that treats each client with special concern and provides superior value and client satisfaction.

Meet Our Team

Loren Johnson, DVM
Dr. Loren Johnson is a graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. He is married and has two children, two grandchildren, and a grand dog. He is a farm boy at heart and enjoys both large and small animal practice.

Roxanne Nielsen, DVM
Dr. Roxanne Nielsen attended veterinary school at the University of Minnesota. Prior to vet school, she attained a Master's degree in Ruminant Nutrition at North Dakota State University. Dr. Nielsen is married, has four children, and four grandchildren. She enjoys horseback riding, gardening, and baking. 

Marlene, Financial Manager
Marlene grew up near Lake Benton and graduated from Mankato Commercial College. She started her career with Western Veterinary Clinic in 1978, which is the year the present clinic was built. For many of those years, she was the first contact to clients either on the phone or coming into the clinic. Presently she works part-time and handles the financial matters of the clinic. Marlene is married to Mike and they have two grown children, Myron and Michelle. Since the tornado of 2011 took their Lake Benton home, she commutes from Sioux Falls. She states, "Western Vet Clinic is my home away from home!"

Karlee, Office Manager
Karlee joined our team in May 2018. As office manager, Karlee oversees the day to day workings of the clinic. She grew up in Tyler and has two cats, her "girls", Shea & Dessy. She enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering in many aspects at her church, and reading.

Sara, Veterinary Technician
Sara joined our team in February 2015. She is a 2013 graduate of the Veterinary Technology program at Globe University in Sioux Falls and obtained an Associate's degree. As a veterinary technician she assists with small animal examinations, surgeries, and diagnostic workup. After growing up in South Dakota, she is excited to make Minnesota her home. You may also see her at Applebee's in Marshall. Sara has 2 German Shepherds named 'Echo' and 'Bane,' a cat named 'Franklin,' two Cockatiels, 'Carlee' and 'Charlie' and a fish. Her passions include working with pets and drawing.

Bruce, Large Animal Assistant
In 1987 after asking Loren if they ever needed extra help, he started part-time doing chute work while working nights at Schwans. In January 1994 Bruce started full-time as a vet assistant and any other job the clinic needed done. He is married, has four children, and five grandchildren. His family lives on an acreage with an assortment of livestock and pets.

Tiffany Kelly, Office Assistant
Tiffany joined our team in early 2020 as a clinic assistant. She is currently a senior in high school and her future goals include becoming a veterinarian. In her free time she can be found working with horses and spending time with family and friends.