Hospital receives $100,000 bequest years ago
A bequest totaling more than $100,000 has been given to St. Luke Foundation, board members of Marion County Hospital District No. 1 heard Thursday at their monthly meeting.
The estate of the late Elmer and Lottie Pritz donated $103,942 to the foundation, reported Kevin Fruechting, foundation president and hospital board member.
"They cared deeply about health care in Marion, and especially the care provided through St. Luke," Fruechting said.
"Elmer and Lottie had no children of their own, they had a host of friends who seemed like family," he said. "They thought there was no better way to help those friends than to assure the viability of this hospital."
The bequest was particularly timely since the foundation had paid for extensive remodeling in one wing of the living center, significantly depleting financial resources.
The Pritzes will be honored with a memorial stone as part of the Tree of Life, on display in the hospital lobby.
In other reports:
A five-member physician recruitment team from Banner Health Systems visited the facility Thursday. They placed 37 physicians last year in Colorado and Wyoming.
"They were impressed and excited," said Doug Newman, administrator. "They said we are better equipped than most small hospitals."
The team works full time matching physicians with communities. One team member will attend an upcoming convention for military physicians who are completing their assignments and are looking for civilian positions.
Marion County Home Health will offer mastectomy products starting in May. The hospital auxiliary will provide furniture in part of the mammography room, and several home health employees have been trained as fitters.
Repairs to the clinic roof and interior are ongoing. Leaks resulted in water damage. During that work, evidence of termite damage was found as well. The hospital and insurance company are working with service providers to determine the cause of the problems.
A new flagpole has been ordered for the facility. The existing flagpole, near the original front entrance, is not visible due to trees and other construction. An exact position for the new pole will be decided after it arrives.
Renovations of the building leased by Prairie View should be completed by early April, Newman reported.
