Meet Our Donors
We are thankful for those who have made a legacy gift to Methodist Hospital Foundation. Here are their stories.
When it comes to making a difference in the lives of others, you might consider Dr. Bill Karrer and his wife, Beverley, a power couple. Together they have been a force for good, and it all started with a quote they read at a very early age:
"Service is the rent you pay for the space you occupy in this world."—Harry Strunk
They found those words on the outside of the McCook Gazette Newspaper building in the town where they grew up.
These high school sweethearts took the message of service to heart. As they celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary, they reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to doing even more. They want to leave a legacy—a legacy that includes a long history with Methodist.
"When I think of Methodist, I consider it my family. I want to do everything I can to support this family," Dr. Karrer says.
Dr. Karrer decided early on in his life that he would follow in his father's footsteps and become a physician. It's a path that was also taken by his grandfather and two uncles.
"I would go on house calls with them and dreamed of becoming a surgeon someday," Dr. Karrer says.
That dream became a reality in 1962 when he started practice at Methodist. For the next 50 years, Dr. Karrer changed and saved lives, first as a surgeon and then as the medical director at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center.
"When you are caring for patients, you become close very quickly," Dr. Karrer says.
Beverley started her career as an elementary school teacher. Once at Methodist, she became a volunteer at the hospital in addition to raising two children: Fritz is a pediatric surgeon in Denver, and Susan is an architect in Omaha.
"Service was represented in our families, and we were always part of it growing up. We come from families of givers," Beverley says. "If there is something we are interested in, then we will be involved in it."
The Karrers consider themselves lifetime supporters of Methodist. The couple has established a charitable gift annuity and included Methodist Hospital Foundation in their will.
"I am proud of the care I provided at Methodist," Dr. Karrer says. "And I want Methodist to continue being a leader in health care." Dr. Karrer and Beverley are excited to spend more time with their four grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren, but don't be surprised to see them around Methodist. They want to stay involved.
"Methodist is all about service to others," Beverley says. "We want that to be our legacy too."
If you would like to secure your legacy of caring while supporting Methodist Health System and the patients it serves, contact Dana Ryan at (402) 354-4825 and @email to learn more.