Hospice Donor Stories
John Meeker's Story
A life well lived can be measured by stories and happy memories. This is certainly the case for 58-year-old John Meeker, who died in January of 2016 in the comfort of the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.
Described by his wife, Kim Meeker, as a family man with an enthusiasm for collectible cars and the Iowa Hawkeyes, John was clear about his final wishes when diagnosed with terminal cancer.
“He did not want to die at home,” explains Kim. “He didn’t want our home to be a lasting reminder of his death. It was typical of his selfless spirit. It was just John.”
The Oldorf Hospice House proved to be the perfect place to honor John’s wishes. Read more.
John Smith's Story
John Arthur Smith’s legacy lives on in the game of euchre. John, in his humble and modest way would smile and say to his five children, “Keep the tournament going. It’s what life’s about…family, friends and fun.”
When John died in October 2012, his son, Tim, suggested that the family’s annual euchre tournament be dedicated to their dad with the proceeds going to Hospice of Mercy. John’s wife, Carol, and other children, Karl, Joe, Steve and Linda, embraced the idea. While still grieving, they couldn’t think of a better way to pay tribute to a life well-lived. Read more.
