HOLDREGE – A $10,000 gift from the estate of Gladys Harper and a $5,126 gift from the estate of Merna Larson have been donated to the Holdrege Memorial Homes Foundation.
HOLDREGE – A $10,000 gift from the estate of Gladys Harper and a $5,126 gift from the estate of Merna Larson have been donated to the Holdrege Memorial Homes Foundation.
Both Gladys and Merna were residents of Holdrege Memorial Homes who died in the past year. Gladys M. Harper died on March 10, 2025, at Holdrege Memorial Homes where she had resided for 14 months. Merna J. Larson died on Dec. 5, 2024, at Holdrege Memorial Homes where she had lived for 16 years.
Gladys Harper
Gladys was born in Missouri and graduated high school in Indianola, Neb., in 1953. She married LeRoy Harper of Norton in 1955 and then worked at Prairie Land Electric in Norton for 51 years retiring in 2013. She was a talented writer and poet and wrote Bible studies after her retirement.
Her sister, Dorothy Bruening, lives in Holdrege.
“The staff at Holdrege Memorial Homes treated my sister like she was family,” Dorothy said. “The employees always take an extra minute to visit and show they care. They have patience and treat their patients like their own mother. We are very lucky to have a good nursing home here in town.”
A rock inscribed with Harper’s name has been installed under the Holdrege Memorial Homes Tree of Life in the north lobby in recognition of the gift. A portion of the gift was also used to purchase a NU-Step for the new Assisted Living Fitness Center on the first floor.
Merna Larson
Larson was born in Bertrand and was valedictorian of her graduating class of 1944. She pursued higher education at Kearney State College and then taught at rural schools in Phelps and Harlan counties before marrying Don Larson in 1951. They were blessed with four sons: Danny Douglas, Dale and David.
A golden leaf was installed on the Tree of Life in the HMH lobby in recognition Larson’s gift. Gifts of $1,000 or more to the HMH Foundation are recognized with a golden leaf. Gifts of $10,000 or more are recognized with an inscribed rock.
“We are grateful for these generous gifts, which allow Holdrege Memorial Homes to continue to provide quality care for those who cared for us,” said Kristine Jacobson, Holdrege Memorial Homes Public Relations and Foundation Director. “These gifts strengthen our mission and help ensure that older adults in our community receive the dignity, comfort and support they deserve.”
The Holdrege Memorial Homes Foundation was established in 1989 and is dedicated to inspire, receive and administer benevolent gifts to ensure the financial support for the continued growth of Holdrege Memorial Homes and its Christian environment. Continued support of the Holdrege Memorial Homes Foundation helps assure the future of the facility as we strive to provide state-of-the-art care for the most fragile citizens of Holdrege and the surrounding area, while remember the value of treating people as the unique individuals that they are.
Cindy Huyser
For more information: Cindy Huyser, Public Relations/Foundation Director at [email protected] or 308-995-8631
