Orville Bloethe Honored for Service on GRMC Foundation

Orville Bloethe Honored for Service on GRMC Foundation

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Foundation Board hosted a recognition lunch for Orville Bloethe for his service to the board and to healthcare in the Victor area.

“I’m so thankful for the people at GRMC and the Victor Health Center for quality healthcare,” Bloethe said. “I’ve dedicated much of my life to supporting the Victor Health Center, our community churches, and the HLV schools. It’s been an honor to serve on this board and support quality healthcare.”

Bloethe shared a brief recap of his life, beginning with a story from his high school days when he began selling little green containers of “Clover Leaf Salve.” His experiences gained have stayed with him and shaped his career and personal commitment to doing what is right. He graduated from law school and became an attorney in 1947 – serving as a lawyer for 67 years. He continues to practice in Victor. He currently focuses his time on setting up planned giving opportunities and estate planning. He added that many opportunities are available to residents but they may not know about gifting options for their land and wealth.

The passion to support the residents and community of Victor pulses through Bloethe’s veins. He has donated generously to the Victor Health Center, HLV School and area churches. In recent years, he’s supported the economic development group to fund downtown improvements.

Orville and his wife of 62 years, Loanna, demonstrated their commitment to retaining quality healthcare in Victor for generations to come. They pledged $100,000 for the construction of the Victor Health Center in 2001 with the understanding the clinic and land were to remain with the City of Victor and the newly formed non-profit Victor Health Center. This significant commitment warranted a personal recognition inside the clinic for the Bloethe family. A tribute to Orville’s brother, Leonard, who died in World War II, is housed inside for generations to view and remember the sacrifices made by others that benefit the next generation.

“I’m so grateful that we have the wonderful medical facility in Victor. We hired an architect who designed a beautiful facility with plenty of parking and staffed by doctors and nurses who have always served the community well,” Bloethe said. “The dollars we contributed to the Victor Health Clinic were wise expenditures and fully half of any credit should go to my wonderful wife, Loanna, who was at my side for 62 years. We did everything together. She’s gone but I view her picture every night before I go to bed. It’s a great way to end the day.”

As would be expected with a vibrant lifetime, Bloethe had many stories to share at the recognition. Many of the stories included Loanna Bloethe and her influence in his life and success. She passed away in 2009.

“The message I want to leave with you is that you need to listen to your spouse. Just recognize that you don’t know it all and that indeed you need to do things together,” Bloethe said.

Todd Linden expressed sincere appreciation for Orville Bloethe during the lunch, adding, “Orville has been the cement in this community. He has made the long-term investment in the community he loves, Victor, and we are so thankful for his passion and love for the community and residents.”

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Orville Bloethe received recognition for his service to the GRMC Foundation Board. Shown during the plaque presentation were: Leonard Seda, Todd Linden, Orville Bloethe, and Dave Vander Linden. (check).