Campaign-Newton, Kansas - Retirement Community - Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America

The north wing of the Center will be named Utz House, in memory of Everett and Inez Utz who sold a portion of their land to Dr. Nelson for expansion of the original Manor. Their daughters, Marion Nickel and Myra Utz are currently residents of the Manor, Marion in the Health Care Center and Myra in an assisted living apartment.

Marion, Myra and their brother Max grew up a stone’s throw away from the Manor at the corner of Broadway and Sherman. In 2004, Presbyterian Manor purchased additional Utz family property for use in future growth. “Presbyterian Manor was always a good neighbor to us,” said Myra. “This gift is a way to give back to Newton and to honor the memory of our parents.”


Announcement attendees visit with Walt Claassen, a major donor in honor of his parents Cornelius and Addie Claassen for whom the east wing of the health center will be named, and Mark Frazier, general chair of the Campaign Committee.

Guiding the Shaping Tomorrow Campaign are committee members Walt Claassen, honorary chair; Mark Frazier, campaign general chair for Phase I; Mel and Donna McAnulty, campaign general co-chairs for Phase II; Nancy Craig, lead gift chair; Ann Adrian, major gift chair; Ken and Jan Horst, special gifts co-chairs; Dr. Dale Griswold, medical chair; and Lou Sturm, event chair. Additionally, a Lead and Major Gifts Committee has been named, consisting of: Sue Ice, Merrill Raber, Mike Sizemore, Bob Sjogren, John R. Suderman, and Marilyn Wilder.

“I am in awe of the volunteers who make up this committee,” said Mark Frazier. “They are long-time Newtonians who care not only about the quality of life at Presbyterian Manor, but about Newton in general. Many of them either have had, or still have, family members as residents of the Manor. When they speak of ‘Shaping Tomorrow,’ it truly is about family. I am confident that with their commitment, insight and resolve, the campaign will be a great success.”

“It has been such a pleasure to work with the dedicated group of volunteers that comprise our Shaping Tomorrow committee,” added Shawn Sullivan, executive director of Presbyterian Manor of Newton. “They have been so positive throughout this process and passionate about helping make this project a reality.”

“With the three lead gifts, and additional gifts from the dedicated men and women of our campaign committee and of the Manor Advisory Committee, I am pleased to announce that a total of $620,000 has been committed to the Shaping Tomorrow Campaign.”

– Mark Frazier, campaign general chair

The U.S. Census estimates that by 2030 one in five Americans will be age 65 or older. And with the aging of America, retirement living has become more resident focused, as seniors look to relinquish the responsibilities of home ownership while remaining independent. From flexible dining hours and menus to take-out meals and coffee bars, to resident-directed trips off campus and the hosting of outside groups, to the ability to select one’s own décor and the elimination of nurses stations — “The Way You Want to Live” has become the standard for Presbyterian Manors, for health care residents as well as all other levels of living.

Health Center Specifics | Ermal McFarland | Utz Sisters | Claasen Family | Midland Bank

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