KNOXVILLE, Iowa – Elmer “Jipe” Pearson and his children recently donated $40,000 to the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) Foundation in memory of Evelyn Pearson, Jipe’s wife of 70 years who passed in April at 91 years old.
“We can’t thank Jipe and his family enough for their generosity,” said Kevin Kincaid, KHC CEO. “They have been long-time pillars in our community, and their support allows us to continue investing in our community’s health care.”
The Pearsons designated their contribution toward the Emergency Room renovation, which is part of the hospital’s $21 million expansion. The Emergency Room renovation will add private rooms with attached restrooms, provide additional staff workspace to enhance workflow and efficiency, and enhance safety measures to ensure those experiencing mental health issues cannot harm themselves or others.
“Knoxville is important to us,” said Jipe. “Evelyn and I have been treated in the Emergency Room and have stayed overnight at the hospital on a few occasions. We’ve always had the best care, and the staff has always listened to us throughout our visit.”
For the Pearsons, the gift to the hospital is a family affair, which is a tribute to their strong family bond and values. Five generations of Jipe’s family have called Knoxville home, including his parents and three children Lori, Robin and her husband Gil, and Danny and his wife Carol. Jipe, a 1946 Knoxville High School graduate, bought farmland south of Knoxville in 1960.
Danny and Carol, who have taken over the farming operations as well as run a successful small business in Knoxville for years, value the community support that is accustomed to small town living.
“It’s a comfort to know that our community has a thriving hospital that provides modern care in a modern facility,” they said. “We want to be part of that growth so that our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy the same level of care that we’ve come to expect from the hospital.”
Lori reiterated her appreciation. “We are so fortunate to have a hospital right here in Knoxville and the assurance that anyone coming to the hospital will receive attentive care,” said Lori.
Robin, a retired nurse who has worked at a 700-bed trauma center, has been impressed with the KHC staff. “I hope everyone in Knoxville knows how special this hospital is to the community,” said Robin. “I’ve worked for health care organizations in larger cities, and the care at those facilities don’t compare to the incredible level that the KHC staff has provided for our family.”
The Emergency Room renovation is expected to begin in early 2024. To learn more about the hospital’s expansion or to donate to the project, visit https://knoxvillehospital.org/donate or contact Kevin Stittsworth, Director of Foundation and Public Relations, at 641-842-1485 or kstittsworth@knoxvillehospital.org.
PICTURED:
Lori, Robin, Elmer “Jipe”, Carol, and Danny Pearson with Knoxville Hospital & Clinics CEO Kevin Kincaid.
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is a non-profit community hospital serving Marion County and the surrounding area. Named a “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” and Voted as Best of Red Rock Area’s “Best Place to Work” and “Best Hospitality”, KHC’s highly skilled medical staff and specialists provide personal, compassionate, and innovative quality health care to patients. For more information regarding this release and other happenings at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, call Public Relations at (641) 842-1485.
