I remember many trips to the Guardian Angels Care Center to celebrate birthdays and Mother’s Day with my Grandma Schlechter. The whole family would be there. It was a large gathering. Those are really good memories! –Ron Stricker
For Ron and Gloria Stricker, Guardian Angels has always been a part of their family. Grandma Victoria Schlechter (Ron’s Grandmother) made her home here and brothers, sisters, cousins, and family from all over would join in celebrating birthdays and Mother’s Day. Gloria’s dad moved into Guardian Angels after living in Jamestown, ND for 90 years. “As difficult as the situation was, the move went well and Guardian Angels staff was amazing with him,” said Gloria with tears in her eyes. Currently, Ron’s mom Mary is living in a Guardian Angels community. “When you go there to visit your family, you see a whole generation of people who need care,” said Ron “Then you start to realize the significance of Guardian Angels in our community and the importance of ensuring they are able to carry out their mission of providing exceptional care to seniors and their families.”
Neither Ron nor Gloria grew up in wealthy families, but their families did teach them the importance of giving back. They are faithful church supporters, blood donors, and always look out and care for others. This is something Ron and Gloria passed on to their children.
“We obviously grew up with Guardian Angels always being a part of the Elk River community,” said Adam Horner. Adam and Kelli Horner are the daughter and son-in-law of Ron and Gloria Stricker. For Kelli, Guardian Angels was always part of holiday celebrations and trips to see her grandparents and even great-grandparents. Adam and Kelli then started coming to the Guardian Angels Spring Galas and soon realized the importance of sustaining this important mission. When the time came for the couple to create a will, it only seemed natural to include Guardian Angels in it as one of their beneficiaries. Kelli said, “Growing up, generosity was always modeled for Adam and me, and we want to set that same example for our children.”
Both the Stricker and Horner families wish more people would understand the importance of leaving a legacy gift because it’s so easy. Anyone, at any age or income level, can make a legacy gift and make a lasting difference in the lives of seniors through Guardian Angels. To make a difference with a legacy gift, contact Deb Weston at Guardian Angels at 763-635-4485 or visit our website at guardianangelsmn.org and click on Ways to Give.
