In looking at various ways to mark Memorial Hospital’s 50th Anniversary, the 50th Anniversary Auxiliary sub-committee chose to pursue the idea of having a sculpture designed for the hospital grounds.  

        “The Auxiliary wanted something that would commemorate this important milestone in the history of Memorial as well as healthcare in our community,” said Carole Middendorf, director of volunteer services.  “We are very excited about this project - the design is symbolic of Memorial’s logo and really will be a nice addition to the hospital’s main entrance.”

        Gary Karasek designed the 18-foot tall, 1.5 ton steel and brass sculpture, which will be a part of Art on the Square’s Sculpture in the City program.  Karasek donated a portion of his services and Jeff Lutz, of Century Brass and a member of Memorial’s Board of Directors fabricated and donated the top portion of the sculpture using brass plates recycled from Memorial Foundation’s former donor recognition wall, which was replaced earlier this year to accommodate growth.

        This project was truly a team effort - - - Scott O'Neill assisted with some of the engineering work, Hank Rohwedder from Hank's Excavating did the site work and poured the concrete base and Stan Erlinger transported the final piece and using one of cranes hoisted the sculpture into place adjacent to the hosptial's main entrance.