Fennimore native makes generous donation to local hospital to honor parents Originally from Fennimore, Janet Carl recalls thinking to herself “I just want to do something”. Turns out that little voice inside recently led to a very generous donation to Grant Regional Health Center.
“I’m proud to be able to contribute in a meaningful way to my hometown hospital and honor my parents at the same time. It’s gratifying to give back and feel like you are truly making a difference.” ~Janet Carl “For the Carl family, Lancaster has been an important part of our family history and that includes our local hospital – Grant Regional Health Center,” says Janet. “We’ve learned that Mom and Dad first met on the Square in Lancaster. From that chance meeting, they were later married and welcomed 12 children to their family, and all were born in Lancaster – with me being the 11th of the 12 Carl kids. In addition, my grandma lived in Lancaster in an apartment above the Gamble’s store on E. Maple Street…so Lancaster and the hospital hold many special memories and a forever place in our hearts. Whether it was welcoming a new baby to our family or an illness that brought our family together to say good-bye, our local hospital has been a constant in our lives and so important over the years.”
Looking back with 12 siblings spanning two decades, the Carl family lived a busy, happy life on their family farm near County E in Fennimore. Their family has now grown to 96 family members (soon to be 97 in August). At the heart of the Carl clan were Janet’s Mom and Dad (Marian and Leonard). “My parents were hard working, fun-loving people,” describes Janet. “Mom loved to share her talent of singing and playing guitar while dad had the gift of a green thumb and loved growing flowers and more importantly, loved giving them to others to enjoy. (Purple iris and gladiolus were his favorite).” With both parents being generous in nature, Janet’s sister believes Janet naturally got a “double dose” of this generosity.
“I had big hopes and dreams when I left home after college at UW-Platteville so many years ago,” smiles Janet. “My career and life took me to Green Bay and then Arizona where I’ve lived and worked as a lobbyist for the past 20 years. I’m happy that my life has brought me to this point and am able to give back,” Janet’s hard work and determination has come full circle, as she moved back to the area and recently presented a $60,580 donation to Grant Regional Health Center in memory of her parents Leonard and Marian Carl.
“The Fennimore community is fortunate to have excellent healthcare with Grant Regional so close by,” explains Janet. “For me, it was an easy decision to honor my parents and the hospital where I was born and support the new Fennimore Clinic that will only strengthen the medical care in our community.”
