Estate Planning Program Helped to Create a Legacy for Luitjens Family

As a 20-year employee of CentraCare, Phil Luitjens has often witnessed the benefits of philanthropy in his role as Vice President of Operations, Acute Care. From the purchase of new surgical equipment to funding a ride home for an Emergency Room patient, he values the new and creative ways that CentraCare Foundation uses donor gifts to make rural lives healthier.

So, when Phil and his wife, Holly, recognized the need to update their will and estate plan, they took advantage of the complimentary and confidential Thompson & Associates estate planning program available through CentraCare Foundation.

"The Thompson process was super easy and not scary or intrusive. It also allowed for engagement and collaboration with our personal attorney before finalizing our estate plan," shared Phil.

"For many, the task of undertaking this planning process may seem daunting at first, but it was very educational. Paul Grassmann (Thompson & Associates’ representative) asked us great questions and really broke down our barriers and fears. It was a non-judgmental exercise to educate and inform so we could produce the best estate plan for our family," Phil added.

Phil’s advice for others, "Don't wait, just do it. Life can change in a moment. While you can’t control the changes, you can preplan where you want your assets to go, and how you wish to be cared for by completing your advanced care directive. If you wait, your wishes may not be fulfilled."

After they completed the estate planning program, Phil and Holly chose to designate a generous planned gift to CentraCare Foundation in support of scholarships for medical students attending the new University of Minnesota medical school campus in St. Cloud.

"The Foundation's values align with ours both personally and professionally and we see the medical school as another way to benefit our community. We recognize that medical education and health care will always be a need and see this gift as a way to influence resources for our future doctors and the care provided to our children and families. It’s a gift that's important to us and a legacy that will shape generations to come."

In addition, Phil continues to support the Coborn Cancer Center as a 90-minute donor to the annual Employee Campaign.

"We are truly grateful for the wonderful care the cancer team provided to our family members who experienced cancer, and we wish to show our gratitude through this ongoing gift," said Phil. "I would encourage others to support an area that aligns with their personal interests with a gift of any size. Every dollar can make a difference."

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