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July 07, 2004
Merle Atkinson Bequest Benefits Plattsmouth Community EndowmentPLATTSMOUTH -- A former Plattsmouth resident, Laura “Merle” Atkinson, who returned to the community in 1990, has left a $180,000 bequest to the Plattsmouth Community Foundation and smaller amounts to the city’s fire department and rescue squad. Mike Schuldt, president of the Foundation, said Mrs. Atkinson’s generosity will provide a perpetual endowment that will be used to fund Plattsmouth area causes in the future. Some of Mrs. Atkinson’s interests will give the Foundation committee members guidance on how the proceeds from the endowment might be used, Schuldt said. She was an avid reader; enjoyed fishing, swimming and other outdoor recreation; and supported the local museum, fire and rescue department, programs for senior citizens and flowers and beautification projects for the parks and city. Mrs. Atkinson had intended to leave some money to charity, since she didn’t have any children. She became interested in the Plattsmouth Community Foundation and the flexibility it gives to donors in supporting various community needs and organizations. She liked the idea of a lasting endowment in which the interest could be used for the community as its needs change, Schuldt said. Laura “Merle” Atkinson was 91 when she died on July 23, 2002. She was born at Ft. Benton, Montana and married Finis Atkinson in Plattsmouth. She was a licensed beautician and had worked for her sister, Gladys, at the Style Shop in Plattsmouth for five years. She later moved with her husband to Montana and California and returned to Plattsmouth after her husband’s death. She is survived by her sister, Gladys L. Hall of Plattsmouth, and numerous nieces and nephews. She had a twin brother, Verle, and three other brothers and a sister, who preceded her in death. The Plattsmouth Community Foundation was formed two years ago, in response to a group of area citizens who were interested in community improvement. It is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation, which helps nearly 145 communities in 69 of Nebraska’s 93 counties to mobilize charitable giving for community and economic development. Plattsmouth area residents and former residents are encouraged to use the Plattsmouth Community Foundation to make tax-deductible donations to their hometown. The Foundation supports cultural, recreational, civic, health, education and other efforts to enhance the quality of life in Plattsmouth and the surrounding area. For additional information, contact Mike Schuldt at (402) 296-6025 or Jeff Yost at the Nebraska Community Foundation, (402) 323-7330 or visit the website: http://www.nebcommfound.org/communities/plattsmouth.htm . --30-- Return to TOP |
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Nebraska Community Foundation PO Box 83107 Lincoln, NE 68501 Phone: (402) 323-7330 Fax: (402) 323-7349 E-mail: webmaster@nebcommfound.org |
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