Everyday People, A Once-in-a-lifetime Gift

Florence and Warner Diefenbach, siblings from Bonfield, Illinois, lived simple but full lives.

Florence was born in 1919, and Warner in 1922. They shared a home together on the family farm where they grew up, as neither Florence nor Warner ever married. They devoted their time to the Grand Prairie United Methodist Church, serving through both missions and music—Warner sang, and Florence played the organ.

The siblings began supporting Riverside Hospital in the late 1970s and continued throughout their lives. Their gifts were small but consistent, and deeply meaningful to them. They did not have opulent lifestyles. Most people who knew them considered Florence and Warner to be quite modest in every way.

So it was a surprise to the entire community when they left Riverside a combined $1 million in their estates after their passing: Florence in 2012, and Warner in 2018. With their extraordinary gift, these humble siblings from Bonfield were able to make a significant impact on Riverside—a legacy that lives on, even after their deaths.

Making an impactful planned gift for the end of life happens more frequently than you might think. In fact, we frequently find that the greatest financial impact one can make is often not during life, but after.

Are you looking to plan your legacy gifts or include Riverside Healthcare Foundation in your estate? Our estate planning experts at Riverside Healthcare Foundation are here to help you. Whether you need guidance on updating your estate plan or want to learn more about planned giving options, we have the knowledge and resources to assist you. Contact Ann Offermann at AOffermann@rhc.net or (815) 933-7799 to start planning today.