This September, The Meadows will celebrate their 10th anniversary. Ten years of meeting, embracing, and serving. Ten years of learning, growing, and emerging. And 10 years of living out the legacy of the foundation.
From the decades of ministry and various entrepreneurial moves, Dr. and Mrs. Warren Bathke started from the ground up. Dr. Bathke spent 20 years in the church and 20 years in education. A majority of his time in education was spent at Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Mo. He served as their Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1977 and later as the Interim President for seven years upon his retirement. He also spent nine years as the President of Grace College of the Bible in Omaha, Neb.
In between the church and educational setting, Warren and Gladys also bought and managed several residential apartment complexes and commercial properties. Consequently, they moved into the first apartment complex they bought, so they could effectively learn to manage and maintain the building along the way. They did everything themselves: Gladys cleaned the apartments when tenants moved out and kept records; Warren, with the help of his son, Brian, took care of all maintenance needs and renovations.
It was during his work within the property setting that the Bathkes' dream, of facilitating a community for "the greatest generation," took root. They purchased the land nearly two decades before The Meadows came to fruition. They built a home on Lake Loch Lomond a decade before The Meadows was built. They had every intention of 'living out their days' in their own home.
As this dream became a reality, they requested family take part. Their daughter, Ann, agreed to come alongside as the Administrator; and their granddaughter, Megan and her husband, agreed to move to the area for the project. Finally, the building process started.
While the Bathkes still envisioned this as a project they would oversee from afar, it became evident that they would benefit from the assistance offered through The Meadows. While Dr. Bathke was still quite independent, he was experiencing more difficulty preparing meals, caring for Mrs. Bathke, and still maintaining his own personal well-being. With some reluctance, as it meant 'giving up' an element of independence for the couple, they moved into the facility as soon as it opened in September of 2007. What felt as though it veered from their plan, quickly proved its benefit. Gladys became increasingly ill, but Warren was able to receive much-needed assistance with his beloved bride, while he was able to remain involved in his business ventures. They remained together much longer than they would have been able to maintain at home.
Mrs. Bathke went Home with Jesus in 2011. By that time, Dr. Bathke developed his own medical concerns and remained in the building to receive assistance that he now needed. He learned to embrace the care now given to him. He enjoyed talks in Ann's office on a daily basis. He sat with friends at each meal and enjoyed their company. He relished in his growing family, filled with grandchildren and great-grandkids. He allowed The Meadows to care for him physically so he could emotionally live to the fullest. He went Home in February 2015.
But their story doesn't end there. Their lives and legacy are lived out through The Meadows.
General News on 04/12/2017