Kenneth and Ardyce Heiting dedicated much of their lives to bettering their community. It’s possible you recognize their names as lead donors behind the Kenneth & Ardyce Heiting Community Stadium, the modern multi-sport facility adjacent to Marshfield High School that seats 4,000. Their generosity reflects a long-standing personal investment in the Marshfield area.
Following their passing, Kenneth and Ardyce’s legacy was formalized through the remarkable establishment of seven endowment funds, ensuring their commitment to Marshfield would continue to support the community long after their lifetimes. By partnering with the Foundation, Kenneth and Ardyce Heiting transformed their lifelong commitment to giving back. Their final gift demonstrates the enduring power of planned giving–continuation of values, community focus, and a meaningful difference for generations.
The legacy gift started seven funds: Kenneth and Ardyce Heiting Fund for Children, Hewitt Immanuel Lutheran Church Fund, Marshfield Immanuel Lutheran Church Fund, Our Lady of Peace Church Fund, Opportunity Development Center (ODC) Fund, Sacred Heart Church Fund, and Scholarship Fund. Funds designated to organizations will provide annual gifts in perpetuity. The Fund for Children provides annual grants for initiatives supporting area youth. The Scholarship Fund will annually alleviate barriers to students pursuing higher education. Each fund gives insight into the Heitings’ thoughtful vision for faith, compassion, and children’s services.
To give you a picture of the difference this makes in the community, we’ll focus on their fund for the ODC, a nonprofit that empowers individuals with mental and physical disabilities by creating new pathways to connection and independence. Individuals like Mark (below) gain meaningful purpose and a sense of belonging through work. Mark started working through the ODC in a small role helping keep the Staab Construction Company shop area clean. Now, a decade later, he maintains multiple areas, operates specialized equipment, and is considered an essential part of the team. The ODC serves over 1,500 individuals in similar ways, progressing personally, connecting socially, and positively impacting local businesses. Legacy gifts, like the Heitings’, can provide the support that allows organizations like ODC to continue and expand their services.
Our Community, Your Legacy
You can ensure the causes you care about continue to strengthen our community, today and for years to come. Join the Legacy Society by including the Foundation in your estate plans and notifying the Foundation of your intention to leave a lasting gift to our community. Your legacy can help ensure that organizations close to your heart continue to grow, adapt, and create opportunities for individuals and families across West Central Wisconsin — for good, forever.
Contact us for more information on our Legacy Society: info@marshfield.foundation