About the Foundation

Franklin I. Saemann was a pioneer in the field of orthopedic equipment and well-known philanthropist.  His wife, Irene List Saemann, was a nurse and granddaughter of Georg Grossmann, founder of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.  Frank founded and operated the Warsaw, Indiana-based Orthopedic Equipment Company in 1942.  Irene provided support and companionship as the couple traveled around the world on business as the firm prospered.

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During a visit to Wartburg College in 1978, Frank and Irene were impressed with the warm hospitality and the beautiful campus and began making personal donations to the College.

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Upon Frank's death in 1987, the Franklin I. and Irene List Saemann Foundation was established to benefit Wartburg and charitable institutions in the Warsaw community.