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.
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.
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.
A civilization is built on what is required of man,
not on that which is provided for them.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
