Topeka Rescue Mission to hold ribbon cutting for memorial park dedication

Topeka Rescue Mission is opening a new outdoor memorial park on October 21^st, 2022 at 10:30am. The Park will be dedicated in honor of two former staff members, Mike Shinkle & Steve Stutzman. The Shinkle/Stutzman Memorial Park will be an outdoor eating area for those experiencing homelessness.

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Mike Shinkle was a dedicated TRM staff member, loving father, and friend to the Topeka Community. Mike served as the head of food service for over 20 years and loved to love on those around him. Mike went home to be with Jesus in November 2020 after fighting the Covid virus. Steve Stutzman was a very close friend of Mike’s and a dedicated TRM staff member as well. Steve served in various roles at TRM over the years, but most recently served as the Director of Facilities and Maintenance. The work on the park was started by Steve, but in July 2021, Steve was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In May 2022 Steve went home to be with Jesus after battling long and hard. Both men loved to help those in need and loved serving the community.

The purpose of the Shinkle/Stutzman Memorial Park is to allow unsheltered neighbors in the community to have a place to sit and eat.  TRM partnered with local NOTO artists to make the space welcoming and cheerful. The covered spaces in the park were hand-painted by local artist, Sarah Meyer. PTR Sponseller designed and created special metal artwork with Mike and Steve in mind.

–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice

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