A celebration of the Adrian & Pankratz law firm’s 40th anniversary will be held in the Reception Room on the first floor of the Old Mill, 301 N. Main, Newton, on Monday, October 14, between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The law firm began in 1973 as Adrian & Walker, founded by Tom Adrian and Richard B. Walker of Newton. From two attorneys, the firm has grown to a Main Street work force of sixteen, including six attorneys. Adrian said the firm’s clients are to thank for its growth and success. “It’s hard to pinpoint just one factor,” he said. “One of the things we live by is to do our best every day to care for the responsibilities that have been entrusted to us.”
The Adrian & Pankratz firm is located on the 4th floor of the historic Old Mill Plaza building, which was originally built as Monarch Steam Mills in 1879.
Tom Adrian grew up on a farm in western Harvey County. He attended college and law school at Washburn University in Topeka, where he received a law degree in 1969. He has been an active member of the community. Among numerous areas of service, he has served as the first Board Chair of the Newton Medical Center from 1987 to 1993, Outstanding Citizen of the year in 1998, president of the Kansas Bar Foundation and as a member of Board of Governors of the Washburn Law School Alumni Association. His wife, Ann, is an educational consultant and is currently working with the Newton Public Schools. They have two adult children and five grandchildren.
Randy Pankratz is a central Kansas native, and has been part of Adrian & Pankratz since 1984, when he graduated from the University of Kansas Law School. He holds a journalism degree from Northwestern University, and worked as a news reporter before pursuing a legal education. In addition to his practice at the firm, he serves as Municipal Judge in Hesston, Halstead, Marion, and Burns. His wife Charlotte owns and operates two fabric and quilting shops in Newton, and they have one daughter.
Marilyn Wilder moved to Kansas from Indiana in 1990 and joined the firm shortly thereafter. Marilyn is a graduate of Taylor University in Upland, Indiana and Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis. Her husband Kevin is an instructor at Hesston College and they have three children ages, 22, 20 and 18. Marilyn has been part of many community organizations and helped start what is now Health Ministries Clinic and the Heartland Pregnancy Care Center.
Timothy Hodge joined the firm in 2004 after graduating from Washburn University. He graduated from Tabor College in 1999 and taught high school in Peabody, Ks. His wife, Mary Ellen, is a teacher at Northridge Elementary School in Newton. They have three children, ages 13, 9 and 7. He and his wife are active in the community, and have helped with various non-profit organizations. Hodge currently serves as president of the school board of Newton USD #373.
David J. Stucky graduated from Washburn University School of Law, magna cum laude, and joined the firm in 2008. Stucky grew up on a farm outside of Moundridge and attended Bethel College. He currently serves on the boards of various civic organizations such as Bethel College Alumni Counsel, Kauffman Museum, United Way and the Newton Chamber of Commerce. Stucky and his wife, Shelley, have two children.