State Supreme Court to Decide $10 Million Estate Battle Between FCMC, Mayo Clinic

While a decision could still be weeks or months away, Floyd County Medical Center (FCMC) is about to get one step closer to learning if they will be the  beneficiary of a $10 million gift for a cancer center.

The Iowa State Supreme Court is scheduled to begin hearing oral arguments this week in the case pitting the Charles City hospital against the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. At dispute is the $10 million estate of Herman Stille, a successful farmer in Chickasaw County who passed away in 2020.

Stille pledged the $10 million to FCMC under two conditions: FCMC remain an independent hospital and that funds be used to establish a cancer center in Charles City. If FCMC was unable to meet those requirements, the money would go to the Mayo Clinic for Alzheimer’s research.

In June 2025, a Chickasaw County District Court Judge ruled in favor of FCMC, but Mayo challenged that decision.

Mayo’s appeal would reach the Iowa Supreme Court, which notified the parties involved last month that the state’s highest court will retain the appeal, instead of the case going to the Iowa Court of Appeals first. FCMC officials note that, with the case going before the state Supreme Court, it means their decision could finally bring the multi-year legal battle to an end.

The Iowa Supreme Court took up the matter again starting Wednesday (02.18) in Des Moines. Even after oral arguments wrap up, it could be weeks or months before a ruling is handed down.

FCMC has said, regardless of the outcome, the hospital remains committed to bringing oncology services to the Charles City community