Paul D Nelson Memorial Opportunity

Paul Nelson had vision. He was a pioneer, an entrepreneur and a trailblazer. His bold ideas and execution created opportunities others only wished to imagine and made the world a better place. His success and accomplishments were grand. And yet, Paul Nelson remained grounded in his roots on “Paul’s Prairie,” outside of Gettysburg, SD, for more than 70 years. 

Many of us had the privilege of seeing Paul’s vision come to fruition. We continue to enjoy the harvest from his years of work yet today through exceptional experiences at Paul Nelson Farm.  Yet, Paul knew there was even more.

Paul understood the importance of family, fellowship and the connections he made throughout his lifetime both locally and across the world. And he knew to thrive, he needed his community to thrive also. In his passing, Paul’s family and friends continue to provide vision to the importance of these things. 

Paul realized a strong, modern, local hospital was vital to the community and to Paul Nelson Farm. In fact, upon his passing, the Nelson family has directed memorials to the local hospital building project. Yet there is more to do.

Long-time Friend Steps Up with $125,000 Matching Memorial Challenge

Long-time friends, Foster and Lynn Friess contacted the family with the desire to make another of Paul’s visions a reality. The Lynn and Foster Friess Family Foundation will contribute up to $125,000 in a dollar-for-dollar match for any contribution made to the Avera Missouri River building project. The Friess’ incredible generosity combined with support from our community and Paul’s many friends will make this project fully funded and create an asset that will benefit the community for years. 

The building project includes an inpatient unit, a modern and cutting-edge emergency services facility, updated space for the radiology and imaging services, an on-site helipad, IV infusion suites, a new physical therapy gym, and a welcoming clinic. Every patient care room and the emergency department will be fully integrated and connected to Avera’s strong and robust telemedicine program, Avera eCARE.

Paul appreciated the innovation and dedication this local health care facility brings to the community. In fact, prior to his passing, Paul Nelson Farm and Paul’s family were already contributors to the fundraising campaign to support the new building. 

We wanted you to know about this generous, unimagined matching offer. Our desire is to max out this $125,000 dollar-for-dollar gift opportunity from the Lynn and Foster Friess Family Foundation in memory of Paul D. Nelson. We have provided a full list of your giving options below.

Thank you for your friendship, support, and prayers. And come see us! We promise Paul’s spirit is still alive and strong. He has trained us well. We will honor him by delivering a “hunt of a lifetime!”

Paul Nelson Family

Challenge Grant Giving Options:

Mailing Instructions:

Avera Gettysburg
℅ Paul D. Nelson Memorial
606 East Garfield Ave
Gettysburg, SD 57442

Give Online:

Additional Assistance on Giving:

For additional assistance, please contact Kellie Yackley with Avera Gettysburg at 605-280-9593.

For more information:

For more information on the Gettysburg Hospital project, click here or contact the Avera Gettysburg Hospital at 605-765-2488 or Kellie Yackley at 605-280-9593.