Preston is the only city in Minnesota with both a State Veterans Home and a State Veterans Cemetery. And Preston and surrounding communities continue to demonstrate their support for Minnesota Veterans through special events, volunteering and both in-kind and cash donations.

During the last few months, two donors have made significant cash donations to both the Home and the Cemetery. The Kaye D. Nelson Trust donated $20,000 to the Preston Veterans Home to support ongoing programming and activities by our Recreation Therapy team. And the Trust also donated $10,000 to the Preston State Veterans Cemetery to be used for equipment that will assist in the ongoing care and beautification of the site.

A second donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated $13,750 to the Veterans Home and $13,750 to the Veterans Cemetery. The donor requested that the Home use the funds to support the enjoyment of our Veterans for items such as televisions, benches and chairs for outdoor seating, recreational activity supplies and equipment, personal care items and other things that will enhance the facility and grounds. The Cemetery will again use this donation to fund equipment.

The Kaye D. Nelson Trust is funded by Mr. Kaye Nelson, a U.S. Navy Veteran who served 30 years in the military including the end of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired as a Master Sergeant and talked of his time serving on a submarine. He also played competitive volleyball while in the Navy. He had cared for his mother as she aged and had never married nor had any children. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 94.

Lois Johnson, an executor of the Kaye D. Nelson Trust, shares that Veterans were always important to Mr. Nelson. He had identified several Veteran organizations to receive donations including the Fisher House, DAV and Honor Flight; however, the Trust had additional funds available, so Johnson sought out other Veteran organizations. She was impressed after visiting both the Preston State Veterans Cemetery and Preston Veterans Home.

Regarding the Home, Johnson praised the design of the facility, with many common areas for Residents to interact. “People seem happy and the workout center can help keep people well,” she noted. As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Johnson was confident that these two Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) facilities were deserving of support.

MDVA is grateful for the support from these donors and all others who contribute to our mission of caring for Minnesota Veterans and their families.