Serving Minnesota
and North Dakota
2021 Renaissance Award Recipient: Meg Jones
Meg Jones’ longtime volunteerism at Knute Nelson began with providing manicures to residents.
“My friend invited me to do manicures for the residents and they were very excited about getting their nails done, which was quite a rewarding experience,”
Grand Arbor's First 10 Years
“When we were planning Grand Arbor, it was our vision to serve aging adults,” said Mark Anderson, President and CEO, Knute Nelson. “It was a big dream, and the whole community came together to help us make it a reality.”
Honoring Veterans at Knute Nelson
Knute Nelson knows how hard Veterans work for America, and this Veterans Day, we salute all American service members, both past and present.
KNUTE NELSON ANNUAL COMMUNITY PICNIC
Join us for a FREE BBQ-style lunch at the Knute Nelson Annual Community Picnic!
This year’s Community Picnic will be held on Tuesday, August 10 at the Care Center campus (420 12th Avenue East, Alexandria).
PARK RAPIDS COMMUNITY INVITED TO PICNIC
Knute Nelson invites the Park Rapids community to a free outdoor picnic at their Crystal Brook Senior Living campus (1006 Crocus Hill Street) on Thursday, August 26th from 11:30 am to 1 pm.
Park Rapids Community Invited to Picnic
Knute Nelson invites the Park Rapids community to a free outdoor picnic at their Crystal Brook Senior Living campus (1006 Crocus Hill Street) on Thursday, August 26th from 11:30 am to 1 pm.
Knute Nelson Annual Community Picnic
Join us for a FREE BBQ-style lunch at the Knute Nelson Annual Community Picnic!
This year’s Community Picnic will be held on Tuesday, August 10 at the Care Center campus (420 12th Avenue East, Alexandria).
We Honor Veterans: How Knute Nelson Supports Veterans
Knute Nelson strives to provide high quality care to veterans and their families. We do this through We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of
Community Drive-Thru Picnic a Success
Thank you to everyone who attended the Knute Nelson Drive-Thru Annual Picnic! It was such a joy for us to see so many smiling faces and share a delicious picnic lunch with you. We are pleased to share that we served a total of 553 picnic lunches—450 total at the Care Center, 53 at Nelson Gables, and 50 at Grand Arbor.
Knute Nelson Invites Park Rapids Community to Picnic
Knute Nelson invites the Park Rapids area to a drive-thru style picnic at their Crystal Brook Senior Living campus on Thursday, September 17th from 11:30 am to 1 pm or from 5 to 6 pm.
Best of the Lakes Area Voting Now Open
Knute Nelson has been nominated by readers of the Echo Press for 8 awards within the Best of the Lakes Area contest. Thank you to those who nominated us!
Drive-thru Community Picnic Aug. 25
The Knute Nelson Annual Community Picnic will take place in a drive-thru format this year on Tuesday, August 25th from 11 am to 1 pm. Lunch is free but free will donations will be accepted.
Leadership Academy Graduates 15
Congratulations to the graduates from Knute Nelson’s 2019 Leadership Academy. The group of 15 individuals has spent the last nine months strengthening and developing their leadership skills.
Free Holiday Movie Series at Grand Arbor
Spend the holiday season enjoying time with family and friends at our beautiful Grand Arbor Theater. Each Friday from November 29th until Christmas, Grand Arbor by Knute Nelson will be featuring a FREE community movie night in their full-size movie theater – complete with coffee and cookies.
Community Picnic Highlights
On Tuesday, August 6th Knute Nelson hosted their 14th annual Community Picnic at the Care Center. Everyone in the community and beyond was welcome. We were happy to serve over 1,000 people. Entertainment was provided by Erickson’s Petting Zoo and Two Old Guys.
Knute Nelson Annual Community Picnic
Knute Nelson will host their annual Community Picnic and 70 year anniversary celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at their campus at 420 12th Avenue East, Alexandria, Minn. The public is invited to attend the BBQ style lunch. There is no cost to attend; however, free will donations are appreciated.
Knute Nelson Garden Concerts
Knute Nelson will be hosting the “Knute Nelson Garden Concerts” Wednesdays from May 29th to August 28th. These concerts will take place in the Healing Gardens from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Care Center Recognized for Antibiotic Stewardship
Knute Nelson is proud to announce the achievement of Gold Level status with the Minnesota Department of Health for antibiotic stewardship at their Care Center campus.
Young at HeART Exhibits
Knute Nelson invites the community to attend up to three public art exhibits this spring. The art displayed was created by Alexandria school children and Knute Nelson residents during joint canvas painting workshops.
DCHS Hotdish Bake Off
Knute Nelson was pleased to participate in the Douglas County Historial Society (DCHS) Hotdish Bake-Off event! Thanks to a recipe from our Nelson Gables campus, attendees voted us as the first place hotdish winner
Congratulations Leadership Academy Graduates
Congratulations to the graduates from Knute Nelson’s 2018 Leadership Academy. This group of 15 individuals has spent the last nine months strengthening and developing their leadership skills.
Knute Nelson Foundation Receives Grant
Knute Nelson Foundation has received a $4,630 grant from Lake Region Art Council (LRAC). The purpose of the grant is to provide an opportunity to engage Knute Nelson residents and Alexandria school children through a canvas painting workshop.
Free Holiday Movie Series
Grand Arbor by Knute Nelson invites the community to a free holiday movie series that will take place each Friday in December up until Christmas. The movies will take place at 4 p.m. and will be located in the Grand Arbor Theater.
First Annual Boots 'n Bling
Join us in your Boots ‘n Bling…
For an evening to raise funds for resident enriching programs and activities. This event is led by Knute Nelson volunteers, the Friends of Knute.
Grand Opening Celebration
Join us for the grand opening celebration of YMCA Child Care at Knute Nelson!
Knute Nelson is excited to welcome YMCA Child Care services to our Care Center campus. The YMCA will serve approximately 50 children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
April 20th Marked as Tribute to Knute Nelson
On April 20, 1948, the former home of the late Senator and Governor, Knute Nelson, was opened as a nursing home for elderly area residents.
National Volunteer Week
Roger Schultz, a retired college professor wants to “give back” and has become one of Knute Nelson’s newest volunteers. Roger brings a great amount of fun and joy to the lives of our residents. We are so fortunate to have Roger as a volunteer. Thank you, Roger!
Celebrating 70 Years
Knute Nelson is celebrating 70 years of service to the Alexandria community and will be expressing their gratitude for the community’s ongoing support by offering a free educational series in partnership with the Douglas County Historical Society (DCHS).
Knute Nelson Foundation Golf Classic
The 12th annual Knute Nelson Foundation Golf Classic will take place on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at Geneva Golf Club. A significant portion of all proceeds will be directed to the Knute Nelson Chapel and Chapel Lounge renovation. Giving to the Knute Nelson Foundation ensures that we can continue to offer those we serve the highest quality care, while pursuing innovative new ways to meet their ever-changing needs.
Spring Celebration Event
Join us at Nelson Gables to celebrate the first day of Spring! Spring is a season of change. You may be exploring a change in your life or the life of a loved one, with the possibility of a move to a senior living community. An important part of making this choice is exploring the many wonderful options available to you. On Tuesday, March 20th, Nelson Gables will be hosting a free event to allow you the opportunity to explore our community.
Knute Nelson Leadership Academy
Congratulations to our graduates from Knute Nelson’s 2017 Leadership Academy! Knute Nelson’s Leadership Academy was designed in 2014 to help strengthen and develop the leadership skills and capacities of leaders within Knute Nelson. This group of 13 individuals has spent the last nine months learning the ins and outs of being a great leader.
Child Care Center on the Way
The Alexandria Area YMCA and Knute Nelson are joining forces to expand access to quality child care by proceeding with the development of an intergenerational child care center. The expansion of child care at the Knute Nelson site will be the second center that the Alexandria Area YMCA operates at its current location on Karl Drive. In a collaborative agreement, the Alexandria YMCA will operate the child care center using Knute Nelson’s Care Center building and campus to serve approximately 60 children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Best of the Lakes
We are humbled as we announce our 2017 “Best of the Lakes Area” awards. The “Best of the Lakes Area” is the Echo Press newspaper’s readers’ choice awards. Readers are encouraged to vote for their favorite businesses in the Alexandria area and the winners are determined by the highest number of votes. Grand Arbor was voted as the Lakes Area’s #1 Retirement Community, #1 Memory Care and #1 Assisted Living, and the Knute Nelson Care Center was voted as #1 Rehab, by Alexandria area residents.
Knute Nelson Celebrates Addition of Autumn Cottages Location with Ribbon Cutting
Knute Nelson gathered staff and community members to celebrate the addition of Autumn Cottages (formerly Prairie Senior Cottages) into their family of care with a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 30, 2021.
The Measure Of A Community: Knute Nelson Foundation Impact Video
Knute Nelson and the Knute Nelson Foundation have an incredible impact on the communities we serve, thanks to supporters like you.
Knute Nelson Benevolence Care Provided in 2021 & The Impact of Philanthropy
Benevolence Care allows us to provide high-quality care and services to residents and patients who are unable to pay for the total cost of their care.
Knute Nelson earns $800,000 Connected Communities for Health Aging Grant
Knute Nelson is a proud recipient of a $800,000 Connected Communities for Healthy Aging pilot grant from UCare and LeadingAge MN Foundation.
THANK YOU FROM THE KNUTE NELSON FOUNDATION
Thank you for another incredible year together! You are willing and generous partners in walking alongside us as we live out our collective mission of enriching the lives of everyone we serve. Your support gives us the strength, resources, and passion to continue providing excellence in caring for older adults.
2021 Renaissance Award Recipient: Roger Blank
Roger Blank first got involved with Knute Nelson when he joined the Knute Nelson Corporate Board in 2005. He served on both the Corporate and Foundation Boards from 2005-2011. Roger chaired the Corporate Board from 2009-2011, during the time Grand Arbor was being built in Alexandria.
Thank You from the Knute Nelson Foundation
Roger Blank first got involved with Knute Nelson when he joined the Knute Nelson Corporate Board in 2005. He served on both the Corporate and Foundation Boards from 2005-2011. Roger chaired the Corporate Board from 2009-2011, during the time Grand Arbor was being built in Alexandria.
Leveraging the Power of Partnership
As a nonprofit community-based organization, Knute Nelson recognizes the value of community partnerships to achieve a common goal and mission. The power of partnership allows us to accomplish so much more with our community partners than on our own.
Engaging Our Corporate Churches
Relationships with our corporation and area churches help to strengthen our spiritual care program. Together, we serve as spiritual companions in the journey of life for those we serve.
We Recognize and Thank Our Volunteers
In 2021, Knute Nelson volunteers again gave generously of their time and talent to help us further our mission of enriching lives
When Do I Start Working with a Financial Advisor
The term “financial advisor” can be intimidating. It probably brings up a lot of questions. What do financial advisors do? Who needs to hire a financial advisor? How do I meet financial advisors and choose one to work with? This article is going to walk you through answers to all of these questions.
You're Invited: Grand Arbor Community Open House Celebration
Please join us from 1-4 pm on Friday, June 10th for a Community Open House to celebrate the Best of the Lakes Awards & 10-Year Anniversary of Grand Arbor!
Save the Date: Knute Nelson Summer Events
Connect with us! Summer is here and Knute Nelson has a full schedule of community events including memorial dove releases, KN Golf Classic and our community picnics!
Introducing Population Health by Knute Nelson
A new wellness and health-focused program that puts the patient at the center of everything we do and is tailored for rural areas. No matter what state of health a person is in, there are practices, procedures, and technologies that can be employed to improve that person’s health and increase their quality of life.
Our Focus: A Letter from Knute Nelson CEO
Through the years, the community’s needs have changed, and we have intentionally shifted the paradigm of our services to meet those needs. It prompted the addition of senior living communities, the expansion of our home-based services, and preventative offerings like wellness and outpatient therapy.
Knute Nelson Nominated for the St. Cloud Times Best of the Best Awards
Knute Nelson is a top five finalist in three categories for the St. Cloud Times Best of the Best awards. We want to thank everyone who nominated us! Cast your vote each day July 18-31.
2022 KN Golf Classic
Thank you so much to all of those who golfed with us in the 16th Annual Knute Nelson Foundation Golf Classic! We hosted another sold-out tournament at the Geneva Golf Club in Alexandria.
Join Us for Our Annual Community Picnic
Please join us for our annual Community Picnic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10th, at our Care Center campus at 420 12th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN. There is no cost for the BBQ-style lunch; however, free will donations are welcome and appreciated.
Join Us at the Douglas County Fair
Knute Nelson is proud to sponsor Senior Day at the Douglas County Fair on Wednesday, August 17th.
Join Us for Our Annual Park Rapids Community Picnic
Knute Nelson will host their annual Community Picnic from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 25th at their Crystal Brook Senior Living campus at 1006 Crocus Hill Street, Park Rapids. The public is invited to attend the free lunch with live entertainment. There is no cost to attend; however, free will donations are appreciated.
Vote Knute Nelson: Best of the Lakes Area Contest
Knute Nelson has been nominated by readers of the Echo Press in 8 different categories within the Best of the Lakes Area contest. Thank you to those who nominated us!
Walk to End Alzheimer's 2022
Knute Nelson is proud to sponsor the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the communities of Alexandria, Brainerd, and St. Cloud.
Honored to be Voted Minnesota's Best
We are honored to be voted as one of Minnesota’s Best in the state’s premier Readers’ Choice Award program.
This incredible recognition is a true testament to the care our team provides every day and to their commitment to our mission of enriching the lives of everyone we serve.
Knute Nelson Offering Management and Consulting Services
Knute Nelson’s Management and Consulting services support organizations who need additional help and services.
Knute Nelson Hospice Announces New Willmar Location
Knute Nelson Hospice is expanding to serve the Willmar community and surrounding area with hospice services out of their new location at 2800 1st Street South, Suite 231, Willmar, MN 56201.
New Management Relationship: Glenwood Retirement Village
Knute Nelson has begun a new management relationship with Glenwood Retirement Village (GRV) effective Monday, October 10th. They will support GRV through a variety of operational, financial and support roles.
Leaving a Legacy
Jerry and Joyce took their generosity and support one step further by making a legacy gift to the Knute Nelson Foundation. The Knute Nelson Legacy Society recognizes donors who have named the Foundation in their estate plans. The Legacy Society was created to honor those that have taken their commitment beyond the ordinary and have made planned arrangements to help sustain Knute Nelson’s mission of enriching lives far into the future.
Honored to be Voted Best in the Lakes Area
We are honored to be voted Best in the Lakes Area in several categories by the readers of the Echo Press. The recognition we receive is a true testament to the care our team provides every day and their commitment to our mission of enriching the lives of everyone we serve.
2022 Renaissance Awards: Greg Billberg
One of the most unique and profound ways Greg Billberg has enhanced Knute Nelson’s mission is through his guidance around spiritual care programming. Learn more of why Greg has earned Knute Nelson’s 2022 Renaissance Award.
2022 Renaissance Awards: Howard Grafenstein
Howard Grafenstein is part of a large, dedicated, and generous group of Knute Nelson volunteers. He speaks very highly of his volunteer peers, and the many hours and talents they share with Knute Nelson residents. Learn more of why Howard has earned Knute Nelson’s 2022 Renaissance Award.
Holiday Music by Knute Nelson
Knute Nelson Hospice Therapeutic Musicians, Jackson Burns and Sara Severson, have put together a collection of their favorite holiday music. We hope their musical talents combined with your favorite holiday songs put you into the Christmas spirit!
Knute Nelson | Walker Methodist Nominated For Minnesota's Best Awards
We are honored to have been nominated as one of Minnesota’s Best by readers of the Star Tribune in an array of categories that recognize the incredible work of our team at Knute Nelson | Walker Methodist.
The Landscape Of Senior Services: Today's Challenges
On Monday, March 13, a group of Knute Nelson employees made their way to the Capitol to advocate for caregiving staff and residents as a part of LeadingAge Minnesota’s advocacy day. They spoke to legislators about the critical issues facing our industry and asked for support to make seniors and their caregivers a priority this legislative session. Read more.
Enriching Resident Activities At Knute Nelson
Residents at Grand Arbor, Nelson Gables, Autumn Cottages, and the Care Center enjoyed a new and meaningful program for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This enriching program was possible thanks to funding through the Target Community Engagement Fund Grant.
Knute Nelson Celebrates Older Americans Month
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older adults. Learn more about this year’s theme.
Knute Nelson Announces Crystal Brook Senior Living Expansion Plans
Knute Nelson announced their plans to embark on an expansion of Crystal Brook Senior Living with the addition of 20 units to the community’s memory care household. A market study completed in October of 2022 indicated a need for additional memory care options in Park Rapids. Learn more.
Knute Nelson Invites You To Join Us For A Free Event
Aging isn’t all rainbows and butterflies, but it is one of life’s greatest blessings. How can you enjoy the journey, embrace the change, and live an enhanced quality of life that you truly enjoy? Join us on Wednesday, May 31st to find out.
Knute Nelson Kicks Off Crystal Brook Expansion With Groundbreaking Ceremony
Knute Nelson celebrated the Phase II expansion of Crystal Brook Senior Living in Park Rapids, MN, with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 15th. Residents, staff, and families gathered to kick off the construction of an additional 20 units to the community’s memory care household.
New Management Relationship: Heritage Living Center
Knute Nelson will begin a new management relationship with Heritage Living Center of Park Rapids, MN, effective Tuesday, August 1st. They will support Heritage Living Center through a variety of operational, financial and support roles. Learn more.
Knute Nelson Hospice Recognized For Quality of Care
This award from Homecare Homebase is given to a provider within their customer-base who demonstrates their commitment to exceptional quality of care through their assessment process.
Please Join Us For These Summer Events
Knute Nelson has many exciting things coming up this summer, and we invite you to join us. Continue reading this article for additional event details. We look forward to seeing you!
Knute Nelson Announces Addition Of Home Health Care Services To Willmar Area
Knute Nelson is expanding to serve Willmar and the surrounding area with home health care services out of their office at 2800 1st Street South, Suite 231, Willmar, MN 56201.
How To Plan For Aging At Home
Looking toward the future, many older adults are choosing to age in their own homes. Even if you don’t need help right now, having a plan ahead of time is important for getting the best care possible and planning for aging at home.
Designing Your Journey And Finding Beauty Along The Way
Life may not always turn out according to plan, but there are countless blessings to experience along the way. How can you enjoy the journey, embrace the change, and live an enhanced quality of life that you truly enjoy?
Knute Nelson And Walker Methodist Join Forces
Knute Nelson, based in Alexandria, Minn., and Walker Methodist, based in Minnetonka, Minn., have entered into an agreement to merge the two companies into one. This merger is set to be finalized January 1, 2024.
Knute Nelson Annual Community Picnic
Knute Nelson invites you to join us for our annual community picnic. Please join us for a BBQ style lunch and entertainment at either the Alexandria or Park Rapids picnic. Continue reading for more details.
Thank You For Voting Knute Nelson As Minnesota's Best
Knute Nelson was voted as Minnesota’s Best in the state’s premier Reader’s Choice Award program. We are honored to be recognized this year in 7 categories. This incredible honor is a true testament to the care our team provides each day.
Vote Knute Nelson Best of the Lakes Area!
Knute Nelson has been nominated by the readers of the Echo Press in 4 different categories for the Best of the Lakes Area contest. Vote for us today!
Grand Arbor was Voted Best of the Lakes Area
Grand Arbor was voted Best of the Lakes Area by readers of the Echo Press. This recognition is a true testament to our incredible staff and their commitment to enrich the lives of everyone we serve.
Knute Nelson Awarded Philanthropist of the Year
Knute Nelson was awarded Philanthropist of the Year by the Alexandria College at their annual Legends Gala on Friday, October 6th, 2023. Read more about this award.
2023 Renaissance Award Recipient: Vern Anderson
Nearly 15 years ago, senior leaders endeavored to incorporate servant leadership into our organization. The first call President & CEO Mark Anderson placed was to Vern Anderson. Read more about his impact on Knute Nelson.
Join Us to Celebrate Our Willmar Office Grand Opening
Knute Nelson invites you to join us as we celebrate the grand opening of our Knute Nelson Home Health Care and Hospice Willmar office.
What is Population Health?
As an integral part of our Knute Nelson continuum, Population Health is a wellness and health-focused division that supports whole person care by bringing an array of approaches together. Learn more.
Christmas Movie Matinees Hosted by Knute Nelson
The season of joy is here, and we’re thrilled to invite the community to celebrate the holidays in a special way! Join us for our Christmas Movie Matinees, hosted by Knute Nelson.
Summer Events
Join the Knute Nelson | Walker Methodist team for a variety of events taking place this summer including the memorial dove release, golf classic, and community picnic. We look forward to seeing you!
Our Shared Mission and Values
Throughout the communities we serve, Knute Nelson | Walker Methodist is committed to transforming the lives of aging adults for the better. After our January 1 merger, we recognized the importance of unifying our mission and values.
Closing on Financing for Crystal Brook Senior Living Expansion
On May 9, 2024, Knute Nelson | Walker Methodist closed on financing for the expansion of Crystal Brook Senior Living in Park Rapids alongside their partner and general contractor, Innovative Builders, Inc.
Celebrating Older Americans Month
Through our efforts, we not only strive to enhance physical health, but to also cultivate meaningful relationships, foster a sense of belonging, and ensure that every individual feels valued and supported in their journey towards healthy aging.
Join Us for Free Adult Mental Health First Aid Training
Knute Nelson is sponsoring free Adult Mental Health First Aid training events across communities in West Central Minnesota. Register today for Mental Health First Aid training near you.
LeadingAge Welcomes Mark Anderson to Board of Directors
LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit, mission-driven providers of aging services, is proud to announce Mark Anderson, President and CEO of Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist, joins its Board of Directors beginning this month.
Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist Unite to Elevate Aging Services
Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist have successfully merged, marking a transformative step forward in their shared commitment to enhancing the lives of aging adults.
Grieving With Grace Support Groups
If you feel the need for support to work through grief after the passing of a loved one, rest assured that you are not alone. Many individuals face challenges after the loss of a loved one without a place to turn. Grief groups are excellent resources for those who are struggling.