The Willmar Area Community Foundation is pleased to recognize Wayne Nelson with the 2025 Innovative Impact Award. This award seeks to honor individuals or organizations who have deeply impacted local philanthropy, activated volunteerism and addressed community needs.
Wayne is an unabashed fan of the Willmar Lakes Area and has loved it since moving here as a child in 1961. “My life changed the day we moved to Willmar from Clarkfield. The opportunities here shaped my life, and I’ve always been proud to call Willmar home. 95% of what you need to thrive is right here and the remaining 5% you can get to quickly,” shares Wayne.
After earning a degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Wayne married his wife Linda, a nurse, and started their family. He also started a 41-year career in banking, the longest portion at Heritage Bank. “I’ve always lived by Luke 12:48: ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ We’ve been able to raise our kids here with great opportunities. I’ve had wonderful role models in my parents, in-laws and employers and a supportive spouse. The community is full of amazing people who work together to get things done. I’ve been given much, so I’m called to give as much back as I can-it is very rewarding,” he notes.
This seasoned volunteer has found himself strutting down First Street wearing a sandwich board sign to promote a local fundraiser when the bank staff hit their fundraising goal. He’s served on over 25 local boards, including WACF, and just after retiring, donned a safety vest to serve as a Build Captain at the Destination Playground. “That project was just incredible. I met so many new people who were ready to work hard for something bigger than any one of us. It’s a great example of what the community can do together, and I am so proud of the legacy we built for our kids,” reflects Wayne. His youngest grandson calls the playground Papa’s Park which brings both a big smile and tears to his eyes as he shares the story.
When asked to advise others about why to volunteer or how to get involved in community Wayne shares, “Find your passion. When you are asked to serve, they see something in you and need you to share it. Resist the urge to say no—talented people here shape so much when they give their time. Board service isn’t scary. It can be very rewarding. Just dive in and know you’ll learn as you go. It’s also an affordable way to say thank you to organizations who helped you, your kids or those you care about. Giving your time is worth it, it’s not expensive and everyone can do it. It has been one of the best parts of my life and it starts by just saying Yes.”