About Charlson Meadows

Mission

Using its land and resources, Charlson Meadows exists to create and provide environments that renew, inspire, and enrich all life.

Vision

In service of its mission, Charlson Meadows offers individuals, organizations, and communities opportunities to:

  • Engage in collaborative dialogues and programs that enhance their contributions to society.
  • Connect with the beauty and solitude of nature that fosters health and well-being.
  • Explore new directions and possibilities through the Life Journey Program, prayer, silence, and intuition.

Board

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Nancy Nelson

President
CM Mary Headshot 2021

Mary Hershberger Thun

Vice President
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Barb Hone

Director
Jim Jordan, Kim Boelter, Alex Hoese, Nicole Rasmussen
Trevor Luedke, Sharon Franquemont, Holly Kreft,Renee Levesque

Staff

Holly J. Kreft,

Executive Director

Nicole Rasmussen,

Program Director

Sharon Franquemont,

Program Director

Renee Levesque,

Facilities Operations Manager

Kim Boelter,

Assitant Caretaker

Jim Jordan,

Facilities Team

Trevor Luedke,

Facilities Team

Alex Hoese,

Facilities Team

Nancy S. Nelson
President, Founder

It is through the vision of Nancy Nelson, our Board President, that Charlson Meadows is the magical place that it is today. Nancy was a long-time employee of Mr. Charlson’s and named his trustee after his passing.

Nancy envisioned a place that would preserve the 142 acres of Charlson Meadows, and provide a beautiful and serene space where those who serve our communities could be restored and renewed. Starting in 2016, Nancy led the rebuilding of the Lake House to serve as a retreat center for years to come. In honor of her hard work and dedication for decades, the Board named the building the “Nancy Nelson Lake House" in 2018.

Lynn “Buck” Charlson,
Funder
It is through the generosity of Lynn “Buck” Charlson (1909-2004) that Charlson Meadows exists.
He was a self-educated and self-made man who rose from a background of modest means and influence to one of wealth and worldwide impact. He founded Char-Lynn Company where his inventing acumen was put to use. In 1985 he was inducted to the Minnesota Inventors Hall of Fame for inventing the Char-Lynn Orbit Motor, the most unique and hydraulic device in the field of fluid power in modern times.