When Katherine Nielson signed her will in 1961, naming the “Lutheran Home for Children and Farm School” as a beneficiary, little did she know she’d be helping a new generation of children in a new century—and every generation after that.
The “Lutheran Home for Children and Farm School” later became part of LSSI, and the program transformed into its foster care program. Katherine, from Galesburg, left in her will a trust to benefit her husband, then to her children, and then grandchildren. Those generations have passed away, and LSSI, along with three other organizations, will now receive 25% of the trust’s income—not as a one-time gift, but as an ongoing annual distribution, in perpetuity. As long as the trust holds assets, Katherine’s generosity will keep giving, year after year, without end.
“It’s quite remarkable that Katherine had a vision for helping others that has endured so many years later,” said David Novak, JD, LSSI’s Chief Advancement Officer. “When people write their will, they have the power to impact lives decades into the future just like she did. In Katherine’s case, that impact won’t stop. It will continue supporting children and families for as long as the trust endures.”
This thoughtful, forward-thinking is one of the reasons LSSI is still helping people 158 years after its founding. For more information on how to leave a lasting legacy to LSSI, visit LSSI.org/PlannedGiving.
