The Dr. Kevin Locke EMS Provider Endowment Fund has been established with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation to support the long-term needs of WinnMed EMS and emergency response services in Winneshiek County. The fund was created by Cy and Mona Nelson after experiencing firsthand the life-saving response provided by Dr. Kevin Locke and the WinnMed EMS team.

On what seemed like a normal day, Cy collapsed without warning while working outdoors. Fortunately, Dr. Kevin Locke, a longtime physician and current hospice provider with WinnMed, was present and immediately began hands-only CPR, buying precious time until first responders arrived. The speed, training, and coordination of the on- and off-duty EMS staff ultimately saved Cy’s life.

“It still brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it,” said Cy. “The quality of life I have because of Dr. Locke and the team's response—it’s something I’ll never forget. We really are fortunate to be in Decorah.”

The fund was established both in gratitude and with the hope of giving back. “We know there’s never enough in a working budget,” said Mona. “Our gift will help fill the gap and let the experts decide what’s most needed.”

Dr. Kevin Locke has served the Winneshiek County community for over 30 years, including as the county’s Medical Examiner and a key member of a federal disaster medical response team. In addition to decades as a Mayo-affiliated physician at WinnMed, Dr. Locke remains active in emergency medicine and response.

The endowment will support initiatives like advanced equipment, training, and service enhancements that aren’t always covered in annual budgets. Gifts to the fund are also a way to invest in the sustainability and excellence of the region’s emergency medical response.

Financial gifts of cash/check and stock are accepted through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA, 50613, which is the administrative office of the Winneshiek County Community Foundation. Checks to the endowment fund should be made payable to the Dr. Kevin Locke EMS Provider Endowment Fund. Gifts can also be made on the Community Foundation’s secure website at www.cfneia.org/lockeems. Gifts to the endowment fund are eligible to receive a 25% state tax credit through the Endow Iowa program. Learn more about the program at www.cfneia.org/endowiowa.

Questions about giving to the fund may be directed to Terry Gaumer, Charitable Advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-243-1354 or tgaumer@cfneia.org.

More information about the Winneshiek County Community Foundation can be found at www.winneshiekccf.org.