Meet the Nelson’s
One Family. Four Generations.
Our family owns and operates Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, with locations in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; Sandusky, Ohio; Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; Round Rock, Texas, and our 5th location coming soon to Spotsylvania County, Virginia in 2026!
Our Nelson Family Life Foundation Mission is focused on improving the lives of others. Our most recent commitment to providing sustainable, clean and safe drinking water to 1 million people in Africa inspires our family as we make an impact on the world. We strongly believe in working with partners to make a lasting impact on the people we serve. We are excited to grow the foundation and the impact we can drive as our family and business grow.
TODD AND SHARI NELSON
Todd and Shari Nelson met in their high school’s drivers’ education class and have been together ever since. With an entrepreneurship mindset, Todd and Shari started creating business ventures together right after graduation. From a saloon to a pizza place, Todd and Shari worked hard to ensure success in both business and family. Todd and Shari have five children and thirteen grandchildren. The couple is passionate about giving back to the communities that have nurtured them as well as communities all over southern Africa.
"The greatest accomplishment in my life is being able to work with my family. I couldn’t be prouder of my kids. Seeing them grow and learn, not only as people but also as leaders, has been truly exciting.” Todd Nelson
“The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world.”
TODD NELSON JR.
Todd Nelson Jr. is the eldest son of Todd and Shari Nelson. When he’s not working, Todd Jr. is dedicated to his two sons Todd III, Fletcher, and twin daughters Amelia and Paisley, and enjoys giving back to his community.
TRAVIS NELSON
Travis is Todd and Shari’s second son. Travis has held nearly every position and worked every job at Kalahari locations. A graduate from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Travis holds a degree in finance. Based in Wisconsin, Travis and his wife, Megan, are parents to sons Lyle and Mikey, plus a corgi named Snickers. Travis enjoys engaging in charity work and is an avid fan of all sports.
What are your charitable passions? Megan and I try to give locally and make sure our contributions are actually making a difference. The National organization do great work, but we don't want our giving to go towards funding admin fees.
Have your children participated in charitable giving? We just recently got together as a family and cleaned out the kids playroom to donate all the toys they no longer play with to those in need. They were reluctant at first but got into the spirit as the day went along. It was great to see them make the connections as to what it means to help those less fortunate.
What do you love most about parenting? I underestimated the amount of friendship with your kids there is. My boys and I share common interests and truly enjoy spending time together.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
NATASHA LUCKE
Natasha Lucke (nee Nelson) is the Family’s eldest daughter. Since childhood Natasha has found inspiration in African architecture, art, and culture. Having earned her Bachelor’s degree from the Art Institute of Chicago, specializing in fine arts and interior design, the many Family trips to Africa provide her the direct ability to source handmade items featured throughout each of the four Resorts. Natasha and her husband Cory have three children, Cecelia, Sawyer, and Graham.
What are your charitable passions? We give our personal time and resources to help families whose greatest needs include clothes, toys, meals, educational support, and a warm bed. Crisis shelters and food banks are their personal choices in giving back. Cory is also passionate about education and Natasha is supportive of women's causes.
Have your children participated in charitable giving? Lucke’s eldest daughter, Cecelia is a member of her school’s Student Council. In the spirit of the Family's passion to give back, Cecelia suggested a coin drive between grades to donate as many coins as possible by filling big water jugs. All the money raised is donated to the local library. Cecelia’s younger sister and brother enjoy picking tags off Giving Trees at the mall and with their allowance (along with Mom and Dad’s help) they buy toys for kids. Each of the three children also donates a huge bag full of their favorite new toys every year around the holidays. Small, meaningful steps.
What do you love most about parenting? One of the aspects we love most about parenting is getting to know these wonderful people. Parenting is hard sometimes, however, the dinner conversations we get to have with these little growing humans are just the best.”
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
ASHLEY TURZINSKI
Ashley Turzinski (nee Nelson) is the second youngest Family member. Ashley holds a degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Ashley and her husband Caleb are parents to Caleb Jr. and Sullivan. They love traveling and the outdoors.
What are your charitable passions? The top of the list will always be Children, Family, and Education. And we each love animals.
Have your children participated in charitable giving? The kids love to give their toys as well as food to those in need. Giving to the local food pantry is a part of our weekend routine.
What do you love most about parenting? They are my built-in best friends. They keep me grounded and share the most explosive love I will ever experience.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
ALISSA GANDER
Alissa Gander (nee Nelson) is the youngest daughter of the Nelson Family. Alissa graduated from Edgewood College, Madison, Wisconsin, with a degree in business management. Alissa and her husband Bob are parents to Nelson and Ace. Alissa’s passions include her family and helping shelter and rescue animals. She loves traveling with Cape Town, South Africa being her favorite city in the world.
What are your charitable passions? I love rescue animals and seeing the human/animal bond that can be created. I also feel such a passion for our mission to bring clean water to 1 million people. Water is such a basic need that everyone should have.
Have your children participated in charitable giving? They help with Golf For The Future yearly by selling golf balls they have found on the course at Trappers Turn and also selling lemonade to those who attend Golf For The Future.
What do you love most about parenting? Watching our kids grow into kind loving beings that find their own adventures and passions. Our kids are growing into really amazing people!
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
The Nelson’s. Todd Jr., Travis, Todd Sr., Shari, Ashley, Alissa, Natasha, Farlene (Todd’s Mom) and Lyle (Shari’s Dad). Learn about one of their greatest passions.