PAUL HARVEY NELSON

Paul Harvey Nelson

April 26, 1942-June 3, 2021

Paul Harvey Nelson, of Excelsior, MN passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family the morning of June 3, 2021. He was 79 years old.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 11 a.m., with a visitation from 9:30-11 a.m., at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 301 County Road 19, Excelsior. Family and friends are also invited to stream the service through Mount Calvary’s Website.

On April 26, 1942, Paul Harvey Nelson was born to parents Tillman and Minna (Lietz) Nelson. Paul was the youngest of three and loved growing up in Fairfax. As a boy, Paul was diagnosed with Hip Perthes that caused him to have many medical procedures in the years that followed. However, Paul was determined to not let this physical challenge limit his ability to be active throughout life.

After graduating from Fairfax High School in 1960, Paul attended St. Cloud State University where he earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education. He began his career as a 6^th grade science teacher, and eventually became the principal of an elementary school in Holman, WI. During this time, Paul was blessed with two wonderful children, Chris and Rachel. He later worked as superintendent of West Grant Schools in SW Wisconsin. In 1977 Paul relocated to the Twin Cities and began a new career in the construction industry, building custom homes, then eventually commercial buildings. Twelve years later, Paul started Nelson Construction Management.

Soon Paul met the love of his life, Denise Walden. On June 28, 1997, Paul and Denise exchanged wedding vows at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with almost 24 years together.

Some of Paul’s hobbies included deer and pheasant hunting, swimming at the YMCA, and cheering on the MN Twins. Paul also sang in the church choir and served on the church building committee. Paul spent most of his free time in his workshop. He was a talented woodworker, making countless bedroom sets, tables, chairs, rocking chairs, boot benches, bowls and toys.

Through the years Paul’s hips continued to deteriorate and he bravely endured constant pain. On March 9, 2021 Paul had a successful hip revision surgery. However, because of complications and setbacks that followed during his recovery, the difficult decision was made to bring him home on hospice on April 21.

On June 3 there was a cool breeze, birds were singing and the sun was shining in on him when Paul took his last breath with Denise was by his side. Paul lives on in the hearts of his beloved friends and family who are at peace knowing he is again walking without pain in heaven.

Paul is survived by his wife, Denise Nelson; children, Chris (Maren) Nelson and Rachel (Eddie) Wright; granddaughters, Emma and Leah Nelson; sister, Barbara (Steve) Taylor; other loving relatives and many dear friends.

He was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Tillman and Minna Nelson; and infant sister, Donna Nelson.

Paul’s family would like to offer a special thank you to Visiting Angels Home Health and North Memorial Hospice for providing wonderful care for Paul.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed by Paul’s family in his memory.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Nelson family. www.BallardSunderFuneral.com