To the family of father nails 

 He believed in us when no one else would he married my husband and I I was 17 and my husband was 19   I was pregnant and we wanted to get married before the baby came everyone else thought we were too young to get married we will be married 30 years on August 1    God bless you father Nelson we will always remember you            

The. Parparts                  

Father Paul Nelson blessed our marrige 11 years ago. In attendance was my sister, brother-in-law and Salley Fr Paul's dog. It made our ceremony more specisl. Fr Nelson wws a very kind, gentlle and smart man. He was a good preist, someone we very much appreciate blessing our marrige. May you rest in peace Father Paul and thank you for all the people you have touched in your life.

To the family and friends of Fr. Nelson,

We are sorry for the sudden loss of such a wonderful priest and person who touched so many, many lives, including ours. He presided at our wedding in 1984. We hope that time will help to ease your sorrow, along with all the great memories, and the knowledge that he is now enjoying eternal life. 

I just found out about Fr. Nelson's passing while with visiting friends from Winona this weekend. As our principal at Winona Cotter in the 1970s, Fr. Nelson was a great priest and a wonderful role model.  He had such a positive influence on us as high school students and on all who had the privilege to know him.  He was kind and compassionate but took no nonsense from students.  His wise guidance was just what we needed at the time.  

May Fr. Paul Nelson enjoy all the blessings of heaven that he so richly deserves.  I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family. 

39 years ago today, Father Paul married Terry & I.

It is because of his love & friendship that we are celebrating 39 years of marriage today.

We are sad that he is gone, but so thankful for his many years of love & friendship!!

He truly is the Best of the Best!!!

God Bless you Fr Nelson!

Paul was my best friend. We met weekly for lunch, as well as various other times. I also edited and published his two books. During our lunches at the Honker, people would very often stop at our table to thank him for helping them or their loved ones through difficult times. Paul's stories were amazing, and it was those stories that led my wife to come up with the idea of the book of memoirs. He loved the idea. I think his main drive for writing the book was to interest more young men and women into entering religious life. He often decried the fact that of the young men entering the seminary, a disproportionate number of them became canon lawyers rather than serving the community of believers. I have to also say, as opposed to myself, I never heard Paul say a bad word about anyone. He just loved everyone and wanted to help everyone. All the time. Amazing. I have never met a priest who was so meant for the job. Paul old buddy, I miss you. I REALLY miss you. Sic transit Gloria mundi.

Father we will never forget you. You were such a kind caring person. Thank you for all that you did for us. Sympathy to his family. RIP Father Paul...

All of the lovely tributes have been said - Father Nelson's integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, kindness, sense of humor and love are all true about him. I hope his dear family are comforted by the outpouring of love and respect shown. He was a man among men and I cherish his days with us at Cotter and the years after. When my tears are dry, I will always fondly remember his laughter and love. Peace and sympathy to all. 

All of the lovely tributes have been said - Father Nelson's integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, kindness, sense of humor and love are all true about him. I hope his dear family are comforted by the outpouring of love and respect shown. He was a man among men and I cherish his days with us at Cotter and the years after. When my tears are dry, I will always fondly remember his laughter and love. Peace and sympathy to all. 

What a wonderful role model for those of us who had Father Nelson as a principal at Cotter High School in the 1960s.

If we had any question how a man should live his life, we needed to only pay attention. To those in his family, thank

you for sharing him with us.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Father Paul Nelson on Sunday 08/21/2016 in Spokane, WA.

Love and Prayers, Always,

Susan Zehner White, a former student of Fr Nelson at Pacelli High School in Austin, MN.

It's a sad time here in Southern Minnesota.  The news spread like wild fire. On the phone, e-mail or meeting people on the street, it was the same, "did you hear about Neller/Father Nelson ?" People of all Faiths are feeling the same. If you knew him, you loved him. We always felt good, because if there was any problem, we knew he was just a phone call away or just a one hour drive. There was no limit to his giving. He was in a "class" by himself. Thanks for the 50 year family friendship.  RIP Father Nelson. 

I met Fr. Nelson when he was at St. John's Parish in Winona. I still have a picture of he and I after my First Communion. He always had a smile and kind words. He had a huge influence on the students of Cotter High School while principal. He'll remain in our hearts. God Bless you as you have blessed many here on earth. Rest in peace.

Father Paul was a pillar of strength to my parents over the years and presided over both of their funerals.  My deepest sympathy goes out to all who will miss him, I will miss his straight forward approach to the catholic faith, his laugh, and the occasional joke that always had meaning behind it.  He was one of my fathers first students and in later years my dad thought of him as the "teacher".  He will be missed!

We loved Fr. Paul when he was at Cotter & St. John's, in Winona.  He married us in 1967...nearly 49 yrs. ago!  I'll miss his letters at Christmas. May he rest in peace!

Our sympathy to the family.

Our condolences to Father Paul's family.  Maureen and Bernie, big hug and kiss for you both. So sorry. Glad to have met such a amazing person. Peace be with you. 

I knew Father Paul through AA. One year at a meeting I expressed concern about having enough money to go see my daughter. After the meeting, he came up to me and put money in my hand. It was $60.00. I have never forgotten that sweet act toward someone he barely knew. May you be comforted in your time of loss. God bless you and yours.

Father Paul was the kindest and gentlest of men... he never made judgment and only saw the good in everyone.  I will miss him and those piercing blue eyes of his.  God bless you Fr. Paul.

My high school principle at Cotter and a great priest - I believe the very best. 

His sermons were amazing, and deep with lessons on love and life, always with Christ in the center. 

I owe this man my gift of faith, and will always remember him as a gentle, humble servant of God. 

Rest in peace, dear Fr. Nelson - the Catholic Church a was blessed to have you as a leader and pastor. 

So saddened by his passing... I considered Father our family priest. He was there for our family when my father passed on, he prayed and visited our mother, numerous times when she was in Season's Hospice, he baptized all 4 of my grandchildren, the list goes on and on. His heart was open to all of the fallen. Father had a very humble, honest, non-judgemental and beautiful way about him! I will be praying for him and all his loved ones. How very grateful I am to him! He touched so many lives! Say hello to my mom and dad up in heaven, Father Paul!  ♥ With Love, Christine McAlister and Family

 Married me and my wife 30 years ago. Definitely one of the good ones. He will be missed.

God Speed Father Nelson!

Fr. Paul was a wonderful and caring priest, and he was a kind and gentle man!  I will miss his smile, his joy for life and his amazing homilies!  He will be missed by my family and our entire St. Pius faith community!  May he rest in peace!

In sympathy,

Tim and Barb Kodet and family

Father Paul was a favorite classmate of ours and a priest we truly admired.  He helped people in so many ways, big and small.  It was his time to go and he went gently, but we will sure miss him.  We cannot attend the funeral due to health reasons but our minds and prayers will be there.

Thank you Father Paul E Nelson for all you did for my family!  You were always there for us when we needed you in sad and happy times!  Thank you for your loving friendship. You are one Man who is loved by all there will never be any one like you!!  God blessed us by giving us a gift of you!  God will give you all your rewards in Heaven. The Conrad Family will miss you dearly!

I was so very sorry to hear of Father Nelson's death.  I first met Father in the 1960's when he was a priest at St. John's in Winona and I attended St. John's School and Cotter.  He became a good friend of our family, golfing with my Dad and  sometimes I tagged along.  Father encouraged me to teach CCD classes when I was in high school, an activity I continued for over 30 years.  He said a home Mass for my friends and family on my 21st birthday and he married Steve and I in 1970.  He moved and we moved, but our paths continued to cross throughout the years.  When my dad was dying at St. Mary's Hospital in 1988, Father came to console my Mom, brother and I.  Such a caring, gentle man. I cherish his book, "A Priest from the Prairies of Minnesota."  

I know Father was in the fast lane through the pearly gates.  I don't believe he even had to stop to talk to St. Peter.  May God hold his family and friends in the palm of His hand until we meet again.  Sue Bernatz Murray 

 We know that we will be one of a multitude of families that express their undying love for Father Paul Nelson. 

I remember Fr Nelson from  my days at Pacelli HS in Austin, his first assignment... What a wonderful teacher! Also as a pastor in Austin and especially because he married us in 1978!!! We have connected with him over the years and love him dearly.. He will be missed.

My sympathy to all of Paul's relatives and friends.  I believe I went to school in Simpson with some of you and remember happy times there.  You may also remember my brother Ronnie Royce (he died in a plane crash in 2009) and my sister Marilyn Royce Ormand (she died in April of 2015 of cancer).  I know they would also want to extend their sympathy on your loss.  

Father Nelson,

If someone asked me who was the most influential person in my life, I would definitely have to say it was you.  I worked for you during high school and after, and we became very close.  We laughed together and cried together.  Being raised in a staunch Catholic family, it was you who talked to my parents when I brought home a Lutheran to marry.  When Don and I found a church we could worship in together, I asked you if you were disappointed in me for leaving the Catholic Church.  You could not have been more supportive of us.  In fact, you went to our church in Rochester, toured it, and talked with the pastors; you came back and told me we would be fine.

Thank you, Father, for everything you did for me and my family.  You were there for us when mom died and gave her a beautiful send-off from St. Stan's.  You have touched so many lives, not just ours.  You were someone who was respected by all.

See you in heaven!

Jan (Chupita) Zimmerman

Our family attended morning mass on a regular basis when I was going through some very difficult times.  It was a great help to me for several years to have Fr. Nelson near at hand.  As a recovering alcoholic I found having his openness about his own recovery a great inspiration.  

We lived "next door" when he was at St A's and his smile and wave always brightened my day.  His willingness to help and listen at any time when life became a struggle meant the world to me.

My children always enjoyed morning mass when Fr Nelson was there.  It was the anchor to our day. 

Shortly after my divorce, Fr told me to call him any time I was overwhelmed and needed someone to listen.  One particular day I took him up on that.  Everything that could go wrong...did.  It had been a week of tribulation, with our family dog being hit by a car, and our chicken coop being raided leaving all of our chickens dead.  The well pump was bad and I knew we wouldn't be able to afford to stay where we were living. 

I told the kids to stay in the house, because I didn't like them to see me cry, and took the phone to sit in the car.  Fr. answered and I choked out that I just couldn't take one more thing going wrong.  He asked me what was happening and I sobbed through all the trials we had faced that week and that today was the straw that broke me. 

I was trying to quiet my crying when I heard an unexpected chuckle. Father was obviously trying to stifle his laughter on the other end.  I was taken aback - I could see nothing funny about my situation.  He made another attempt to stifle himself before he burst out laughing.  He said "Sue I'm so sorry, I'm trying not to laugh...but did you say Theresa was covered in butter this morning?"  The humor he saw made me laugh through my tears. He was always wiling to point out the good in even the toughest situations without making you feel trivialized.  Although the day had been a trial...the morning, as he pointed out, was really rather comical.

That laughter - all the smiles - the way he leaned forward and looked you in the eye to let you know he really was listening to you - will be missed greatly.  I'm sure my kids and I are just part of the thousands of lives Fr. Paul touched over the years, with his commitment to helping others. 

He will be greatly missed in person, but I feel that his presence is still quite near to all of us.   

He will always be in my heart and remembered with great fondness by my family. 

Fr. Nelson is such a special guy - he celebrated both of our parent's funerals and he has a gift for comforting those in sorrow with assurance that we will all meet again in heaven.  He also has great stories and a twinkle in his eye.  We will be forever grateful for the kindness and warmth he has shown our family.  Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand dear Fr. Nelson.  The Family of Tom and Mary Lawler

He was a wonderful man. Thoughts and Prayers to the Nelson Family..

Fr. Nelson served at my older sister Bonnie's funeral in 2011 at St.  Pius X in Rochester. She died of cancer at age 64; a Methodist most of her adult life, she wanted [& had pre-planned] a Catholic funeral bon voyage, which included the beautiful lilt of Irish music, still haunting now in remembrance. I ran into to Fr. Nelson outside -where there was a back entrance & the luncheon line ended .  Such a kind, down-to-earth, unpretentious, loving man of God. if I remember right, he wrote a semi-autobio book & when I came across it several years later [& it was signed], I gave it to my sister's daughter Tammy because of that special connection. Mary K.

There are no words to express my sorrow that Fr Nelson will not be in our physical world; but, now, we all have him in our hearts & memories knowing he continues to watch over us in his heavenly home.  As my Principal at Cotter, he gave me hours of his uninterrupted attention as I was growing into adulthood.  Fr Paul always had the right words to say.   He visited our home; my parents loved him dearly.  He buried my Father in 1974 and consoled my Mom, sister, and me.  He gave unconditional love.

My Junior year I was an Office Assistant during my Study Hour.  I knew  Fr Paul's birthday was approaching so I made a cake on  his special day.  Wanting to surprise him, he left the office for a minute, so the cake was put on his desk as we waited to hear footsteps before lighting the candles.  We heard him....we lit the candles....footsteps stopped as Fr Paul returned upstairs. I went upstairs to tell him he had a phone call while a 2nd Assistant waited by the office door to signal Sr Lorna to lite the candles~~again!  He still did not come to "answer his phone call"!!  By now the candles are 1/8th tall and some frosting had burned exhausting a burning odor!  The 3rd trip upstairs got his immediate attention when he was told there was a fire in the office.  By the time  Fr Paul saw his cake it was burning as candle wax covered and scorched the frosting.  This is just one of so many wonderful memories.  I treasure that picture holding his burnt cake. 

Fr Paul was a saintly man who "lived" in the real world as our world was changing.  When I married in the Lutheran Church in the late 70s, he could not attend so he told me he'd be there in Spirit to bless our marriage.  He was a quiet maverick as today ministers of different faiths officiate at celebrations together.

Thank you, Fr Paul, for dedicating your life to God and a minister to His people.  You are so dearly loved and will always be a piece in so many of our hearts.  Have fun in Heaven BUT DO  help my Mom, Dad, and Sister watch over me to keep me out of trouble.

Father NElson

cotter 1964-1968

u will b in my heart forever

a beautiful man

who gave so much to so many

i thank God u were in my life

renee stolpa peterson

Padre will always be remembered as one so connected to the earth, the sonnets, and metaphysical essences within heart, soul and spirit.

He often spoke of his family and the love and joy all of you gave him throughout his lifetime. He had written of being taught by his father to always look at the horizon while climbing down the silo, versus looking down. He is flying now.

Here are words found within a card that once spoke to him and now honor him as you:

The ancients say that when a person dies a piece of their soul becomes a part of the people they loved. Know that we love you and the part of us that you become will always be our treasure~~~~~(author unknown)

In tenderness~ 6/28/2016

Our deepest sympathy to the family.  We were fortunate to have known him for over 50 years.  He touched many lives, our entire family included.  He will be deeply missed but his work will continue from heaven.

Rest in peace, good friend, knowing you touched the lives of many in a positive way. Your spirit will live on in so many people....in so many ways. God bless!!!

To the family of Fr. Nelson, my deepest sympathy at this very sad time. Father was such a special person and will be missed by many.

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Father Nelson. He was a very kind man. I did not know him well, but when my mother was dying, he and Sally came to the house to visit her. He was a great comfort to her and us. We experienced several deaths in the family between 2011 and 2015. Father Nelson was unfailingly on hand to comfort our family. My sincere condolences to his family and friends as he walks on in his journey to eternal life.

Father Nelson was one of my father's dearest friends for the past fifty plus years.  I always felt he had a special spiritual and holy presence about him.  He helped many of my family members through births, deaths, marriages, divorces, illness, spiritual matters and celebrations. He was an example for me on what it means to be a good Christian.  To the family of Father Nelson, I am so sorry for your loss.

My thoughts and prayers to the Nelson Family!  So many great memories of Fr. Paul's childhood at SIMPSON....My brother, Fr Tom Fitzgerald (deceased) and I were servers with Fr. Paul at St. Bridgets....we all prayed for his vocation and are so proud of his Priesthood.  He was such an example for all of us.  God Bless Fr. Paul and all of you!

Thoughts and prayers.....  Joe Fitzgerald, Spooner, Wisconsin

Father Paul was a fine man and an outstanding priest. He made a deeply important difference to my Mom and our family near the time of her death. Thank you for sharing your gifts with so many of us, Father Paul. 

Thank you Fr. Paul for showing us the very definition of being a kind and caring priest.  You taught us all that no act of kindness is too small.  May we all continue on with random acts of kindness in your memory.

The Huntoon Family

Eric, Monica, Hunter, and Reiley

I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, and uncle. I was a friend of Paul's for 52 years and I will miss him daily. Jean

Dear Family Members: As so many people do, I love Fr Paul Nelson! As a chaplain starting at Seasons Hospice in 2007, he was a Godsend. He was always willing to come anoint someone who desired it, and/or talk with them about their Catholic faith, whether or not they were currently practicing. He spoke highly of hospice care, and was supportive to Lincoln Engelbert, my colleague, and me personally, as well as to Seasons Hospice as an organization. 

I am fortunate to have his books to "hear" his voice now that he has passed away.

He blessed so many in the communities he served...he will be deeply missed.

May God uphold you with love, strength, and hope as you grieve.

With Sympathy, Carol Shaffer, Seasons Hospice chaplain

Thank you Father Nelson for your dedicated devotion to the Catholic Church over the years.  I know our entire family enjoyed listening to your sermons at St. Augustine's in Austin.  You have touched the lives of many.  I know my Grandparents, Thomas & Goldie Murphy, along with my mother named Madeline Ashton, all spoke very highly of you!  I know personally, you were truly a religious inspiration, to all of the members of my family.  I will always remember your visit to our home, during the Christmas of 1996. The message and compassion to love one another that day, not only for me, but also my family, will never be forgotten. My family is the most important thing in my life and I am eternally grateful, that you were inspirational in bridging a difficult time, by concentrating and sharing the message to love each other, no matter what.  That day changed my life and I was certainly glad you were there for my family!  I can't thank you enough!  I know the Lord is taking you into his arms today and you are now in a better place.  Many will miss you, but many will never forget you!  I know your soul is with the Lord and you are now in his hands! 

Bless you Father!

Billie Sage Ashton

Thank you Father Nelson for all that you have done for everyone.  I will always remember how kind you were.  Kathy

Thank You Fr. Nelson for all you did for my family. You showed us what real Christianity is about- we were blessed to have you in our lives. RIP

Dear Father Nelson,

Thank you so much for all you did for all of us with so much love!

I will always hear your laughter!  Looking forward to seeing you again!

Jan and all of the Murphy's

Dearest Fr. Nelson,  you will truly be missed, I wish I could speak with you just one more te to let you know how grateful and thankful I am to have had you in my life. Principal, friend, disciplinarian, metor, advisor.  Fr. Nelson you were a part of the Jerry Michels family and we thank you for being there when we needed you.... To all the other Cotter & Pacelli alumni... Weren't we blessed!!

To the family of Fr. Nelson,

I wish to extend my deepest sympahy to each of you.  Your famil,y as well as many others, have been influenced by this man.  He was my principal at Cotter High.  He embodied the meaning of integrity, strength, fairness sprinkled with a neat sense of humor.  He modeled for boys and girls alike what it meant to live your faith in the world of the time.  The world has lost a wonderful man.

Valerie Joswick Henrich

We have lost a great friend and beloved priest may he rest in peace.

My condolences and prayers go out to the family of Fr. Nelson.

Fr. Nelson was our principal at Cotter. He was tough but fair; if you were out of line, you knew you had it coming! He had a big impact on all of us in the class of 70. We witnessed his caring nature, his generosity, his respect for all, and he demonstrated what integrity was all about. He married us, came to our class reunions, said Mass for my parents's anniversary and was such a part of my classmates' lives. The stories he would tell about his days as principal at Cotter would leave us in stitches and I'll always remember that. What a privilege it has been to have known him and I know he is with our Creator!

Sue O'Brien

Your dear brother and uncle was such a good, good man.  He made a huge difference in the lives of many -- including my own.  Know of my deep sympathy as you continue to love and miss him.  

With deepest sympathy,

Diane Dobitz 

To the family and friends of Fr. Paul Nelson--

What a wonderful, gentle, strong, giving man.  He embodied the love of Christ.  I am so grateful for all he gave to our family, especially during the time of my father's illness and dying.  "I am the Resurrection and the Life" said Jesus, and Fr. Nelson lived that--and lives still, in our Lord.

To Father Paul's family and friends:

Last Friday, heaven welcomed home one of God's great servants.  Father Paul Nelson was a consummate educator, pastor, and friend to all he served in Christ's name.  His warmth and loving manner made him a mentor to so many of us who were his colleagues and friends in ministry.  It is one of the great honors of my life to have begun my vocation as a teacher under Father Paul's tutelage.  He encouraged me and other new teachers, especially in those challenging times, and he provided strong and caring direction to the learning communities at Cotter High School and Pacelli High School.

When I pursued ordination in the United Methodist Church, Father Paul offered his unfailing support.  We met to discuss my ministry plans, he attended my ordination in Wisconsin, and we met for coffee "midway" at different points in my pastoral and seminary ministry.  He accepted invitations to speak in my classes at Boston University School of Theology about the importance of spirituality in ministry.  He joined my family and other friends to celebrate my installation as Dean at Louisville Seminary.  His ecumenical spirit and unconditional friendship across the years will live in my heart forever.

The last time we spoke on the phone (Christmas 2015), I mentioned to Father Paul that I hoped to visit him in Minnesota next summer.  He replied, "Well, that would be great, but if not in this life, we'll see each other in heaven."  Indeed, see you in heaven, dear brother!

"Thy name was writ in water -- it shall stand.

And tears like mine will keep thy memory green."

Oscar Wilde

Father Nelson played such a significant role in our family, from baptisms, confirmations, marriages and even deaths.  He was an important part of our lives but was also one of our Mom's best friends and confidants.   It was only fitting he passed on her birthday.   They will be sharing laughs and stories again in heaven and up to mischievous fun. 

He has touched many lives through out MN and he made each and everyone feel special and he always gave you his undivided attention.    

You have left footprints on our hearts and you will be remembered with love. I am only sorry I am not in the country and will not be there to celebrate your life.

Kirsten Snater

Father Paul was our neighbor for over 15 years. He welcomed my family into the neighborhood with open arms. Father Paul witnessed my family grow over the years and was there through all of it. From me moving into 1st grade all the way to getting my drivers license, all the way to me moving out of state. He always made time to stop by our crazy family gatherings and was a huge presence whenever he was in the room. My deepest sympathy goes out to his close family and friends during this difficult time. 

Father Nelson was a good friend of mine for 30 years.  I was shocked to hear of his passing today.  My heart is heavy.  Sincere condolences to his family.  I will always treasure our friendship.

Fr. Nelson was a kind gentle priest whose sincerity and empathy knew no bounds.  He was a great gift and blessing to our parish and he will be dearly missed. His life was all about service to others.  Even on his last day on Earth, June 25th, he made a special trip to the rectory to prepare paperwork for an upcoming wedding he was asked to celebrate.  I am grateful for his friendship and deeply saddened by his passing. My heart goes out to the Nelson family and to all people whose lives he touched.  Brian Hall

Truly a saint! I will never forget, you Father Nelson. You saved my life. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Father Paul Nelson was our next door neighbor for over 15 years. One couldn't ask for such an amazing person to have live next door. I laugh when I think of all the ruckus going on at our house with three kids what he must of thought sometimes.  We love you Father Paul and know you will always live on in everyone's memories.  We take comfort in knowing you are with God. Thank you for being a part of lives.  Joe, Denise, Jake, Beth and Sam Streiff 

Father Nelson was one of a kind. None better.  He and I have been friends for almost 60 years.  The Friendship started when we were both at Austin Pacelli in the late 1950s.  Exceptional Priest and Human Being.  My Sympathy to all of the Nelson family members.

The Heiting family in Winona had the pleasure and honor of knowing Father Nelson from the time my two older sisters and I were students at Cotter High School. We did indeed "grow up" with Father Nelson. Father Paul was a guest in our home for many meals and festive occasions; we always looked forward to him joining us. He was a major influence in my decision to become a priest. He was an icon to so many of us, that it is hard to imagine our lives without him. Our loss is certainly heaven's gain. I take great comfort in the fact that Father Paul will be able to greet my parents and sister in heaven. He was a remarkable man and a "priest's priest." I count myself so fortunate in having known him first as a teenager and then, many years forward, as a brother priest. With great gratitude, love, and respect, he will always be in my thoughts and prayers. - Msgr. Paul Heiting

My heart is broken hearing the news of Father Nelson. He an amazing and inspiring man of God, full of kindness and generosity. I will never forget the conversations I've had with him about thoughts or problems I may be having. He would always tell me the most encouraging and thought provoking things. One thing that I never will forget is all the short jokes he would make before he started the homily. We have lost a wonderful and humble man. Rest in peace Father Nelson. Can't wait to see you again. 

I would like to express my thoughts and feelings to all who loved Father Nelson. First of all, my parents knew him from his time in Winona, MN, which was where I was born. He was loved by many, many people who met him. From the first meeting, through forever. He touched the hearts of all who met him. He was a very easy going and love-able man. One who I knew as a great listener, and a man who helped people solve problems within their hearts. As in myself. 

I got to know him well, when he chose to be our principle at Pacelli High School in Austin, MN. He was there for all 4 years of my high school life. All of his students came to really appreciate his ways of teaching and providing a strong path that lead us beyond high school.  I will never forget the times I was able to speak to him about my personal problems, because the words he would choose, were words that left me thinking of how to better myself. Not to allow myself to dwell in the past, but how to overcome and better my future with God. How to live to help those in need, as he did. He taught me to smile, and with that, I found my place in Gods heart. Since my graduation in 1980, I made it my life goal to make every person I meet, smile. Even if for only a moment in their lives. And when I would see that smile, I would get an overwhelming feeling in my heart of the goodness that he taught me and the satisfaction it gave me. I am now 54 years old and have never forgotten our conversations and never will. He was a man who was able to dig deep in his heart to find the right words to say to those who were in need of hearing them. He loved God so much and it really showed.  Upon reading of his passing, the first thought that came to mind was "He is home now, in the hands of God. He must be so happy in heaven, right where he belongs"  I enjoy the thought of being able to speak to him in my prayers because I know he will be listening and leading me to the right answers as he was in life. 

He will be missed by so many of the people who werre lucky enough to have known him. He was truly, one of a kind. 

God Bless You Father Nelson.  May your soul rest in knowing how much you have taught us about the good in life, and how to continue with what we have learnded from your life on earth. 

I will miss you forever.

Love, Carol

 Father Paul was such a comfort and a support during all of Denny's complications and then 5 month hospitalization after his lung transplant. He was there for both of us but especially for me with a hug and a few just-the-right words. He officiated at Denny's funeral in 2011. And, on a much happier occasion, he was the officiant at my daughter, Jennie's marriage to her Nate. I will always remember his smiles and gentle demeanor. He never failed to thank me after a Mass that I cantored. And...I will never forget Sally's trotting on through before Mass, checking to see where he was. Beautiful memories!

My heart is breaking with the news of Father Nelsons passing.    What an amazing man and I was so blessed to have him for a principal at Cotter even though it was too short of a time.     May you rest in peace "Peachy".

Father Nelson presided over my fathers funeral on May 24, 2016. This happened to be on his 81st birthday. Father Nelson visited my father while he was in St. Mary's and at Seasons Hospice the final weeks of his life. It was during these visits that I was able to get to know him a little bit. His compassion, wisdom, and humor shown in his numerous visits will never be forgotten by our family. Ironically, I am currently reading the book he authored. I will truly cherish every word. RIP father Nelson.

My prayers and sincerest sympathies for the Nelson family.  My family has been truly blessed to have known fr. Nelson- a wonderful man.  Rest in peace in the arms of our Lord. 

Farther Paul Nelson, thank you for what you did for me in the time of need.   You were such a kind caring soul that will be missed by many.   May you rest in peace.   

We are sorry for your loss, blessings and prayers.  Father Paul has blessed many peoples lives & we feel so thankful for all he did for many.  He married us 24 years ago and baptized our 3 sons.  Over the years, we have met many people that Father Paul helped and made a significant difference for.  He was an amazing, compassionate, caring and understanding man who did God's work daily. Remember the joy he brought to your lives.