Paul Andrew Nelsen

Paul Nelsen Obituary

Paul A. Nelsen, 81, of Faribault, MN entered the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ on September 21, 2025.

Paul was born on December 1, 1943, in Great Falls, MT, son of Herman Nelsen and Maryden (Dalstrom).

Paul graduated from Billings Senior High School, where he found success as a runner. He held the school record in the mile run with a time of 4:17 for several years. After high school, Paul pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. While there, he also learned to ride a unicycle—joking that it was his way of proving to his parents that he actually learned something in college.

Upon earning his degree, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After his time in the military, he worked at Boeing for several years before deciding to return to school for a degree in physical education and coaching. It was during this second round of college that Paul met his future wife, Janice (Hoover). They married on July 31, 1976, and have since spent 49 years together, raising four children: Scott, Beatha, Seth, and Severin.

Paul worked for MDU for many years, starting at their Bismarck offices before moving to the Coyote Station plant south of Beulah, where his family spent the majority of their years. A naturally competitive person, Paul loved a good pick-up game of basketball. Whether it was on a work team in the 1980s or just a friendly game of “noon ball” at the gym, he was always ready to play. His children jokingly gave him the nickname "Airball Paul," a title he wore with pride. One of his proudest accomplishments was playing his last game of basketball at the age of 66.

Paul also had a passion for supporting the Beulah Miners, attending all their home events whenever he could. After he and Janice moved to Faribault, MN, he continued his tradition of cheering on the high school teams at many of their home games.

In 2007, Paul and Janice bought a small motorhome, and they quickly fell in love with traveling across the U.S. with their beloved dogs, visiting family—especially their children and grandchildren. 

Paul was a devoted grandpa who cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren: Andrew, Vanya, Alayna, Adin, Aurora, Dean, Ella, and Atlin. He loved supporting them in whatever activities they were passionate about—whether it was basketball, drama, band, soccer, gymnastics, cross country, choir, musicals, or any other pursuit they took on, he was always ready to cheer them on.  

Paul will be dearly missed by his wife Janice of Faribault, MN; son, Scott Greenbriar TN; daughter, Beatha (Kevin) Marshfield WI; son, Seth (Liz) Apple Valley, MN; son Severin (Shandra) Buena Vista, CO; his 8 grandchildren; sisters, Christine of Billings, MT and Helene of Sandy, UT; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Maryden; brothers Carrol and John; sisters-in-law Mae and Joan; brothers-in-law Robert and Dean.   

Celebration of Life: Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11 AM at First Baptist Church of Faribault, 1108 Westwood Drive,  Faribault, MN 55021.  The service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@firstbaptistfaribault8845/streams