Paul B. Nelson

Paul B. Nelson, 91, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Dickinson County Healthcare System. He was born August 13, 1924 in Albert Lea, MN, son of the late Arnold and Agnes (Smeby) Nelson and stepson of Louise Nelson. Paul graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1942 and entered the U.S. Army Air Corp. He served overseas in the South Pacific Solomon Islands Guadalcanal during WWII, receiving the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. Paul attended Luther College in Decorah, IA where he earned his degree in business. He married the love of his life, Charlotte Martinson, on February 19, 1949 in Decorah. They moved to Columbus, OH where he worked for JC Penney for 3 1/2 years and then to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he received his teaching degree from Northern Michigan University. Paul was a teacher, guidance counselor and driver's education instructor for the Iron Mountain School System for over 30 years, retiring from teaching in 1984. He continued with Driver's Education and School Playground Patrol for several years after retirement. He rarely went a day without being fondly recognized as someones teacher or mentor. Throughout his career, Paul furthered his education with credits from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, eventually earning his Master's Degree in Education from U of M. He also worked part-time in the shoe department at JCPenney for several years. Paul was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, U.C.T. and Oak Crest golf course. He loved all sports and was a diehard Mountaineer fan, working the scorer's table at countless basketball games. He enjoyed gardening, golfing, reading and playing cards, especially cribbage and pinochle. He was gifted with a beautiful tenor voice and sang with Our Saviour's Senior Choir for many years. He especially loved singing to the Lord with his family by his side. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, in 2012, after being blessed with 62 beautiful years together.; two sons, David Nelson in 1978 and Paul M. Nelson in 2010; two sisters, Phyllis Haaland and Carol Olson; two brothers, Aaron Nelson and David Nelson; and extended family member, Mike Golfis, in 2016. He is survived by three sons, Don (Pamela) Nelson, Dean Nelson and Daryl (Sonya) Nelson, all of Iron Mountain; a very special sister, Helene Westrum of Albert Lea, MN; six grandchildren, Sherri (Harvey) Porath, Michelle (Jeff) Backlund, Scott (Bridget) Nelson, Christopher Nelson, John (Kassie) Nelson and Jessica Nelson; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He had many dear friends and extended family that were very special to him and was known as one of the most kind and gracious men you would ever meet. Paul set a beautiful example for others to follow as a Dad, Grandfather, mentor and Man of God. His beautiful smile lit up every room he entered, and his sense of humor was infectious. He made everyone who spent time with him feel special. He was loved by so many. Visitation will be Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Rev. Bob Gordon will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Music Program. Condolences to the family of Paul B. Nelson may be expressed online at ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Paul B. Nelson

August 13, 1924 - July 2, 2016