Paul Robert Nelson, 70, passed away peacefully at his home on February 7, 2018.

He was born June 10, 1947 in Waupaca, WI to Hans and Edna (Johnson) Nelson. Paul married Susan Schroeder on November 22, 1975 in Wayzata, MN. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

Those he leaves behind are his wife Susan of 42 years; daughters, Sara (Jeff) Karweick of Eden, WI; Erin (Ryan) Pues of Appleton, WI; his beloved grandchildren, Kole, Meghan and Aubrey and his dogs, Max and Ruby; his sister, Joan (Mike) Springer of Milwaukee, WI; his sister, Carol (Lloyd) Matheson of Iowa City, IA; his brother, Ken (Rose) Nelson of Mosinee, WI and his brother, Roger (Sheila) Nelson of Waupaca, WI; brother-in-law; Steve (Vicky) Schroeder of River Falls, WI; many cousins, nephews, nieces and dear friends; special friend and travel buddy, Mark Forseth of Iola, WI.

Paul graduated from Iola-Scandinavia High School in 1965. He then served in the Vietnam War in 1968-69, earning a Bronze Star for Valor. Upon return, he worked at the Scandinavia Co-Op and eventually started his own roofing business named after his daughters, Sara and Erin. He ran a very successful business and included many local gentleman as hired hands. He enjoyed playing baseball with the Scandinavia Vikings. He also played softball and was known for hitting it out of the park. He enjoyed random trips to the casino, car rides with the dogs, looking for the next big deal and spending time with his family. Paul was an avid sports fan. He supported the local teams and often traveled near and far to support their success. On July 7, 2004 Paul received the gift of life having a heart transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

His pride and joy were his grandchildren. He would never miss a sporting event, concert, or just an opportunity to be with them. His love for them was intense and they will miss him terribly. He was the most hard-working, loving, caring man to all. His smile and laugh were contagious. He left a mark on everyone that met him. You’d often find him handing out random $2 bills to children he didn’t even know.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Edna Nelson.

Visitation: Paul’s family welcomes relatives and friends to a time of visitation at Voie Funeral Home, 120 S Main St, Iola, WI on Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Paul’s family will again welcome relatives and friends on Monday, February 12, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 11.a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Services will be on Monday, February 12th at 11 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 395 E Iola St, Iola, WI. Paul will receive full military honors following the service. Burial will happen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.