Paul A. Nelson

Paul A. Nelson

Paul Arden Nelson, 82, of O'Neill, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 at his home north of O'Neill.

Visitation was held Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a prayer service.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at First United Methodist Church in O'Neill. Pastor Robert Wynn officiated.

Burial was in the Paddock Union Cemetery in rural O'Neill with military rites provided by the Spencer American Legion Luther Whidden Post 78.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Paul was born on Oct. 21, 1940 in Stuart to Paul and Marjorie (Hendricks) Nelson. He joined his older sister Naomi on the family farm, northeast of O'Neill. He attended District #1 country school, and then graduated from Spencer High School in 1958. While in high school, Paul excelled at football, basketball, climbing the water tower and other general mischief.

In January of 1959, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Army Security Agency while stationed in Japan. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 26, 1962. 

Soon after leaving the Army, Paul married his high school sweetheart Nancy Lee Row on July 14, 1962 in Spencer. To this union four children were born Brad Lee, Jay Scott, Beth Ann and Sara Sue. 

The couple began their life together in Lincoln where Paul attended the University of Nebraska. He earned his bachelor of science degree in political science and journalism. 

After graduating, Paul worked for a time for the Sun Newspaper in Lincoln as an editor. They then moved to Ogallala where he also worked for the local paper. In 1970, the family moved to Annandale, VA so Paul could work as a lobbyist for the National Grain and Feed Association. They returned to Nebraska in 1978 when Paul and family returned to the family farm, north of O'Neill, after his father passed away. In 2012, Paul and Nancy moved to the dream home they had designed overlooking the Redbird Creek to begin the retirement process. In his retirement, Paul worked alongside his daughter Sara on the family farm.

Paul loved hunting and camping with his family. He was a soccer coach in both Virginia and Nebraska when his children were young. Paul was a Cubmaster, a Boy Scout leader and an active participant in the Indian Y Guides. 

Paul's faith was strong and he was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in O'Neill and was active with the Methodist Men.

He was a member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau for over 50 years where he lobbied for numerous agricultural agendas. He also spent countless hours over the years working with political action committees and on several political campaigns. Paul was also a member of the Paddock Union Cemetery Board and was currently active with the Spencer American Legion Luther Whidden Post 78. 

Paul is survived by his wife of 60 years Nancy Nelson of O'Neill; four children Brad Nelson and Scott (Tracey) Nelson, all of Palm Bay, FL, Beth (Tim) Lenz of Sheridan, WY and Sara (Doug) Crumrine of O'Neill; 12 grandchildren Rosie Nelson, Brittney Nelson, Bailey Nelson, Ryan Nelson, Jeremy Grimes, Jacob Grimes, Isaac Grimes, Sam Lenz, Adam Lenz, Mason Crumrine, Jessica (Ben) Rezac and Austin (Shelby) Crumrine; one sister  Naomi “Jean” Hoyne of O'Neill; and many cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother-in-law Dr. Thomas T. Hoyne and his aunt Margretha (Edward) Kaczor.