Paul Einar Nelson

Paul Einar Nelson, 76, of Rochester died Sunday, February 7, 2016 at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long, hard fought battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Paul was born on July 26, 1939, in Rochester to Einar and Amelia Violet (Zabel) Nelson. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1957. He worked at International Transport and Quarve & Anderson Construction.Paul started his own business, Nelson Builders, and built several homes in Rochester. He developed the area known as Cedar Park Court, building five homes there. Through his years of building houses, he also drove school bus for the Rochester School District. In October 1961, he married Karen DeGroodt. They raised three children, Kevin, Paula and Teri, and they were later divorced. Paul continued building andremodeling homes. He was a talented carpenter who was very respected. He loved his profession, and took great pride in his work. Pauls passion was working in his yard.He also enjoyed all professional sports, playing cards and shooting pool. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and loved them deeply. His grandchildren brought a light into Pauls eyes whenever he got to see them. Paul is survived by his loving partner, Bobbie Kehret; his children, Kevin (Susie) Nelson, Paula (Chris) Kilness, and Teri (Wendell Manore); grandchildren, Amy, Megan, and Adam Nelson, Amber Maxwell, Logan Kilness, and Taylor Nelson; stepdaughters, Shelly (Craig) Bell, Kathy (John) Hines; step-grandsons, Logan Bell, Jack Hines; two brothers, Conrad and Irvin and a sister, Ruby (Jerry) Lange; his ex-wife, Karen, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ramon; sisters, Marjorie Archer and Violet Mae (who died in infancy) and his sister-in-law, Mary Nelson. A funeral service to celebrate Paul's life will be held 1:00PM Friday, February 12, 2016 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00PM Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service Friday at the funeral home. Rev. Debra Collum will be officiating with interment at Grandview Memorial Gardens.