Paul Nelson
July 5, 1947 ~ August 30, 2020
View Paul's Recorded Funeral Service
Paul Dean Nelson, 73, of Gettysburg, died in a tornado accident north of Miller, SD, Sunday, August 30, 2020, while driving his motor coach.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at Grace Bible Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Scott Crook presiding. Burial followed in the Onida Cemetery. Visitation was held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 1, at the church.
Paul was born July 5, 1947 in Aberdeen, SD to Lyle Arthur and Jessie Mason Nelson. He graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1965 and the University of South Dakota in 1969. He had nearly completed his master’s degree when his dad became ill and he knew he needed to return to the family farm.
He married Cheryl Ann Eggers April 3, 1971 in Sioux Falls, SD at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. They moved to Sully County and Paul started farming and dreaming.
Paul bought and raised cattle, building up a 3,000 head feedlot. As he explored other cattle feeding operations in other locations, he concluded he could not truly compete with bigger operations in warmer climates. He sold all the feedlot equipment, tore up miles of fence and began purchasing additional farm ground.
In 1992 he decided that harvesting pheasants in addition to crops would just maybe work. Thus began a 30-year building project culminating in The Paul Nelson Farm. Paul loved new and big ideas. He was the ultimate salesman and promoter. He believed “his prairie” was the most beautiful place in the world. He loved hosting clients from around the world who shared knowledge of their incredible businesses and expanded his horizons. His latest idea was “The Range” where he brought in the best military trained snipers in the world to teach guests how to hit a target a mile away.
The last 25 years, Paul and Cheryl traveled this great country in their motor coach and finally decided Outdoor Resort in Indio, CA was the best 4 -5 month winter destination for them.
Entrepreneurs see things differently. He was always exploring and creating. He truly appreciated and respected the people who worked so hard to make his dreams come true. He cherished his lifetime Gettysburg friends and was challenged by the wide range of interests his clients and RV friends brought to his life. He knew he was blessed.
Paul loved his family and is survived by his wife, Cheryl; two sons, Ryan Paul (Carmen) Sioux Falls, SD and Erik Lyle (Tami) Gettysburg SD; four grandchildren: Parker, Mitchell, Teagan and Cooper Nelson; and one brother, Dwayne (Juanita) Nelson, Longmont, Colorado. His passion was attending his sons’ and grandchildren’s events. No one was prouder!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Avera Gettysburg Hospital, 606 E Garfield Ave, Gettysburg, SD 57442. Paul realized how vital this was to the community and to his business.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Paul’s arrangements.
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I was shocked and saddened at the news of Pauls passing. For many years, the Carroll Tire annual visit to the farm was the highlight of the year. Those are memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. God Speed Paul and sincere condolences to the Nelson family.
A man of great vision, that is my Uncle Paul! He was always reaching higher and higher. My heart truly hurts!
Cheryl and family, my heart is heavy with sympathy for you during this devastating time. Paul was so admired. His generosity and your family’s hospitality to me will never be forgotten. May he Rest In Peace.
Cheryl and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Debbie and Jim Nixon
Cheryl and family. So many memories! So many laughs! And now, so many tears and heartache. Our hearts and sympathies are with you all!
Cheryl:
You may not even remember me from our music-teaching days and Mobridge contest trips back in the '70s when I was at Sully Buttes and you at GHS. I was so stunned to suddenly read online a few minutes ago that it was Paul who was lost in the tornado accident. My sympathy to you, your boys and all of your family.
deepest sympathies to you all. Prayers and thoughts
Judy and Woody Grabinski
I am deeply saddened by what happened yesterday. I was among the first responders who were summons to the accident and I want you to know that we are all saddened by this. Your family will remain in our thoughts as you attempt to reconcile what happened to Paul.
I got to know Paul very well as a young salesman selling Caterpillar machinery. He was THE MOST INTERESTING and ENGAGING person. Smart and just fun to be around. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. God bless Cheryl and his family.
I have no words. My heart goes out to you all. I cant even imagine. You all are deep in my thoughts and heavy on my heart. The world lost an amazing human being yesterday.
I was shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Paul. He was an amazing man, but I will always remember how welcoming he was whenever I was in Gettysburg. He truly enjoyed learning about other people. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragedy.
I was so very very sorry to hear about Paul. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Cheryl and family. May you feel the presence of God surround you during this sorrowful time.
Piff
My sincere condolences to Paul's family.
Oh, Cheryl! My heart hurts with you and your family. What a tragedy to lose Paul so suddenly. Know I am praying that the peace which passes all understanding will comfort you as you mourn.
Our condolences to Cheryl and the family.
Paula and I are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of such a great friend, husband, father, grandfather and just a wonderful person. Please know we are with you through this difficult time. We send our love and prayers.
PD will be surely missed! Please accept my sincere condolences!
Ryan and family – praying for you during this unbelievably tragic time.
Sending all of our prayers to the families. We really enjoyed working with Paul. He's one of a kind.
Doyle & Kay Foreman
So sorry for your loss Cheryl . My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sorry for your loss. May the fond memories carry you on. Hugs and prayers to all of you.
To the family of Paul Nelson, while I never had the opportunity to meet Paul in person, I had a wonderful telephone conversation with him last winter. I was working on some things for an upcoming agritourism workshop and Paul's name was given to me as someone I should talk to so I gave him a call. He had no idea who I was, but he was so willing to visit, share ideas, give advice and was so pleasant and kind. I just wanted you to know what a pleasure it was to visit with your husband, dad, grandpa. You are all in my prayers.
To the Nelson Family,
I am saddened to hear the news of your loss of Paul. My condolences to your family, all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Buck
We are devastated to learn of Paul‘s passing! At one time, we were neighbors at outdoor resorts, Indio. Such great people who seem to have everything, and know that Paul will be sorely missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family!
We are so so sorry to hear of this horrible accident. Paul always made time to visit and we always had a great laugh. You are each in our prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our sympathy is with you all, we pray your wonderful memories will help in such a sad time.
What an entrepreneur the world lost yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Paul's family. Your Eggers family in Iowa are very saddened by this news.
Cheryl and family,
So sad to hear about Paul. Although we only met him several times, we admired his creativity, his noble vision for future projects, his passion for living. Cheryl, Paul and you were so gracious when Bob stayed at your home for fishing trips with John and then later when I also visited. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob and Joan Conner
Cheryl and family, I am so sorry for your loss! May Your faith in God comfort you during this time! Cherish the memories!
Cheryl and Family, So sorry for the tragic loss of Paul. I always enjoyed the visits we would have alongside the road. Howard and Janice were grateful for having him as a neighbor and at times employer. Dale and Sandy Clark
Cheryl and family. You have our sympathy on Paul's death. You and Paul helped to make happy memories from our time in Gettysburg. Many good times with you and others were made possible by your hospitality and friendship. God bless Paul and God bless you all as you grieve but share the joy and love that Paul brought to you. Galen & Ann
Cheryl, our hearts are just broken for you and your family ! Our deepest sympathy for you and the family. We remember when you and Paul visited us in the desert and then we had the privilege of hunting at your farm with my sister Sarah Wonnell . What a great man, host, and friends we became with Paul and you! We are so sorry for your horrific loss ! 🤗 ❤️
Cheryl, we are so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to meet you two in the desert and Paul was always so gracious and interested in what we were up to. He will be missed. All our best.
Paul and Brett
Cousin Paul was one-of-a-kind. He will be forever remembered…and missed. Sending love to Cheryl, Ryan, Erik and their loved ones.
Dear Cheryl and family, my heart is breaking as I read the news about Paul. May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you and give you peace. Maribeth
Dear Cheryl and family, Our sympathy to you during this sad and tragic time. Prayers for comfort and peace…..
Dear Cheryl, Ryan, Erik and family,
Charlie, Andrew, and I treasure the beautiful fall days we spent with our good friends on and near Paul Nelson Farm. Upon return from our western wanderings, Suzanne loved to hear all about our adventures with Brent, and Rob, and Paul, and Eric, and particularly liked hearing about Cheryl’s harp playing. Most of all, Charlie, Andrew, and I treasured—and continue to treasure— Paul’s matchless hospitality and friendship. We are heartbroken over your loss and the pain you must now have in your hearts. May the pangs of your sadness subside in due time and loving memories fill your hearts. We will keep you and Paul in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob, Suzanne, Charlie, and Andrew Timm
Dear Family, I have visited the Farm several times with the group from Carroll Tire on the east coast. I have so many fond memories of our hunts there, and have made many friendships that continue throughout the years. I wish the family well and want you all to know you are in my thoughts.
Dearest Cheryl and FAMILY, my heart is so Sad. I want you to know I’m Thinking of you All With Love, and I Pray for GOD to Lift You and give you All Strength . I worked at the Nelson Farm and The whole family treated me as a Friend. Like I was part of family,, Cheryl always gave me a hug and asked me how how I was, and Tami and Erik always stopped to say hello and visit,my memory of Paul was he always had a joke and he would laugh an laugh, he thought it was funnier if ya didn’t get ithe joke . I’m very Thankful to have known Paul, and that he was my Friend. I trained dogs out at Nelson family farm, Paul had asked me do ya think ya could cook for construction work crew? I said I don’t know if I could? He said I know ya can do it. And I did, That Is Who Paul was , a Positive person who had faith in people, Thank You Paul for being my friend, Cheryl, ERik, Tami and Ryan ,,,our Loved ones that leave before us are Never far away we carry them in our hearts and memories each and every day, May God Bless you and Hold You , With Love. Tamara
Extending thoughts and prayers to the Nelson family. Paul was one of kind and I will miss seeing him in the fall .
Regards,
Ted Kramer
I am so sorry about Cousin Paul…what an amazing man he was!! A legend has passed away😢. He and dad are now together in Heaven talking about farming ❤️
Sending Cheryl, Ryan, Erik and their sweet families love and prayers.
You are in our thoughts ❤️
Angie, Ryan and Ashley
I've lost a close friend of 55 years and the world has lost a man who enjoyed life to the fullest without ever being selfish or mean. I and many others will miss him deeply.
Me and my friends met Paul and Cheryl over a decade ago and visited PNF annually. Paul was such a warm and hospitable person. We loved spending time with he, Cheryl, Erik and Tami. Paul will be missed so much! We will keep the family in our prayers! God bless all of you.
David
Our children, Heath and Cara Marrs, are good friends with Ryan and Carmen and went to Tabor College together. We spent many enjoyable hours watching Cara, Andrea, and Carmen play basketball at Tabor. So sorry for the loss of your Dad and Grandfather to your children. Praying for you as you walk through your loss. May you sense God's love, comfort, and strength.
Paul was the most unforgettable man I met in
28 years of traveling country roads selling farm
equipment. He was a man of integrity. We became friends and I cherish his memory.
Ryan:
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I was saddened when I heard the news and still remain shocked this morning. Hold tight to your faith and pull close to your family and those two things will help you and others get through this terrible situation. God Bless Ryan!
So sorry to hear the terrible news! Lots of hugs during these difficult times!
So very sorry for you and your family. It was always good to Paul when we returned to Gettysburg. Prayers for you all
So very sorry for your loss Cheryl & family. Although I didn't really get to know Paul I cherish the time we spent at your home, Cheryl, with the Bible study group soon after I moved to the Gettysburg area. Your hospitality will always be remembered. God will provide you with a time of healing & help you through this very difficult time.
Sorry for your loss my prayers are with you.
Thinking of you and your family, Cheryl. Our deepest sympathy to you and prayers for God's comfort.
Gladys and daughters
This news is such a shock and makes me incredibly sad. Paul was one of a kind. Each season I always looked forward to his return to the desert, we loved to talk about nature, we loved to talk about business and we loved to talk about technology. He had an infectious charm and passion for everything in life that he pursued, he was a tireless visionary that would always test the impossible and try to make it ordinary. He was truly inspiring and a joy to be around. I am absolutely devastated by the news and want to send all of my Love and Best Wishes to his wife and family. With Respect and Love, jonathan gorman
To the Nelson Family………thank you for sharing Paul with us. He was a great friend to law enforcement and his decades of sponsorship of the Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner each fall will not be forgotten. His life as a visionary is an example for us all. Lost too soon………..he will be sorely missed.
We are deeply sorry for the families. Sending our sympathy.
Josh and Margot Potts
We are so sorry for your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. PDN will be missed.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
What a wonderful gift we all had in knowing Paul. Although I had not seen Paul in many years, my memories are all of a kind and giving man. We all share your grief, but we also all share in the joy of knowing a man who lived life in the best of ways.
All of us at Wind Circle Network are saddened by the passing of our friend and customer for the past 20 years. Our sincerest condolences.
Cheryl
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We always enjoyed our visits with Paul at ORI. We will all miss him.
Cheryl, our hearts are heavy for you and your family. We were shocked at the news of your loss. Cindy and I truly enjoyed the interaction with you and Paul during your visits to Lincoln. (We are the Oldies but Goodies in the back room.) You are in our prayers!
Dear Cheryl, Ryan, Carmen, Erik, and Tammy –
We have so many memories of Paul and will never forget him. My earliest memories include stories of pheasant hunts and trips to South Dakota, a far away land full of friends, family, and love. Dad, Bud and Paul Randall used to look forward their yearly visits, and we would look forward to hearing the stories and seeing the pictures. In recent years we have had many late fall visits where we can treasure the memories of birthday celebrations combined with caroling, and spending great family time. Words cannot capture the depth of our love or the enormity of our loss. Paul was always larger than life, filling every room that he was in. His absence leaves an even larger empty place in the world. He is, and will continue to be, missed.
Diane, Gary, Bill, and the rest of the Randall clan.
Dear Cheryl, Ryan, Erik, and family
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and praying for God to hold you close in this time. What a legacy your family has built!!!!
Dear Cheryl, Ryan, Erik, and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and your family at this time. What a legacy he created with you all!!
Dear Nelson family, Rhonda and I are shocked and saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. We grieve with you and continue to pray that God holds you close and blesses you with His peace, comfort, and strength. I always looked forward to seeing Paul at ORI and enjoyed our visits. Thank God for Jesus Christ, we know that we will be reunited with Paul again. We love you. God bless you with everything you need as you live each day.
Dear sister Cheryl,
I can´t stop thinking of you and the all the kids. Just wanted to hug you.
Love you,
Marisa
Don and Vickie Pruter, we are so sad you left us all, Paul. We will visit you in Heavens RV Resort someday. Put our name at the gate. So long old pal.
Erik, Ryan and Cheryl- My deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. I’ll be holding your wonderful family close to my heart in deepest prayers.
i am still trying to get my head around this. so sorry for your loss. as you know paul and i grew up together as neighbors. same class in high school. jessie was my second mom and spent many nights and days in their home growing up. working with paul and his dad for a few brief years after my tour in the navy. many stories to remember of our days growing up. hugs to the family and pray for your help in gods name in understanding this whole thing
I know how much you will miss PD but he would want you to carry on until you are all together again. The suddenness of his departure is hard to understand. There are many things unsaid. Please accept my condolences.
Bob Wuttke
I met Paul in Lincoln with Cheryl. I was immediately drawn to their generosity and sincerity. After an hour I felt like a had a new friend in Paul. I’m guessing Paul has many friends as good people always do. Sorry for your loss.
Just heard the sad news about Paul. We have many memories of the great times spent with Paul and Cheryl visiting the farm and going to high school sporting events during our 5 years in Gettysburg. Paul was a great guy and will be missed by many. Our thought and prayers go out to Cheryl and the family. God bless you all!
Paul and I met in September 1963 at USD. I was there to finish my senior year and Paul and I became roommates. There wasn’t much in common between someone from the South Bronx and a South Dakotan but somehow it clicked. He was my first friend at USD. Our friendship I believe was fueled by his kindness to someone so far away from home and by his wonderful sense of humor. That Thanksgiving he took me to his home, we went deer hunting, we had to run to the house to escape a rapidly forming blizzard. His parents were welcoming and this New Yorker learned a great deal about farming and ranching. We kept in touch over the years exchanging updates on our families. However, although we talked about me visiting him in SD, it never happened. Something I now deeply regret. He was a good and cherished friend and I am so very saddened by his passing. I offer my sincere condolences to the family. Paul and you will be in my prayers. There are no words to express this loss. I hope these offer some comfort.
"They are not gone who live in lives they leave behind. In those whom they have blessed they live a life again”
I was blessed to have known Paul.
Very sorry for your loss, I enjoyed working for PD. Even helped Steve on the original farm house (twas the beginning of bigger and better things).
We are deeply sorry to hear of your loss! Please know that you are in our constant thoughts and prayers🙏
We are sending our love and prayers during this difficult time. Paul was an amazing man as is his family. The Heller family will continue to pray for peace for your family.
We are very sorry for your loss, Paul will be missed.
We pray that our Mighty and Great God will grant all of you peace in this difficult time in the loss of your dad, grandfather, brother and friend. Ryan and Carmen and family we will continue hold you up in prayer. Gail and Sturgis Van Vugt
When we heard you had gone, a shadow crossed our hearts. We will see you in RV heaven. Leave our name at the gate. Don & Vickie
Cheryl,
I want you to know your friends at Our Redeemer here in Sioux Falls remember you and your family and have you in their prayers. A notice as sent out on our prayer chain. God's peace.
Ryan, I was shocked and saddened to hear of your Dads unfortunate accident and passing, I'm so sorry for your loss, he sounded like an amazing and unique character. I pray for peace and comfort for you and Carmen and your Mom as you contemplate life without him going forward. His memory won't be forgotten I'm sure, blessings to you and Gods peace that passes all understanding Darrel Bartell
we extend our condolences to the entire Nelson family. It has been a wonderful annual experience to be at the Paul Nelson Farm for the past 10 years, and we have been privileged to have gotten to know Paul and members of the immediate family …Paul was the consummate host, and we were fortunate to get to spend some quality time with him. He will be missed. Alan and Nancy Maiss
Cheryl we were so sorry to hear about Paul’s tragic accident. We always enjoyed visiting with him on his golf cart drives around ORI. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Cheryl, Ryan, Carmen, Erik, Tami etal – we were shaken to the core at news of Paul’s accident. Hunting with him and your brother John years ago is still a highlight memory. As we all grieve we also rejoice in the promise of eternal life . Your family is in our prayers.
So sorry to learn about Pauls passing when Chuck Terry called about another classmate