Paul Nelson, 62 years of Sturgeon Bay passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, October 16, 2023.

     Paul was born December 15, 1960, the son of John and Rosemary Nelson. He attended Saint Joseph Catholic School in Sturgeon Bay and graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1979. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehab at UW Stout in 1983.

     After working a few years in the Voc Rehab field, he started his own business, Nelson Placement Network in Minneapolis. Though Paul moved to CA for a few years to escape the Wisconsin winters, he eventually moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to family. That was the reason he gave, but the family suspects it was more about missing Wisconsin’s Friday perch fry. He was also an ardent Packer fan and liked to cheer (and swear) via text to his sister and brother during the games. Paul developed a love of swimming when he joined the swim team in high school. He continued to enjoy swimming throughout his later years, always making sure there was a pool when he stayed at a hotel. He loved to spend time at the family cottage and was often the first one to brave the cold waters of Lake Michigan to swim out to “the wreck.”

     Growing up, Paul always had a soft spot for dogs. The first dog he ever owned himself was “Lady”, who was his companion for many years. More recently he adopted “Rocky” who was by his side for the past two years.

     Paul is survived by his sister, Kathy (Hans) Nieleck, Germany; brother, Michael, (Karen) Nelson, Oconomowoc; sister, Mary Hurley, Sturgeon Bay; and his longtime friend, David, Sturgeon Bay. He was always interested in and asking about the activities of his nieces and nephews, Oliver (Melli) Nieleck, Germany; Jenny (Robert) Buchholz, Germany; Johannes (Ramona) Nieleck, Germany; Maria (Ferdinand) Nieleck, Germany; Chris (Stacy) Nelson, Oconomowoc; Tim (Jen) Nelson, Mt. Horeb; Shane Hurley, Racine; and Kevin (Aya) Hurley, Japan.

     Paul was preceded in death by his parents.

     Mass of Christian Burial for Paul will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Friends and family may call at the church from 9:30 a.m. to the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery. All are invited to Stone Harbor following the burial for a luncheon at 12:45 p.m.

    In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wisconsin Humane Society—Door County Campus.

     Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Nelson family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Paul may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.