Fr. Paul E Nelson, 81, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on June 25, 2016.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, June 30 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with Most Reverand Bishop John Quinn officiating. Fr. Charlie Collins will be co-officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, and one hour prior to the Mass on Thursday. Burial will be in St. Bridget's Cemetery in Simpson.  Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Paul Edward Nelson was the oldest son born in Rochester, Minnesota on May 24, 1935 to Claude and Lenora (O'Connell) Nelson. He grew up in rural Rochester, attending country elementary schools through sixth grade. From seventh through twelfth grades he attended Lourdes High School in Rochester.

He attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary at St. Mary's University in Winona, graduating with a B.A. degree in Philosophy. He attended Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN, and was ordained in 1961, as a priest for the Diocese of Winona.

He was assigned as an Assistant Pastor for St. Augustine Parish in Austin, and as a teacher of religion at Pacelli High School. He was re-assigned to Winona, to be Assistant Diocesan Religious Education Director, Assistant Pastor at St. John's Parish in Winona, and as part-time Religion Teacher at Cotter High School. He attended Saint Mary's University and received a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration in 1965.

From there he had served as Principal at multiple schools including, Cotter High School in Winona, Loyola High School in Mankato, Pacelli High School in Austin as well as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Winona.

In his 55 years of priesthood he served as Pastor at Queen of Angels Parish in Austin, the Rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, Pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Owatonna, Saint Augustine Parish in Austin, and currently as Assistant Pastor at Saint Pius X Parish in Rochester.

Paul is survived by his brothers Bernard Nelson of Byron and Richard Nelson of Chatfield, and his beloved dog Salley.  He is also survived by seven nieces & nephews, nine grand-nieces and nephews, and six great-grand nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Claude and Lenora Nelson, brother James Nelson, and sister-in-law Linda Nelson.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been set up at Sterling State Bank, Apache Mall in his name to distribute to multiple charities.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com