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Nels Paulsen Obituary
Nels Harold Paulsen, 12th child of Carl and Carol Paulsen, passed away in his sleep on Monday. When describing Nels, perhaps his nephew Joshua put it best: Nels, I miss the good old days. Not the last several years when you've been sick, but certainly the years growing up- the fishing trips, hikes, water skiing, and many adventures. That's how I'll remember you: an uncle who loved his nieces and nephews, a man who was a magnet for adventure and good fortune, a friend to all. Nels served an honorable mission to Brazil, was an Eagle Scout, and graduated from the University of Utah in music. He was an accomplished studio musician on the viola. His passion for music and the creativity he expressed through music was a gift to many ears. Nels loved to restore old violins. He married Ashley Peterson (later divorced) and they had two girls, Ivey and Jane, whom Nels loved and adored. Children were drawn to Nels his contagious laugh and child-like, playful energy drew them in. Nels had tremendous dreams and ambitions and he enthusiastically shared his hopes for the future with everyone. His constant battle with mental illness, however, impeded him from achieving many of those dreams and ambitions. He will be remembered for his entrepreneurial zeal and as a lover of life.
Friends are invited to call Saturday, Sept 3rd from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the LDS chapel located at 4220 South Jeannine Dr. (420 East), SLC, with funeral services following at 11 a.m. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Directors Independent Funeral Service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nels Paulsen
Emily Hughes
May 9, 2021
We should love and celebrate a person more, BECAUSE they are "sick."-Kubler-Ross
There is a socialbiological link between creative genius and mental illness. Nels was a beautiful musician and teacher. I often think of Nels, and all he endured and suffered. I hope we can have compassion for, and celebrate Nels.
It's not my place to know where Nels is. But I DO KNOW that he is doing a great job
Koni Sherwood Smith
September 11, 2011
How sad I was to read this. I met Nels, Lars, Leif, and Erik (and their parents) at the Hill Cumorah Pageant back in 1986 - I treasured their friendships for years but had lost touch. My heart goes out to the Paulsens and and my prayers are with you.
David & Terese Cracroft
September 10, 2011
Dear Andrea and the Paulsen Family,
Sorry to have been out-of-town, and unable to put our arms around you, and show our love for you. What a good man Nels was...and still is! The couple of times I met him, he was so "up," and we understand that always cheering others is one of his hallmarks. May the Good Lord continue to bless, comfort, and cheer you'all.
Christe McGhie
September 8, 2011
Both of my children cried when I told them of Nels' passing. They loved when he played the viola/violin for them. They would seek him out each time they were at their grandparent's house. I love Nels, Zeke loves Nels. He had such a profound affect on each of us. All I could think was that he was with his mother, brother Leif, and Mor now. I will miss him, and that is what hurts. I weep for the struggles he had, and how I wish his full spirit was always allowed to shine. I only remember the times of his laughter, smiles, genuine interest in how I was doing, and in my family. Thank heavens this is not the end!
Melissa Boyer Markham
September 6, 2011
Nels, you were my stand partner for two years in first period orchestra at Oly High. Violas Rule! Thanks for befriending me even though I was shy and awkward. :) I hope you've found peace at last. Vai com Deus.
Margaret Busse
September 6, 2011
Nels, I will always love you, my dear friend.
Mar
September 6, 2011
To my dear friends and usa family. Nels was a wonderful man and a joy to be with him. I shall miss him.
Carole Cronin
September 6, 2011
We'll miss your smile and bubbly personality. We'll also miss your music and listening to you play your violin. Fair winds and smooth sailing my friend. Peace and bless you. The Cronin Clan
September 6, 2011
To the Paulsen Family,
From the medical office where Nels was a patient, we would like to send you out our love and prayers at this time. We see a lot of patients here, and Nels was THE bright, shining light in our office. He always made us all feel happy and loved, despite the way he felt that day. Always complimenting us, always optimistic. He would say, "It's going to be a great day! Things are getting better!" with so much enthusiasm. Nels brought his beautiful violin in for us to see one day, which was a highlight for us. His laugh was infectious, and his love of music was so apparent. We were all so saddened by Nels' passing, as we looked forward to seeing him come in. Even a phone call from Nels made our day brighter. Through the various trials and hardships he had, Nels always tried so hard to see the positive in life, and was a true example to us all. We will miss his laugh, his smile and his giant heart.
With love,
Linda, Avery, MonaLisa, Shelley, Katie, Shari and Dr. P
Drew Egan
September 5, 2011
My love and prayers go out to the Paulsen family! I love you all!
Celia Cutler
September 5, 2011
Dear Paulsen Family, Our family was so sorry and sad to learn of Nels's passing. He was truly a bright star and will leave a void in your lives. We can't help but think of the joyous reunion in Heaven, however, with all of the loved ones that preceded him. Your family was such an inspiration and great example to all of us. Please know we love you and extend our heartfelt sympathy to each of you. May Heavenly Father comfort and bless you at this time. Our love, The Cutlers
September 4, 2011
Dear Sweet Paulsen Family:
We just heard today about sweet Nels. He was always a favorite at our house, and we all loved him for his enthusiasm, his fun personality, and his remarkable musical talents. Today Bob and I were thinking about the happy reunion on the other side with Carol Jean, Leif, Mor, and other loved ones who have gone on before. We wish you the peace of the Holy Ghost and love from us in Germany. What a wonderful family you are and how much you have taught us.
Love you dearly,
Lonnie and Bob Bradley
Merrill Bailey
September 3, 2011
Dearest Paulsen Family: I am so shocked to hear of Nels's death. I loved this boy so much. He was such a 'Dear Soul'. He had such a 'Big Heart'. Maybe too big for this World? I love all of you and will be thinking and Praying for you all this day.
Kurt Bestor
September 3, 2011
Nels - possessing an infectious smile, a contagious energy, and a great smile. Our tight-knit music community is a little less sonorous without him in it. Peace to him is my prayer.
Larry Topham
September 3, 2011
Nels was a part of us for a short time as he and Tamara were together. We learned to love him for who he was and how he treated Tamara when they were both doing well. For the good times we will always remember Nels and his influance on Tamara and our family.
Our prayers are with you all with the assuarnce that Nels is whole and happy.
Larry and Rebecca Topham
Eddie Belini
September 3, 2011
I had the privilege of meeting Nels in Brazil during his mission. When I moved to Utah I lived w him and his beautiful family for about two years. Even after moving on w my life, Nels and I still kept in touch w one another. I was just heart broken to hear of his passing. I will always remember my dear and sweet brother Nels for his optimism, kindness, generosity and his contagious laugh. I fell so blessed for having been part of his life. I loved him very much and will remember him until the day I die. Nels, I look forward until we meet again!! Love you my friend and thank you for bringing so much joy to mi life. Your brazilian friend and brother in Christ, Eddie Belini
cori johnson
September 2, 2011
Been thinking alot about Nels today since I heard he had passed! I thought about a time that I was in his ward for a bit as a child! Me(cori johnson) chris Iba and him shared a tent at a winter camp! It was cold snow everywhere! We did not get much sleep that night! Mostly because we did not obey any of the scout rules! I had a blast with him! He was particuarly nice to me reguardless of who I was in relation to the world! He like me for just being me! I did not have to impress him and when he talked to me he really did care! I also remember when he worked for a rich house down on holladay blv. These people had a son named clarck that had a trust acount one of the conditions of the acount is he could eat at geppettos any time he wanted to! Nells always called me when he was going to geppetos with clarck! Alot of people made fun of clark but nells trully loved him and cared about him the same way he cared about everyone! Being at oly I was not exactly popular or in the in crowd or anything but that stuff did not effect Nells at all! He had a heart that was big enough for everyone! That was a very rare quality in a school that was very well to do! He was not clicky at all. I only spent one year at oly high but I met nells in jr high and he was alway good to me! I never knew what became of people from the eastside until facebook! He was one of the first I looked for! I live on the navajo indian reservation now, the reason I am mentioning this is on facebook I have many native friends and one of my friends friends was brian jake his native brother! I asked him on a chat on a wall when he saw nels last he said it has been a few years. I asked my friend to tell him what happened! I know not what problems nels encountered later in life but I know that the atonement of christ makes up a ton of what our mind canoot comprehend! I always think of the people in that neighborhood even if my time was breif with them! Bishop rassmussen Mckonkies the bradleys! That neighborhood was crucial when my dad went through the temple and got sealed to his wife! The bradely were great as well as the poulsens! walt schmitt richard bell! It was years later that I came back to the church at 23 and served a mission alot of it has to do with the good example of the poulsens and the nieghborhood! Today I am a first councelor int a native american ward on the rez! I would not be that I had not been for families like the poulsens and the good people of that neighborhood! Nells may you rest in peace untill we all meat up when the great merciful plan of the lord takes over and we are called up from the grave to take part in the greatest work ever done! cori johnson
Judith McConkie
September 2, 2011
The McConkie family will be linked forever to the wonderful, talented, and strong Paulsen family. We have all paused to remember and grieve for the loss of Darling Nels.
Love, Judi and James
David Silva
September 2, 2011
About ten years ago I met Nels and the rest of the wonderful Paulsen family. Large in number, each one has interesting and unique gifts. Nels was so talented, charming and really interested, excited by life. With me, on several occasions he sought to connect the dots from his experience to mine. That touched me and I loved that about him. Although I was aware of some of his challenges, with me he was always the same, happy and very true. Thanks to you Nels for sharing your bright light.
Kristina Zembruski
September 2, 2011
Nels taught violin to my son, Miles, for about a year in 2007/2008. When it was time to move on, we were both sad to lose not just a teacher, but a friend, as well. I remember Nels "teaching" enthusiasm for music and everything life has to offer. I've thought about him frequently over the years and hoped he was well. We are sad today to find out that that was not to be Nels' story. Much Peace to his family.
Katherine Cook Gardner
September 2, 2011
It was always amazing to listen to Nels play the viola and we loved his laugh.
sue lopez
September 2, 2011
When I randomly read the obituary this morning of this man,Nels, I felt touched to leave a message. As I read about him, I could "feel" of his tremendous spirit and the way he touched many lives through his personality and music. I read of the important things in his life, the things that have significance, value, importance, primary his family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. In his face, I saw how he radiated goodness and happiness. Although I never knew him, I want you to know that he touched my life today, and I am sure he continues to touch lives, and know many thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time, and one day, one future day, in the eternities... we will all meet. I am so sorry for your loss. I would also like to say that I feel you are making a huge difference in the lives of others when you mentioned he battled with mental illness. I believe that your mention of it is a help to other's suffering with mental illness. Maybe through your loss and pain it will prompt someone to get help, talk to someone, realize the severity of their problems and reach out to others. I want to thank you, because through your unselfishness, of sharing yourself this way, I believe you are touching lives, lives you don't even know you are reaching out to, randomly, and making a difference. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. If you would contact me, I have a poem I would like to share with you that will not fit here, and a story.
Shelley Abegg
September 2, 2011
Nels had a inner soul of love and passion, and a smile that revealed it's purity. I feel so fortunate that I had the blessing to cross paths with him while in this mortal phase, as he left with me the influence of the love of God. The reunion he is having with his maker, his mother and his brother are all that Nels strived for and was about. I love you Nels and will be so happy to see you again one day, in that place where God resides.
Jennie Clark-Peterson
September 2, 2011
All my love to my second family. I loved Nels and remember him fondly.
Dee Dee Beck
September 2, 2011
I will always remember Nels for his love of the violin and his zest for restoration of violins. I will miss you Nels but I know you are with Heavenly Father and we will meet again.
Erik Paulsen
September 2, 2011
I am going to miss my brother. He had such a good loving heart. Recently, when I went to lunch with him he wanted to go this this little dive by his apartment. Frankly, it wasn't real inviting looking from the outside, but he said the food was great. As we were eating our lunch, which he LOVED, the owner walked by. Nels must have gone on for 5 minutes telling him how great his restaurant was. As I think about that little incident, it reminded me how enthusiastic and passionate Nels was about even the smallest things in life. He found joy is little things. That is a beautiful quality.
Felicia Martinez Trebian
September 2, 2011
i will always remember Nels in the halls of Oly Jr high when he always helped me with my Math. He always joking with me where i was late for my class. THank you Nels, for your kindness and fun memories. You will be missed
September 2, 2011
Thank you for sharing your gift of music with us and the childcare kids here at work. You were always so polite and nice to everyone, especially the kids and you were a hard worker to boot. We will miss seeing you walking the halls with your headphones on.
Your Friends at the MIllcreek Activity Center
Tamara Love
September 2, 2011
My favorite times with you always included being outdoors. Our hikes a couple times a week in Millcreek Canyon and our camping trips every Tuesday night for that whole summer. You put up a mean tent. Camp fires will never be the same. You have a way of laughing at yourself and situations that always lightened the mood and made everything good again. You were so happy, calm and intense at the same time....and taught me that everything works out. I look forward to seeing you again. Keep laughing. xo
Heather Gay
September 1, 2011
We will forever remember you Nels, and cherish the good times we shared. ~Heatherkins
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