Paul M. Nelson

Paul M. Nelson, 81, of East Moline, IL, passed away, March 25, 2025, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Faith Family Church (12811 US-150, Orion, IL 61273). Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Private burial will take place at a later date, at Bethesda Cemetery, Daggett, Michigan. Memorials may be made to Faith Family Church, Orion, IL.

Paul was born on November 22, 1943, in Menominee, Michigan, the son of Bernard and Pearl Nelson. He married his high school sweetheart, Norine E. (Tuinstra) Nelson on May 12, 1963. She preceded him in death on January 3, 2012. They moved to Rock Island, IL where they both attended Augustana College. He worked in administration for Deere & Co for 37 years, before retiring in 2001. Paul was a member of the Faith Family Church, Orion. He sang with the gospel quartet, “Pleasant Valley Men” with his wife, Norine accompanying on the piano.

Paul and Norine’s family enjoyed living in Atkinson, IL, during their children’s growing up years. They enjoyed gardening and caring for a variety of animals on their hobby farm. Paul was a member of the Atkinson school board. Paul and Norine loved spending their summers at their cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. These were special family moments with their children and grandchildren, where they enjoyed lots of fishing, swimming, boating, and family reunions.

Paul invited Jesus to be his Lord and Savior as a young boy and endeavored to live his life and raise his kids honoring Him.

Survivors include his children, David (Kim) Nelson, Ruth Hays, and Steve (Cari) Nelson; grandchildren, Matthew, Mark (Emory), Michael (Olivia), Sarah, Aaron (Krystal), Isaac, Rachel, Abigail (Wesley), Cole (Katie), Luke (Maddie), and Lydia; two great-granddaughters; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norine; son-in-law, Michael; sisters, Betty and Lorraine; brothers, Jim, Carl, and Raymond “Oscar”.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.