Arthur Carl NILSSON

1931 - 2014

Age 83 Of St. Paul Passed away with family at his side on May 8, 2014, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Gallagher Nilsson; sons, Jim (Stacey), Steve (Julie), and Dan; daughters, Monica and Camille; grandchildren, Tyler, Abby, Connor, Grace, Sam and Lucy; and special pet dog Spicy. Also survived by brother, Norbert (Marie); sisters, Cecelia Hetznecker (Frank) and Bernice Dervie (Joe); and in-laws John Gallagher (Mary), Liz Kane, Rita Gallagher, Kay Oxborough (Jerry). Preceded in death by parents Otto and Mary Agnes (Bergeron), siblings Helen Hamann, Frances Meng, Larry (Bud), Annabel Scrivener, Jim and two infant brothers. Also, in-laws Bertram and Catherine Gallagher and Joe Gallagher. Art was born in Revillo, South Dakota March 29, 1931. At the age of five, the family moved to St. Paul after losing their farm during the Great Depression. He graduated from Monroe High School, Class of 1949 where he was a football star. Art began working at the Ford Motor Company but was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952. He served in the Korean War and was a decorated soldier. After service, Art returned to St. Paul and continued to work at the Ford Motor Company for ten years. He started his career with the City of St. Paul as a police officer and then as a firefighter. Art was promoted to captain and served over 32 years with the fire department. Upon retirement, he enjoyed many activities as a member of Veteran Firefighters of St. Paul. He loved reading, being at the cabin with family, telling stories, deer hunting and tinkering with mechanical things. Please join us for Mass of Christian Burial, 10AM Thursday, May 15 at Lumen Christi Catholic Community, (2055 Bohland Ave. St. Paul). Visitation 4-8 PM Wednesday, May 14 at O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home (575 S. Snelling Ave, St. Paul 651-698-0796) and 1 hour before Mass at church. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1:45 pm, Thursday, Lane 2. Memorials preferred to American Diabetes Association.