Pauline A. Nelson, age 81, of Savage, MN passed away on April 8, 2021 at Carver Ridge Senior Living.
Memorial service will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN with Deacon Terry Beer presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Masks are required and social distancing will be maintained. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Pauline Antoinette Nelson was born on February 19, 1940 in St. Paul, MN to Anton and Marion (McGuire) Waldner. One of five children, Pauline grew up primarily in St. Paul, but lived in various places throughout her childhood before eventually graduating from Harding High School. In her youth, she enjoyed playing the piano which turned into a passion of playing the organ as an adult.
Her entire life, Pauline was family focused. Even with her career choices over the years, she aligned her schedule to spend as much time with her kids and grandkids as possible. She worked at Olson Jr. High Library in Bloomington for many years. In retirement Pauline volunteered at after school programs in Prior Lake.
Even during difficult times, like the loss of (David Wilson), her first husband, Pauline persevered. Her faith never wavered, and she remained dedicated to her family. Pauline was united in marriage with Bob Nelson on May 17, 1968 in St. Paul, MN. She was an amazing wife, mother, and especially grandmother.
Pauline loved to be on the water. She was a resident of Prior Lake for many years, had a cabin on Lake Waverly, and enjoyed countless boat rides on the St. Croix River with her family. Pauline also enjoyed knitting and taking walks. She was always prepared to sing a song for every occasion. Pauline loved to read, do crosswords, and was famous for her apple pies, cookies, and her wicked sense of humor. She was especially passionate about her grandchildren. “Gma” was known to prefer hanging out with her grandkids than the adults at family gatherings. She loved each one dearly. Pauline was also a devout Catholic her whole life, attending St. Edward’s and St. Michael’s regularly.
Witty, compassionate, and always strong-willed, Pauline will be greatly missed by her husband, Robert Nelson; children, Eric (Lori) Nelson, Pam (Bob) Stuttgen, Greg Nelson, Beth (Geoff) Kullberg; grandchildren, Zack Nelson, Haley (Zach) Long, Jessica Stuttgen, David Stuttgen, Chelsea Stuttgen, Chloe Nelson, Max Nelson, Maddy Kullberg, Emily Kullberg; great granddaughter, Raylin Stuttgen; siblings, Rosemary Beard, Marcella (Chuck) Drake, Geri Woodbeck; and other loving relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents Anton and Marion Waldner; brother, Pat “Bruno” (Marg) Waldner; and brother-in-law, Bob Beard.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly cared for and served the Nelson family.
