Paul O. Nielsen, 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at the Adams Health Care Center in Adams, Minnesota.

Paul Orville Nielsen was born on June 29, 1941, to Nels and Alga (Brown) Nielsen in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He grew up in the Oakland, Minnesota, area, and went to Albert Lea Schools. After his schooling, Paul started a family. He married Sandra Fjelbroten, and to this union, three children were born: Jeff, Jody, and Jaynee. The couple later divorced.

Paul loved to buy, sell and trade farm machinery. To him, this was never considered a job, as he loved what he did. He made a living from buying and selling and was very good at what he did. Paul was a great salesman and always enjoyed getting to know his customers.

Paul was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. For the last 30 years, he was fortunate to spend it with his dearest friend and life partner, Darlene Reed. The couple enjoyed each other’s company.

He is preceded in death by both parents, Nels and Alga.

Paul is survived by his children, Jeff Nielsen of Albert Lea, Jody (Will) Warlick of Irmo, South Carolina, and Jaynee Nielsen of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Tasha Nielsen, Taylor Moore, and Jordan Warlick; a sister, Norma Miller of Mt. Vernon, Washington; his companion of 30 years, Darlene Reed of Austin; very close friend, Tom Dearmin; as well as many extended friends and relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, at the Bonnerup Funeral Chapel in Albert Lea. Deacon Todd Portinga will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.