Paul Henry Nylin was born to Emil and Elaine (Kantola) Nylin on September 6, 1947 in St. Cloud MN. Paul, also known as “Skipper”, was the oldest of four boys.
In 1965, Paul graduated from Annandale High School where he lettered in football and wrestling. Upon graduation he attended St. Paul Bible College (Crown College). Paul then joined the United States Navy in 1966. Before leaving for his first submarine tour, Paul married the love of his life, Bonnie Thompson, of Cokato, MN on June 9th, 1967. They were married at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in French Lake, MN. They spent the first few years living between Connecticut and Minnesota. In 1968, their first child, Yana Marie, was born in Litchfield, MN. In 1970, he was honorably discharged and they began their civilian life in the Annandale area where their son, Aaron Paul, was born in 1972. For many years, Paul followed in his father’s footsteps as a skilled home builder. In 1975, their youngest daughter, Amanda Kay, was born. In 1978, Paul and his family attended Christ for the Nation Institute in Dallas, Texas. Through many adventures and business opportunities his family enjoyed life in Dallas, South Texas, Mississippi, Minnesota and Wisconsin. These places provided them with beautiful friendships, fun adventures and an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness. Most recently they have been spending winters in Texas and summers in the home Paul built for them in beautiful Crosslake, MN. Paul’s love and commitment always focused on his relationship with the Father, his love for his family, and building friendships and relationships along the way. He loved fiercely and he is loved dearly.
He is survived by wife Bonnie Nylin of 54 years, Yana (Kevin) White, Aaron (Katie) Nylin, Amanda Nylin and 15 grandchildren. As well as, his 3 brothers Michael (Joyce) Nylin, Wayne (Nancy) Nylin, Joel (Dawn) Nylin; sister Adeline Maurer; Mother in Law, Lorraine Thompson; Sister in Law Trudi (Gene) Westberg; Brothers in Law Ron Thompson and Rodney Erickson and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents Emil and Elaine Nylin; Infant daughter, Rebekah Jo; Father in Law Harold Thompson; Sisters in Law Holly Thompson and Lanette Erickson; Brothers William “Bill” (Margie) Nylin, Donald (Connie) Nylin, Rosella (Herb) Trettavik; Brother in Law Doug Maurer.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Cokato Events Center (405 Broadway Ave N, Cokato, MN 55321) with visitation 1 hour prior to services. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, MN 320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com