Paul Randal Nebel died on Tuesday, June 9 at Monument Health in Rapid City surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on May 8, 1976 to Leanne (Bludorn) Weelborg and Danny Nebel. He graduated Watertown High School with the class of 1995.
Paul started working at the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City on August 15, 2018. Known to nearly everyone simply as “Pauly,” he was far more than a member of the team—he was a friend, a mentor, a problem solver, a trusted coworker, and a cornerstone of the Central States Fair, Inc. family. For years, Pauly poured his heart into the Central States Fairgrounds, the Central States Fair, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, and countless events in between. His fingerprints can be found on nearly every corner of the grounds and in nearly every success the organization has celebrated. Whenever someone needed help, he would simply say, “I gotchu” before his phone would ring again.
In fall of 2023, Paul found his Jenn and together they built a life and a love that made both of their lives better. Paul lived for his daughter Kennedy and her “stupid dog” Bella, and was always looking out for his friends and those he loved.
He played as hard as he worked, always finding a reason to laugh, pull a joke, and share a drink or a meal with friends new and old. Paul loved his trips to Las Vegas and Deadwood, watching the Miami Dolphins play, and taking trips with friends. He took every opportunity to get backstage, find a VIP table, or enjoy life as we all know Pauly could do. He loved fishing and the water, golfing and his Legion friends.
Whether he was fixing a problem, lending a hand, sharing a laugh, or offering words of encouragement, Pauly made every person around him feel valued. He was a giant of a man with an even bigger heart. Behind his strong presence was a gentle soul, an infectious smile, a laugh as big as the Rockies, and a genuine kindness that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Paul is preceded in death by is father Danny Nebel, his special uncles Al Bludorn and Randy Bludorn, and his very special grandmother Rose.
He is survived by his mother, Leanne and Merle Weelborg; his wife Jennifer Miller-Nebel; his daughter Kennedy; bonus daughters Allison Green and Skylar Green; his brothers Keith (Angie) Nebel; and Rick (Heather) Nebel; nieces Haley and her son Weston; Reagen (Cam); Harper; Kayde; and nephew Jameson Nebel. Also survived by his uncle John (Joan) Bludorn; nieces Candice (Casey) Stangle and family; Shelby (Tim) Christopherson and family; Morgan and family; cousins Kelly Nebel; Valerie (Jeremy) Chicoine and family; his Central States Fair family, and many dear friends in Watertown and Rapid City.
A Celebration of Life for Paul Nebel will be held on Wednesday, June 17 at 3pm at the James Kjerstad Event Center on the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City with celebration to follow. Deliveries may be directed to 915 Centre St, Rapid City, SD.
Watertown Services to be held on Sunday, June 21 at 12:30pm at the Lifesong Event Space, 405 18th Ave NE, Watertown, SD.
A memorial fund has been established with the Central States Fair Foundation to support his daughter Kennedy and his wife Jennifer, cover expenses, and contribute to a future memorial in his honor. Donations can be directed to CSF Foundation, 800 San Francisco Street, Rapid City SD 57701. Or online GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/a7935f9f2