Nies, Earl “Fuzzy”

April 10, 1933 – January 25, 2020.

Beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, age 86. A proud servant of his country; United States Army and veteran of the Korean War 1953-1955; United States Air Force Reserve, 1955-1983; and protector of his community as a respected member of the South St. Paul Police Force 1965-1988.  Preceded in death by his wife Marian, his son Dale, his long-time partner, Mary Ettinger, parents, Matt & Rose; brothers Vernon and Wallace, and sister Corrine Froehling.  Survived by daughters, Dana Palbicki, Shelly Aslakson, Becky (Sam) Adams; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends in Minnesota, New Richmond, Wisconsin, and Fort Myers, Florida.

Earl grew up in Watkins, Minnesota.  It was in his high-school years that he earned the nickname Fuzzy. Following high school he enlisted in the Army, where his nick name followed him, and after returning from Korea he began working at Swift and Company.  Yearning to remain active in the service he joined the United States Air Force Reserve where he attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and retired with full honors in 1983. He was a respected officer on the South St. Paul Police Department, achieving the rank of Sergeant and then Detective.  He wore all of these uniforms with great pride and humility.  This humility carried over into many other parts of his life, especially as a friend and mentor to many, young and old. He will be known by many for his smile and by his family for his strength, always being the protector, and his generosity.

Earl could build and fix anything, a trait that he tried to instill in all he met. His other interest included hunting, fishing, especially in Alaska, woodworking, spending his summers at his cabin in Wisconsin, and socializing as a member of the local VFWs and Legions. He loved to travel, especially by car.  And of course, tuning into anything that resembled an old Western on the television.

Visitation, Saturday, February 1^st 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM followed by a Christian Mass at Church of St. Patrick’s, 3535 72nd Street East, Inver Grove Heights MN.  Luncheon to follow at church. Interment St. Michael’s Cemetery, Bayport, MN. Donations can be made to the American Legion.