January 4, 1935 – September 23, 2025
As the second cutting of hay was being harvested on the ranch, Paul Nieslanik passed away on an autumn evening surrounded by the love of his family at his home in Carbondale.
Born in winter on the ranch in Spring Valley to John Sr. and Mary Nieslanik, Paul was the eighth of 12 children. Raised in a time where trips to town, even school, were adventurous and many times on horseback — Paul relished the outdoors, whether that was at work or play. He was raised by first generation Polish immigrants with a strong Catholic faith.
After graduating from Yampah High school in 1952, Paul enlisted in the Army and served as a radar tech in the 8th Infantry Division. A few years after being honorably discharged from the Army, Paul and two of his brothers, John and Bob, started the Nieslanik Brothers Ranch in Carbondale, where they worked both their beef cattle and dairy operations. Paul’s vocation of tending the land and shepherding his livestock meant years of early morning irrigating between milkings, checking laboring cows around the clock during calving season, trying to get hay up in between rain storms, and ensuring the potato crop would be bountiful.
In 1967, as spring turned into summer, June 17 to be exact, Paul married Celia Letey of Carbondale, at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Glenwood Springs. Paul and Celia were blessed with five children, Tim, Tami, Kim, Karen and Ted, and raised them next to the dairy in town. In 1986, Paul and Celia welcomed Stacey Patch into their family.
Paul was a lifelong sports enthusiast enjoying baseball, football, basketball, big game hunting, rodeo and, when time allowed, some fishing. Paul rooted for many teams — including the Detroit Lions and Tigers. His love for playing sports was superseded by his delight of watching his children and grandchildren in their sporting events. A Roaring Fork Rams fan to his core, Paul and Celia rarely missed a game or ski race that their children or grandchildren played in as a Ram, Glenwood Demon, Spartan, Mountaineer, Maverick, Pioneer or Team USA.
Ever joyful with his radiant smile and twinkling eyes, Paul made everyone that he came into contact with feel special. Paul was never short on jokes or great stories, he was, however, always in search of a toothpick. As a man of strong faith, Paul was invariably there to lend a hand and help a neighbor in any situation without hesitation. Paul and Celia’s quiet generosity touched many facets of Carbondale.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bernard, John and Bob; sisters, Betty, Bernice, Dorothy, Adeline and Katie; and many others.
Paul’s greatest treasure was his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Celia; five and a half children, Tim Nieslanik, Tami (Chris) Broadhurst, Kim (Colt) Cornelius, Karen Crownhart (Jesse), Ted (Tammy) Nieslanik, Stacey (Mike) Bernot; 13 grandchildren, Shea, Tanner and Lily Nieslanik, Andrew and Emily Broadhurst, Cooper and Ally Cornelius, Letey, Carley and Erica Crownhart, Emmit Nieslanik, Hayden and Kendall Bernot; brothers, Ray (Elaine) Nieslanik and Jim Nieslanik; sister, Francis Mattivi; sister-in-law, Alice (Wince) Bershenyi; and numerous beloved extended family. Paul was anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great grandchild this October.
He appreciated the simple things, often remarking how lucky he was. Paul’s ability to recall details and memories was unmatched. His infectious laugh, strong handshake, steadfast guidance and unwavering faith will be forever missed. We, too, are fortunate to have known Paul Nieslanik. “Farewell, cowboy. What a ride it has been.”
Please join our family in celebrating Paul on Oct. 13 at St. Mary of the Crown Catholic Church, 397 White Hill Road, Carbondale. The rosary is at 9am, followed by funeral mass at 10am and interment at Hillcrest Cemetery and a reception. Share any special photos or stories of Paul to: pnieslanikphotos@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, the family has set up the Paul Nieslanik Memorial Fund at Alpine Bank. To make a donation, please visit your local Alpine Bank location, or call 800-551-6098. All contributions will be donated locally to organizations Paul held dear.