Leon J. Paul - Frontenac

RED WING — Leon J. Paul, 96, of Frontenac, passed away Jan. 27, 2010, at St. Brigid's at Hi-Park in Red Wing.

Leon was born June 8, 1913, in Horton Township in Stevens County, Minn., to Herman and Doris (Schlueter) Paul. He attended school in Horton Township, District 20. Leon married Erma Sommer March 26, 1937, in Appleton, Minn. They lived on his family farm after they were married. They moved to Newton, Iowa, in 1953, where he worked for several different companies. In 1975, they moved to Frontenac.

He served as custodian at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake City until 1978. Erma passed away in 1981. He later married Dorothy (Hinrichs) Bade on Aug. 26, 1983, in Iowa City, Iowa.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Frontenac. He also served as town clerk in Horton Township for six years. He was a gifted craftsman and woodworker.

Leon is survived by his wife, Dorothy; three sons, Norman (Geraldine) Paul of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Bernard Paul of Ocean Shores, Wash., and Sidney (Judy) Paul of Buckley, Wash.; two daughters, Petra Meraz of Plainview, Neb., and Vivian Butler of Ottawa, Kan.; 15 grandchildren; a brother, George Paul of West St. Paul; two step-sons, Donald (Janet) Bade and Douglas (Jody) Bade, and step-daughter, Debra (Ron) Binner, all of Frontenac; seven step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Erma; one brother, Albert Paul; and a sister, Regina Schliep.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, Frontenac, with the Rev. Christopher Hoppe officiating. Burial will be in the Frontenac Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Butler, Phil Meraz, Greg Paul, Peter Paul, Mike Paul and Jeremy Stephens.

Visitation will be Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Chapel, Lake City, and one hour before the service at the church.

Online condolences can be sent at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.