Paul Edward Gelhar

Paul Edward Gelhar, 56 of McGregor passed away Friday, September 20, 2024 at Atikokan, Ontario, Canada.  Paul was born to Dennis and Jean (Matko) Gelhar on August 11, 1968 in Lakeville, MN. Paul and his three brothers grew up in rural McGregor on the family dairy farm, learning invaluable life lessons that come from working the land and being faithful in its bounty. He attended and graduated from McGregor High School, class of 1986. After high school, he attended Vermilion Community College, majoring in Wildlife Management. Paul was united in marriage to Rita Marie Zimpel on August 5, 1989.  The couple began their life together in Finlayson, MN with summers spent in Montana until moving to their forever home in McGregor in 1998, which Paul co-built with his dad Denny and father-in-law Robert. Paul was a “real lumberjack”, owning and operating Rice River Logging until the time of his death.  Paul and Rita raised their three children Daniel, Amy, and Cole in McGregor and were a fixture in every stand, sideline, and bleacher as they wore the same school colors as their Dad and Mom. The family could often be found camping, exploring national parks, portaging and paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, watching sports, working in the woods, and alongside one another on the family farm.

Paul is survived by his wife of 35 years Rita; son Daniel (Hannah) of Sartell MN; daughter Amy of McGregor, and son Cole (Michaela) of McGregor. His greatest, sweetest role came in the form of “Papa” to his two precious granddaughters, Isla Mae and Emerie Jean. He is also survived by brothers: Joe (Angela) of Savage, Steve of McGregor, and Anthony of McGregor; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ardel (Harold) Lucht of Finlayson, Dwayne (Kathy) Zimpel of Isle, Brian (Mata) Zimpel of McGrath, and Gail (Walter) Jorgensen of Crosby, numerous nieces and nephews from both the Gelhar and Zimpel families, and dear-lifelong friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Dennis and Jean, parents-in-law Robert and Shirley Zimpel, and nephew and Godson Ward Jorgensen.

Funeral service will be 11:00am Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church in McGregor. Visitation will be 5 to 7pm Friday at McGregor Funeral Home in McGregor and will continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in Rice River Cemetery.  To leave a message of condolence, please go to www.srtfuneral.com

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