Paul Jahn, age 72, of Fosston, MN and formerly of Beltrami, MN, passed away on Sunday, November 29th, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fosston.
Paul Cecil Jahn was born on June 9, 1948 in Charlotte, Iowa to Edwin and Mary Ruth (Dasher) Jahn. He was the second of nine children. He grew up in a very loving, Christian home in the small town of Charlotte – surrounded by aunts, uncles and many cousins and childhood friends. Family gatherings and worshipping together was the way of life. Paul had a very happy childhood!
He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Missouri Synod Church. He was very involved in this church – he was an active member of the choir, youth events and especially enjoyed reading the Bible and attending bible studies.
His parents bought Little Mantrap Resort in Park Rapids, Minnesota. He worked hard with the rest of the family to make the resort a lasting memory for many guests. Paul attended Park Rapids Area High School and received his diploma from there.
He joined the United States Navy in 1967 and served on the USS Constellation. He received his honorable discharge and signed up for the Army National Guard for four years after returning home to Park Rapids.
He bought a small home of his own in Beltrami and worked at Crystal Sugar in Crookston for several years until he had to quit for health reasons. It was Beltrami that he called home for over 40 years.
Paul belonged to a large family – each of whom loved him dearly. He was a very unique and genuine person. He loved meeting new people and getting toe know them. Reminiscing about the “good ole days” was a favorite topic of his – he always had a story, a “tall tale” or memory to share. He loved fishing – and he knew how to fry them to perfection!
Paul was a “jack of all trades”. He was passionate about learning and mastering new skills – the list of which is pretty amazing. He has worked in the hospital as a nurse’s aide, was a cook at several restaurants, has a diploma for architectural drafting, was a carpenter, auto repairman, and had his own knife-sharpening business. He loved to tinker – and could fix just about anything.
In 2008, Paul chose to dedicate his life to Jehovah’s Witness. He found joy in ministry work and teaching others about God’s Kingdom. It was during this time that he met and fell in love with Wanda Miller Oches. They married and together they witnessed and had good memories of sharing each other’s life. Wanda taught him how to crochet – they made many beautiful scarves to share with just about everyone they knew. Paul taught her how to fish.
Paul was legally blind when he they moved into Cornerstone Residence in Fosston. It was here that he and Wanda resided until his passing.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Wanda, of Fosston, MN; He has one daughter, Paula; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Richard (Jessica), and Shandi (Vince). He also has 7 great grandchildren.
Paul has six brothers, Alan (Francie) of Clinton, IA, Marshall of Freeport, IL, Roger (Roxanne) of Afton, MN, Glen (Lisa) of Graettinger, IA, Wayne (KoKo) of Camanche, IA, and Ray (Cindy) of Watertown, WI; two sisters, Linda (Richard) White of Park Rapids, MN, and Laurie (Steve) Niemienen of Warroad, MN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Mary Ruth (Dasher) Jahn.
Family services will be held on Saturday, December 5th, at 10:00 a.m. with a livestream from Trinity Baptist Church in Lyndon, IL with Alan Jahn officiating.
A memorial service will also be held via Zoom, also on Saturday, December 5th, at 7:00 p.m. by the congregation of Jehovah’s Witness in Bagley. All are invited to join either or both services. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.
