Paul Walter Vierling

Paul Walter Vierling, age 88, of Woodbury, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 13th with family at his side.

Born in West St. Paul on November 12, 1937, Paul was fiercely independent, hard-working, devoted to his family, and blessed with a wonderfully playful sense of humor. He loved to tease, stir the pot, and act like a kid - especially on family camping trips, where he might break into the Monty Python "Spam" song for no particular reason.

Paul loved creating memories as much as he loved creating things. A gifted craftsman and longtime sheet metal tradesman, he helped build the family home in Oakdale and filled it with various furnishings he made himself. He proudly earned his 50-year union pin, restored his favorite 1948 Buick convertible and seemed perpetually busy fixing one of the many family cars. There was always something to build or repair.

He was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends: camping, canoeing, fishing, boating on the St. Croix River, building enormous bonfires, and hosting Fourth of July picnics filled with games and laughter. He was a devoted husband and provider who quietly helped family and friends whenever they needed a hand.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Ruth Sandra Vierling, son-in-law Craig Fruen, brother James Vierling, and parents Walter and Catherine.

He will be dearly missed by his children - Angela (Tim) Mitchell, Mike (Brenda) Vierling, Mary (Tom) Erangey, Ellia (Ken) Glassing, Barb Fruen, and Stacy (Jeff) Montgomery - grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends. His antics will live on in stories that will be told for years to come, with beers lifted in a toast to Paul, AKA Old Man Vierling or Poppa Paul.

A celebration of life and funeral service will be held Friday, September 18, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1730 Old Hudson Road, St. Paul, with visitation at 2:00 p.m. and services at 3:00 p.m.

The family thanks the caring staff at Saint Therese of Woodbury, who became like family, and the staff of St. Croix Hospice.

To honor Paul, friends and family may plant a memorial tree in his memory.