Paul loved his country. He was a true patriot. After graduating from Cathedral High School in 1962, he enlisted in the Air Force. Following training, he was stationed at Hahn Air Base, West Germany, with the Air Police. In June of 1963, President Kennedy flew to West Berlin on an official trip to the divided Germany. Paul was selected to be a member of the team for a special duty assignment to serve as an honor guard for the president when he arrived. After his military service and honorable discharge, Paul returned to New Ulm where he soon joined the New Ulm Police Department. During his off-time, he began installing floorcovering and ceramic. Eventually, he built a very successful full-time installation service. Paul was a proud member of the American Legion for fifty-one years and also a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In 1994, Paul and his wife, Jo, opened the GutenTag Haus, a German specialty gift shop. They traveled to Germany once a year to visit the markets and order new authentic merchandise. Many friendships were formed with their German contacts and multiple numbers of loyal customers. After twelve years of all things German, they sold their shop and retired.

Paul was a man of many talents. He decided to learn to play the concertina, and with determination and joy, he did. Asked to represent the New Ulm Retail Association in parades, he built a float and delighted crowds by playing his concertina in many local and area parades. He was a “handy man” to friends and family who called on him to fix or build anything and everything. He particularly enjoyed working with wood, building perfect cabinets, novelty boxes, and all other bright ideas his family and friends imagined.

Above all, Paul was a kind, gentle, loving man. He, with Jo, loved their blended family, and they loved him. His memory will remain forever in their hearts. Paul is survived by his wife, Jo; son Paul David Jr.; “sidekick” daughter Julie (Tom) Carlson; step-children, Michael (Joyce Harvey) and Daniel Pytleski; grandchildren, Justin, Nick, and Seth. Born the twelfth of thirteen children to Hugo and Mary Meidl, he will be fondly remembered by his surviving siblings – Lois Johnston, Lorraine Schroepfer and Ray Meidl – as well as his many special nieces and nephews.

A small, private family graveside service, with the Comrades of Valor Honor Guard honoring his service, will be held at a later date. To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

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