Paul Reding

Paul D. Reding, 79, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, passed away on November 20, 2024. This strong man fought long and hard against Alzheimer's. Born August 31, 1945, in Ottawa, Illinois, Paul grew up in Marseilles, where he graduated high school in 1963. After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to Marseilles to live and work for many years. Before he made Minnesota his permanent home, he also lived in Waukegan, Illinois, and New Port Richey, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mary Alice (Van Horn) Reding; brothers Jerrel and Melvin; brothers-in-law, Harold and Jim; and ex-wife, Linda (Enockson) Reding Townsend. Paul is survived by his daughter, Ann Dee; son, Collin Paul (Sophie); grandkids, Alyssa, Grace, Jarod, Wyatt, Jackson, Zoey; loving partner, John P. Krenz; sisters, Faithann and Kayla; brother, Dana (Vivian); sisters-in-law, Esther and Debbie; and many, many other family and friends.

Paul D, Paul Delicious, Pauly Walnutz... what a man! We've been told we should write a book of your life, Paul, but that would have to be a multi-novel series. To try to put everything you've ever done and everyone you've interacted with into an obituary simply won't work. So, we'll try (unlike your stories), to be short and sweet with single words. Son. Father. Brother. Uncle (Uncie). Grandfather (Papa). Husband. Friend. Rock. Confidant. Caregiver. Supporter. Neighbor. Firefighter. EMT. Veteran. Pilot. Nascar. School Bus Driver. Leader. Motorcycle. Motor Home. Traveler. Picky Eater. Irish. German. Stubborn. Adventurer. Twinkling Blue Eyes. Capturing Smile. Confident. Accomplished. Authentic. Empathetic. Passionate. Helpful. Kind. Dedicated. Sweetheart. Loyal. Grumpy. Thoughtful. Entertaining. Courageous. Generous. Loving. Charismatic. Resilient. A fighter. Strong. Bold. Unfiltered. Inspiring. Committed. Genuine. Direct (unless it's a story). Whitty. Vibrant. Warm hearted. Never knew a stranger for long. Fun. Larger than life. Self made. Someone you always wanted to be around. Volunteer. Water. Dog Lover. Prankster. Jumpy. Touchy. Mischievous. Cook. Party-er. Tanqueray. Kwiktrip Peanut Butter Bars. Story Teller. Most of all Paul: Role Model. You showed us how we all should aspire to live our lives. For the person and soul we SHOULD strive to be. For how life SHOULD be lived. We are all so proud of you, and so proud to have had you in our lives.

With how big of a life Paul lived and how many people he impacted, there will be two life celebrations. What we want from you for both celebrations - BRING A STORY, a memory, a great time you shared with Paul. While we are devastated he is no longer with us, we want to CELEBRATE this wonderful man, the life he lived, and the people he impacted and influenced.

The first will be held in Minnesota, and will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 1-4 PM with moments of sharing throughout and an honor tribute to his military service at 4 PM at Mueller Memorial, 835 Johnson Pkwy, St. Paul, MN 55106. Cremation rites accorded.

The second celebration of life will be held in Illinois, at/near his hometown likely mid to end of summer 2025. More details to come later.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations can be made in Paul's honor to charities close to his heart:

Shriners Children's, lovetotherescue.org

Alzheimer's, act.alz.org

Open Arms of MN, www.openarmsmn.org

Human Rights Campaign, give.hrc.org

Moose - Heart of the Community, www.mooseintl.org

Marseilles Fire Department, www.cityofmarseilles.com/marseilles-fire-department

Marseilles Nursing Service, www.cityofmarseilles.com/marseilles-nursing-service

Edgemont Place, www.edgemontplacemc.com