Paul Edward Douglas

Paul Edward Douglas, 66, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Essentia Health Northern Pines Medical Center after a battle with cancer.

Paul was born to Robert and Wanda Douglas on April 24, 1958, in International Falls, Minnesota. He was fifth in a line of eight brothers, and lost his mother when he was five years old. On the day of his high school graduation in 1976 he enlisted in the Army, where he served for 21 years. Paul was respected and well-loved as a soldier, and retired with the rank of First Sergeant. After the military, Paul owned a dry-cleaning business in Lawson, OK, and was a night manager for Dura Supreme Cabinetry in Howard Lake, MN, before retiring on full disability. His service dog, Comrade, held a special place in his heart, and got him through many tough moments of anxiety and PTSD.

A kind and thoughtful man, Paul had a deep belly laugh that was infectious. He loved hockey – playing the sport as a kid and cheering on the Wild as an adult. He also knew well the highs and lows of being a Vikings fan.

Paul married Jane, the love of his life, in Litchfield, MN on October 21, 2017. The couple moved to Hoyt Lakes, where Paul took immense pride in his yard and in the home he and Jane created together. Born-again Christians, they were members of Joni and Steven Banks home ministry of Gilbert. Toward the end of his life Paul took comfort in the idea of going home to Jesus.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; his children Jeremy, Robert, and Jennifer; his step-children Daniel and Jill; his brothers Ron (Sherry), Tom (Claudia), John (Rachel), and Bruce; his sister-in-law Nini; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers Bob, Pete, and Jim.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Aurora Community Center, with Steven Banks officiating. Inurnment will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth at a later date.