Paul R. Gathje, 85, a longtime Stewartville, Minn., farmer and auctioneer, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019, after a short illness with cancer.
Paul Ralph Gathje was born on July 14, 1934, in Dover, Minn., to Raymond and Martha (Brandt) Gathje. He grew up and attended school in Pleasant Grove and Stewartville and served in the U.S. Army. Paul was married on April 28, 1956, in Rochester, Minn., to Nell Marie Plude. Following their marriage, the couple continued to live and work on his family’s farm in Pleasant Grove where they farmed, raised their family, and lived for a number of years. Paul became an auctioneer at age 19 and ran Paul Gathje Auction Service into his late 70s. He held many estate and farm sales throughout southeast Minnesota for over 55 years. Paul was a longtime member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chatfield. Paul enjoyed farming with his son Andy, conversations with friends and family, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Paul is survived by his wife Nell, three daughters and a son: Mary Jo (Tim) Lavin of Sheridan, Wyo., Karen Inglebret of Rochester, Minn., Lisa (Greg) Campbell of Stewartville, Minn., and Andy (Nora) Gathje of rural Stewartville; grandchildren: Samantha (Brady) Lorenzen, Jessie (Nick) Riley, CJ (Amanda) Inglebret, Alex (Maggie) Campbell and Robby (Karlie) Campbell, Andrew, Bennett, and Henry Gathje; great-grandchildren: Lennox, Westin, Emmerson, Lillian, Greyson, and Harrison; two brothers, Dan (Maryann) Gathje of Rochester and George Gathje of Afton, Minn.; a sister, Jane (Vic) Gardner of Winona, Minn., sister-in-law Bonnie Gathje of Pine Island, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Martha, his brother Arnold and an infant daughter, Esther Ann.
A time of visitation will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday morning.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chatfield, Minn., with Rev. Peter Haugen officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Pleasant Grove, Minn. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chatfield. Condolences and memories of Paul are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.