Erich J. Pautsch
Erich J. Pautsch, age 86, of Norwood Young America, formerly of Cologne, died Sunday, July 1, 2007 at his home.
He was born Jan. 28, 1921 in Blakely, Minn., one of nine children born to Ferdinand F. and Helena (Rolf) Pautsch. Erich was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine, Minn.
He served in the military, facing combat in World War II.
Erich was united in marriage to Delores Siegle April 15, 1947 at Zoar United Church of Christ by the Rev. Oppermann.
Erich lived in Blakely before moving to Dahlgren Twp., where he farmed for many years. For the last 10 years, he lived in Norwood Young America.
Some of his hobbies were beekeeping, bird watching, woodworking, jigsaw puzzles, playing the harmonica, whistling, yodeling, and working in his flower gardens. He spent years remodeling his home, and built a gazebo, completing all of the work himself.
Erich was very committed to his church and to the military service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Helena Pautsch; brothers Fredrick, Christian, Rhinhold, Ferdinand, Gerhardt and Helmuth Pautsch; sisters Alilaid Pautsch, and Ruth Borchart; father-in-law and mother-in-law Phillip and Elenore Siegle; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dorothy and Albert Tellers.
Erich is survived by his loving family: his wife, Delores; children and spouses, Mary Ann and Howard Janke of Ramsey, Carol Lynn and Steve Molnau of Lafayette, Donna Mae and Duane Moore of Chanhassen, Sandra Kay and Scott Lehman of Young America, and Kenneth Pautsch of Cologne; grandchildren Heather and Terry Darby, Kristen and Todd Karels, Megan Molnau, Brian and Barbie Moore, Erich Lehman, and Rochelle Lehman; and great-grandchildren Robert, Jacob, Jenna Anna, Isabela, Evan and Riley.
He is further survived by sister-in-law LaVern Pautsch of Henderson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Elenore and Lloyd Mellgren of Ft. Ripley, and Phillip and Marlys Siegle of Cologne; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. .
Funeral service was Friday, July 6 at 11 a.m. at Zoar United Church of Christ in Chaska with the Rev. Richard Mark officiating. Interment was at Zoar United Church of Christ Cemetery.
Erich’s grandchildren were his casket bearers.
Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home of Waconia.