Paul Dean Draheim

Paul Dean Draheim, age 81, of Bemidji,  MN passed away peacefully at home on July 30th 2020.

Paul was born on October 22, 1938 in Beaver Dam, WI to Paul “Otto” Draheim and Viola (Rundle) Draheim. 

Paul  started out his trucking career with Atlas Van Lines in Beaver Dam before venturing out on his own, with his own company Tiger Transit.  In 1968,  Paul moved his family to Florida where he drove trucks for the next eight years. He recalled, hauling loads of gravel into Disney World during its development phase. In 1976, Paul purchased a farm in Cass Lake, MN where he continued to raise his children.  Paul loved the freedom of the open road and returned to trucking in 1997 and continued until 2014. He finished out his career with over five million miles on the road without ever having an accident.  In his retirement, Paul returned to his passion for farming but on a smaller scale.  He grew and sold fruits and vegetables. His neighbors said he was a blessing to the community and he bonded with many over a love of gardening. He worked hard every day of his life up until the very end. Paul was a stranger to no one. His children fondly recall their dad offering aid to anyone who needed it. As well as working in his beloved garden, Paul loved to go bowling and enjoyed working on crossword and sudoku puzzles. 

Paul is survived by his son Leonard Draheim (Nicole) of Hagerstown MD, daughter Brenda Brummond (Richard) of Grand Forks ND , grandchildren Paul Draheim IV of St. Inigoes MD, Sharron Draheim of Winona WI, Brice Draheim of La Crescent MN, Heather Annocque of Beaver Dam WI, Brandon Johnson of Hartford WI, Morgan Brummond of Grand Forks ND, Lindsey Draheim of Hagerstown, MD and multiple great grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters Nancy Schwantz (Al) of Beaver Dam, WI and Debra Cummings of Elkhorn, WI. Paul was proceeded in death by his parents, sisters Karen Trapp, Marylyn Weijola and Sherry Allbritton, children Randall Draheim and Vicky Johnson and grandson Russell Brummond. Paul is also survived by his former wife and good friend Bernie Draheim. 

There will be no services. The family kindly asks you to keep them in your thoughts. 

Paul was full of life, full of jokes, full of love and smiles. He will be greatly missed.

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