Paul David Eggebraaten was born November 14th, 1935 in Grand Forks, ND to Art and Helga Eggebraaten. Paul was the 9th of 13 children.
Paul moved to Fisher, MN at the age of 7 years where he worked on the family farm. Paul attended Fisher Public school for most of his youth and then went to Crookston where he played basketball and football for Crookston AC. He graduated in 1954. After graduation, Paul became a member of the MN National Guard. Paul continued farming with his father and brother, John, in Fisher, MN until 1985. During this time, he attended architectural drafting school at Thief River Falls Tech for 2 years before marrying Diane Quern, April 11th 1964. Paul and Diane had two children, their daughter Denise and son Dean.
Paul and Diane spent their time raising children, going on family trips and lake time with family and friends. Their true joys were their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family has always been everything, and that has been emulated throughout the years from the time spent together. Paul was always sharing the blessing of Diane being his loving partner in every aspect of their life.
Paul had a passion for racing and established a successful career as a sprint car driver and was selected to be on the exclusive Arctic Cat pro snowmobile racing team where he had many victories. Along with many successful business ventures with his wife Diane and other family members, one of his biggest accomplishments with his brother Ray, was the foresight into the mini-storage business. Paul and Ray started Paul Bunyan Mini-Storage in 1990 and All Reasons Self Storage in 1995. He was always thinking and developing ideas (with the support and “gentle nudge” of reason from Diane).
Paul’s commitment to his entrepreneurial spirit was no different than his commitment to his faith. We as a family were blessed with his commitment to his faith in Christ, he was always a “good and faithful Servant of the Lord”. He was the spiritual leader of his household and was always mindful of everyone's well-being. His love and commitment to family will forever be remembered and we are eternally grateful for Paul’s unfailing example of love and leadership.
One of his most enduring qualities was considering everyone as “family”.
Paul was a quiet and strong example of how we should love and support one another. His wit, commanding presence and gentle soul made everyone he met feel special and loved—his heart was bigger than the man.
Paul was proceeded in death by his parents, Art and Helga Eggebraaten; brothers, John, Bernard, Harold and Kenneth and sisters, Martha, Doris and Joanne.
Paul is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Denise (John) Tootill and Dean (Kim) Eggebraaten; grandchildren, Brittanie Carmona (Brian), Jordan Tootill, Kelsey Tootill, Rayce Eggebraaten, Ruby Eggebraaten, Zak (Madison) Skaro and Sydney (Jarrett) Burns; great- grandchildren, Maddie, Poppy, Millie and Penelope; brothers, Norman (Jeanette) Eggebraaten and Ray (Diane) Eggebraaten and sisters, Anna Haake, Ruth Myers and Lois Womack.
We would like to express our deepest thanks for all of the love and kindness that has been expressed in our time of grief.
Memorials contributions may be made to Lutheran Island Camp Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool, Bemidji and Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, www.michaeljfox.org/donate.