Joseph Pauly, 54

Joseph Pauly died Wednesday evening, Aug. 1, 2018, because of an accident at his home in Watkins. He was 54.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at River of Life Assembly of God in Cold Spring. A gathering of relatives and friends will be from 9-10:45 a.m. at the church.

Joseph “Joe” Pauly was born Sept. 29, 1963, in St. Cloud to Edwin and Danna (Drontle) Pauly. He was raised in Cold Spring and, after graduating from ROCORI High School, he joined the Army. He spent his life as an innovator, mechanic and entrepreneur. Joe worked several jobs before starting his first business, Granite Wright, and the last several years he ran his own trucking business contracted by ColdSpring. He was a hard worker and perfectionist. Joe loved machines and was very mechanical; there was nothing he couldn’t fix and he was always tinkering. Joe met the love of his life Tammy Hennen at a very critical time in both of their lives. Joe and Tammy were meant for each other and were married May 12, 1995. Tammy had two beautiful girls he took under his wings and, after they were married, they were blessed with three more girls. Joe was given the houseful of women he always wanted. He loved making people laugh, he was a wonderful father and protector; the rock of his family. Joe always put his family first.

Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents Clara and Ferdinand Drontle, and Mildred and John Pauly.

He is survived by his wife Tammy; parents Edwin and Danna Pauly; children Kelsey (and Nathan) Pilgram, and their children Amelia, Gabriel, Elynorah, Rosalee; Krista (and Jody) Clark and their children Kai, Riley; Sarah Pauly, Abigail Pauly, Isabella Pauly; siblings Danna Lee (and Vic) Ehresmann, Michael (and Judy) and Randy (and Cheryl).

In lieu of flowers, memorials to support the Pauly family are preferred to Harvest Bank, Joe Pauly Family Fund at PO Box 70, Kimball 55353.

Arrangements are with Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.