Terrence “Terry” Pauls died peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at his favorite place, his lake home. He leaves a legacy of kindness, humor, generosity, and unwavering dedication to those he loved most. He was 73. 
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, at the Church of St. Anthony in Watkins. A Mass of Christian Burial with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at the Church of St. Anthony. An additional visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass Monday at the church. A light lunch will be served following Mass.
Born Sept. 10, 1951, to Joan and Floyd Pauls Sr. of Watkins, Terry grew up on the family farm. Terry loved to tinker, and spend time outside with his siblings. He worked on the family farm and helped his dad Floyd Sr. transport cattle for Pauls Trucking. Terry graduated from Eden Valley-Watkins High School. He then enlisted in the Army which supported his love of tinkering and vehicles. After Terry returned home from overseas, he followed his love of automobiles – especially Chevrolets – to Jack’s Standard in Watkins as a mechanic. Terry then spent decades at First District Association in Litchfield where he held various roles, and from where he eventually retired. Terry was strong in his Catholic faith as a communion minister and member of the Church of St. Anthony in Watkins. He also was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Battle Lake, Minn. Terry was a proud Army veteran and 50-year member of Watkins American Legion Post 453.
Terry will be remembered and cherished for his smile and his boy-like humor. He had a passion for fishing, critter hunting, nature and, most importantly, hospitality so everyone felt welcomed. He was quick to jokingly share that he was “as mellow as a glass of water.” He will forever be remembered for the love he shared, the stories he told, and the life he lived. His spirit lives in the hearts of those he touched, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, mother- and father-in-law Cele and Fred Asfeld, brother Floyd Pauls Jr., sister-in-law Judy Pauls, and brother-in-law Forrest Mitchell.
Above all else, Terry cherished his family; they brought him immense joy and pride. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years Kathy; his children Melanie Pauls, Tina (and Kurt) Lieser, and Nicki (and Gary) Holthaus; five grandchildren Chloe, Ty, Mya Lieser, and Morgan and Paige Holthaus; siblings Mathew (and Lynn) Pauls, Shirl (and Doug) Loch, Karen (and Steve Parker), Vicki (and Don) Schneider, Jeff Pauls (and Gail Ransom), Glenn Pauls (and June May), Judy Asfeld, Barb (and Ken) Nistler, Carole Mitchell, Kevin (and Lynette) Asfeld, Ken (and Tami) Asfeld, Tom (and LaRae) Asfeld, and Terry (and Sandy) Asfeld. Terry’s love extended beyond his immediate family, encompassing a wide circle of friends and loved ones who will deeply miss his warmth and humor.