Paul T. Wedel, age 58, of Carpenter, died Sunday, September 27, 2015, at the SunQuest Health Care Center. His funeral service was held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, October 1st at Bethel Church with Rev. Coalt Robinson, officiating. Burial was in the Bethel Church Cemetery.
Paul Thaddeus Wedel was born on September 23, 1957, to Palmer and Goldie (Hofer) Wedel of Carpenter, South Dakota. He grew up on the family farm northeast of Lake Byron with his sisters, Winona and Helen. There was never a shortage of work and chores with cattle, sheep, poultry and field work. He attended Milford and Doland schools through eighth grade, and graduated from James Valley Christian High School in 1975.
Paul was baptized in the James River on July 16, 1972, upon his confession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior. He was a member of Bethel Church. He participated in music and supported various projects and ministries of the church. He served on the Milford Township board.
Paul was a cowboy. Caring for cattle was his passion. In his younger days he enjoyed team roping with his friends. Perhaps he shoed a horse for you.One of the most difficult parts of his journey in the last two years was giving up his herd.
Paul was a strong man in body and spirit. He farmed and ranched with his parents until the passing of his father in 1994. Then he and his mother worked together. They fondly called each other "partner." She will always cherish the good times when Paul would pull up to the house on his ranger and say, "Mom, I am going to check the cows---you want to go with?" or "Let's go down to Jerry's for breakfast of biscuits and gravy." If he was hungry for a good cut of beef it was, "Let's go to the lake for supper."You guessed it, she was always ready to go "with."
Paul's diagnosis of glioblastoma multiform came in September of 2013. He had surgery on October 15, 2013, which was followed by radiation, chemotherapy, rehabilitation and physical therapy.He spent months in the hospital and assisted living until he could return home.Paul worked so hard striving to meet his goals of walking across the yard again and getting into the tractor to cut hay.It did not happen.In the spring of 2015 the tumor reoccurred and once again he tried radiation and chemotherapy.All of these treatments did not prevail.On June 1, 2015, Paul became a resident of SunQuest Health Care Center.
He left his earthly body behind in the evening of September 27, 2015. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord for those who have put their trust in Him.
He is survived by his mother, Goldie Wedel of Carpenter; sister, Winona (Delvin) Stahl of Huron; nieces, Jennifer Stahl of Omaha, Nebraska, Charity Stahl of Gaziantep, Turkey, Tiffani (Andrew) Pauls, Malachi and Aleah, of Wichita, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his father, Palmer Wedel and sister, Helen Wedel.
We thank God for leading, guiding and providing so many spiritual encouragers and mentors during Paul's journey. The Huron Regional Medical Center Physical Therapy women were very special to Paul as they faithfully worked to help him. Dr. Lehman's compassion was felt and appreciated. Caregivers at SunQuest Health Care Center graciously met Paul's needs during very difficult days. Neighbors and friends did so much when we needed them. Pastor Coalt Robinson never gave up praying that God would be at work in our lives. You carried our burden with us. Thank you and blessings to each of you.