Pastor Paul Magelssen born on June 14, 1948 in Park Rapids, MN and passed away September 20, 2021 at the age of 73 years. Preceded in death by his parents Hans “Mill” and Mary Magelssen and granddaughter Lydia Wahlstrom. Survived by wife Sheryl; daughters Laura Wahlstrom (Todd) and their son Drew, Rachel Johnson (Scott) and their children Boaz & Adele, Kara Voss (Jeff) & their children Matt, Ella & Easton; siblings Mill Magelssen (Cheryl), Dave Magelssen (Diana), Muff Magelssen (Dave Hallan), Lowell Magelssen (Debbie) & Maia Glader (Jeff); nieces, nephews and cousins. Paul served congregations in Northwestern Minnesota for 35 years, the last 25 years in Fosston, MN. Service Monday, September 27th at 11:00 am at SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY CHURCH, 14107 Hudson Road, Afton with visitation one hour before the service. Visitation Sunday, September 26th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm with a time of sharing at 4:30 pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. Another gathering will be September 29th at 6pm at the FOSSTON BASEBALL FIELDS, Fosston, MN. Please join us,at Mueller Memorial or the baseball fields wearing your favorite baseball jersey/shirt, or any team shirt that Dad was involved Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to Fellowship of Christian Athletes- Fosston Chapter or World Mission Prayer League- please note the donation is in memory of Paul Magelssen.


Life story
Paul Steven Magelssen was born June 14, 1948, in Park Rapids, MN, to parents H. Millard and Mary (Bickle) Magelssen. He grew up in a loving family that lived their deep faith, valued community service and had a joy for life. Traits that he made his own.

In early childhood, he enjoyed being a paperboy, playing neighborhood baseball and football games, and being a cowboy with his brothers on the front porch, where the good guys always ordered a sarsaparilla and the bad guys always ordered a whiskey. In high school, Paul was a good math student, enjoyed band and excelled in baseball and basketball. Graduating in 1966, Paul briefly attended Texas Lutheran College (now TLU), Augsburg College and Brown Institute where he received his First Class Radio License. His radio career took him to Hasting, NE and Fosston, MN.

In Fosston, Paul’s desire to work in Christian radio led to Seattle, WA, to attend Lutheran Bible Institute for a deeper understanding of God’s Word. There he met the true love of his life, Sheryl, and they were married on November 29, 1974. Immediately after, he began work at a Christain radio station in Rockford, Illinois. Then he returned to Fosston, this time with Sheryl, to be Fosston’s Community Recreation Director. It was at this time, Paul responded to a call on his heart to serve God in full time ministry. They returned to LBI for a biblical studies degree, then attended the University of Northwestern (St. Paul) and Luther Northwestern Seminary. During these years, Paul went to school full time, worked part time, and together with Sheryl raised their three daughters, Laura, Rachel, and Kara, who were the joys of his life.
Paul was ordained in 1984 at the age of 36.

Paul and Sheryl’s marriage was always a true partnership. With Sheryl’s encouragement and support they served three congregations in Crookston, Rothsay, and Fosston, MN, making their home in Fosston for 25 years.

Paul became deeply involved in community life. Beside serving Hope and Zion Churches, he was active on community boards, started a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle and coached 8th grade boys basketball, and junior high girls softball. He was chief coach and cheerleader to his daughters' sports careers. He became Fosston’s pastor.

When grandkids came he was the baby whisperer, always able to calm them. He won their hearts as they grew, with the time he took to play and nurture them. All three girls and each grandkid think they are his favorite!

Paul was a person of grace, compassion, humor, and humility. He made friends everywhere and made everyone feel valued and included. He loved Jesus deeply and shared that love with everyone.

Paul died peacefully, Monday, September 20, 2021, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sheryl; daughters Laura Wahlstrom (Todd) and son Drew, Rachel Johnson (Scott), children Boaz and Adele, Kara Voss (Jeff), children Matt, Ella and Easton. Siblings Millard (Cheryl), Dave (Diana), Muff Magelssen (Dave Hallan), Lowell (Deb), Maia Glader (Jeff). Also survived by countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of Paul.