Paul Richard Walsh
Thursday, November 20, 1930
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Age:
89 years old
Thursday, November 20, 1930
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Age:
89 years old
Thursday, November 20, 1930
Date of Death:
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Age:
89 years old
Paul Richard Walsh
Surrounded by family in his last days, Paul Richard Walsh went to be with God on Sunday August 16th, 2020 after a long illness with Lewy Body Dementia.
Dad was born in Fountain on November 20th, 1930 to T. Richard “Dick” and Elsie Walsh. He was raised on the farm, went to country school, and graduated from Preston High in 1948. As a young man he earned a reputation as an accomplished Golden Gloves boxer with many wins.
He joined the Navy during the Korean War and when the Navy learned he could box he became a member of their team, fighting around the country, sparring with Floyd Patterson, and boxing in the Olympic Trials. He then served on the aircraft carrier the USS Lake Champlain as a Fireman and Electricians Mate. He was a proud longtime member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and the Korean War Veterans Club.
After the Navy he attended Seminary then St. Mary’s College in Winona, graduating in 1957. He worked at the State Hospital in Rochester, worked as a Probation Officer, then started his teaching career at Skyline School in Rochester.
Dad married Constance McConnell on December 28th, 1963 in Rochester.
They moved to Darrington, Washington where he taught until moving back to Minnesota to teach in Wells, and then later moved to just outside Easton. English and Literature at Wells-Easton High School were his subjects and he retired from there in 1992 after 28 years. Dad loved teaching and loved all the kids; Shakespeare was his favorite subject. He “lettered” in wrestling due to his years of support for the program at WEHS. He liked to bowl but gardening and horseshoe throwing were his real passions. Dad was a longtime member of the Legion and Color Guard in Easton and Chatfield and of the Wells Lions Club. He was part of Serra International advocating for religious vocations. He volunteered at St. Francis Church serving those in need. His faith was always a central part of his life.
In retirement Mom and Dad lived in Chatfield and Arizona then Rochester. Dad loved to write short stories and poems and published a book of poetry and poems which he loved to recite to those he knew and met. He always made people smile at every opportunity with his words & kindness. He enjoyed coffee with friends and loved being with family. He was a gentle man and we will miss him terribly.
He was preceded in death by his little boy Brian in 1969 of cancer, his parents, an infant sibling, and sister Mary Wooden. Dad is survived by his wife Connie (at Arbor Terrace in Rochester) who he cherished and adored for their nearly 57 years of marriage, sisters Jean Rayer and Margaret Lechnir, brother Joseph, daughters Barb Kirchhof and special friend Mike Bruce, Deb Rappold and husband Tony, sons Pete and wife Jill, and Mike and wife Emily. He also is survived by grandchildren Brandon and Aaron Kirchhof, Anthony, Emily and Bill Rappold, Ciara and Connor Walsh, and Haley Walsh and Brad, BJ, Ali, and Kristen Halvorson.
A special thanks to “The Thursday Men” – Gary Russell, Bobby Thorson, and Lee Carlson, and also to Denny Hagen and Rob Kottke – all were longtime friends who came and visited Dad regularly the last few years. Thanks also to the staff at Samaritan Bethany for their loving care.
Condolences
The family of Paul Richard Walsh has received the following condolences.
I offer my deepest condolences to Paul’s family. I was teaching in Germany with Jean, his sister. He visited Jean and Vlad at Thanksgiving time, and I tagged along for a road trip to a Paris. We all had the best time strolling Rue Clair and many of the sites. That was my favorite visit to Paris. Paul was a great guy.
Dear Walsh family:
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of Paul. Mr. Walsh was my favorite teacher at Wells High School and he introduced me to Shakespeare plays and stories, which I still enjoy today. I respected and admired him so much.
Take care
So sorry to hear of Paul's death. You have my sympathy. Long ago 3-11 RN partner at Wells Hospital, Bev Janike.
Deb, Tony;
We are so sorry for your loss. We didn't know your dad but it seems to me great people are raised by great people, Deb you are one of the greats.
Fair wind and following seas
Bill Bresnahan
Connie and Family,
Paul was a great friend to my dad, Dale Cummings. Lunches and coffee with Connie and Paul were always special times for dad. Paul's kindness was appreciated so much. He was just simply a nice guy who cared about others. Thoughts and prayers.
Sorry for your loss Pete and Mike and your mom Connie. I loved your dad. He was a wonderful and patient teacher and I will never forget inhaling helium while decorating I think for homecoming. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Anne Lamphier Ziegenhorn.
So very sad to see "Mr. Walsh's" passing. He was such a wonderful, kind and dedicated teacher. One of my favorites in Wells. He will be missed dearly. Sending lots of love, prayers and deepest sympathy to all his family during this very sad time. (((Hugs))) to you all.
I have very fond memories of Mr. Walsh - he was my teacher for two years at Skyline elementary school.
He was kind and always encouraging us students to be the best we could be. I remember his cool car too - a Rambler American.
It was a unique little car and he loved driving it.
He wasn't married yet when I had him as a my teacher. He touched a lot of lives and will be missed.
This goes back many years.. Paul was my teacher his first year at Skyline School!! I had his Aunt Loretta Walsh as a teacher also. Such great memories of Paul!! My thoughts are with the family.
Deepest Sympathies Walsh family
Connie and family,
It was a privilege to work with Paul in Wells for a number of years. He was a soft spoken gentleman, full of kindness. May the promise of Easter morning give you all great hope, comfort and peace. Blessings to you all.
Tom Hansen
Wells-Easton/USC staff member
To the family,
I am sorry for your loss. I had Mr Walsh as a teacher and always enjoyed him. May you be comforted by many good memories.
Paul and I spent many wonderful years together teaching English at WEHS and USC.
Connie and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and contributed so much to the success of his students! I appreciated his patience, humor and kindness. He will be joining so many members of the Wells-Easton faculty in heaven! Let them rejoice! May you be comforted knowing that Paul was so special to many people.
Bless you.
Even after Paul's absence from us these last few years, we members of Southeastern Minnesota Poets in Rochester, a group which Paul himself founded, will feel the great loss of this wonderful man who was always our teacher, always supportive, encouraging, good-natured, and caring. He overflowed with enthusiasm for the art of poetry as well as generosity to us, as individuals. For years, he (and Connie) welcomed us to his home for meetings. We will remember him as a hero and champion.
Rest in heaven uncle Paul. Love and prayers to all of you.
I am very sorry and sad to hear of Paul’s death. I stayed with the Walsh family in 1984 as an exchange student for several months. Only much later did I realize how much he tried to give my a home. I guess I was too young to see that. We lost contact afterwards but recently those memories came back. I hope he had a good and interesting life.
Frank
Walsh Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We can't imagine the sadness that you and your family are feeling from the loss of Paul.
We can not express how much Paul has meant to our family. His unforgettable laugh, his brilliant poems, his kindness, his never ending patients and all the fun times at the faculty supper nights. His legacy as an exceptional educator to the Wells-Easton school district over the years will live on in our hearts forever!
May you find comfort in the love of those around you. Wishing you peace, comfort and courage as you face the days ahead.
Lyle and Mavis will be waiting with loving open arms.
Georganna, Kelly, Gregg and Michael Wright
Our most sincere condolences to the Walsh family. I was on the Wells-Easton faculty with Paul for several years before his retirement and Dawn had him as a teacher while she was a student there. I always admired Paul's teaching methods and marveled at the way he successfully taught English to his students. He was respected by his students, fellow faculty members and administrators. Paul had a unique and subtle sense of humor and could make you laugh with just a short comment. I also knew Paul as a wrestling parent while his two son's Pete and Mike wrestled for Wells-Easton. I knew that Paul was a champion boxer while he served in the US Navy as he once related a couple of stories about his boxing career to me. The "gentle giant" will rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of his passing. Mr Walsh w as one of our favorite teachers. Cherish the memories that you have of him.
one of my favorite teachers?
Mrs. Walsh, Mike, Peter, & the entire Walsh family: I am truly sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Walsh. I absolutely LOVED him. He was a wonderful man, and an amazing teacher. I enjoyed his class, I really did. So many hilarious memories. Sending you love, hugs, and many prayers. My thoughts are truly with you all. ?
Sincere Sympathy to the Walsh Family. Death takes the ones we love but MEMORIES bring them back. Rest in Peace Paul.
Pete and Mike, sorry to hear the news. Prayers to you and the rest of the family. Wrestling in your living room and Paul overseeing every move, can't forget that. God speed Mr Walsh!!!
My deepest sympathy in your loss. Mr. Walsh was my teacher in Wells, MN. Thoughts and prayers. Brian Wanzek, Palm Springs, CA