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Paul Trissel Obituary
Their family wrote that they "left our beautiful piece of heaven here on earth for their reward in Heaven."
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at The Rock Church in Wasilla. Check the Alaska Nazarene Church website for more information: www.alaskanazarene.org.
Paul was born Nov. 19, 1941, in California, and Pamela was born Oct. 11, 1946, in Michigan.
In a lifetime of ministry in the Church of the Nazarene, they traveled all over the United States, but Alaska was always home.
Paul was an avid fisherman and hunter in this great state. Of course, he always said he'd only "drink coffee, fish or hunt if he was alone or with someone." He was never without a smile, hug, prayer and blessing for everyone he came in contact with.
Pam worked with Alaska school districts for 18 years. She worked with the Title 1 and migrant school kids. She had great joy watching those kids grow and learn. She also loved to garden and tried to "keep Paul in line."
They both shared a passion for watching their kids grow and have their own families. Family always brought them their greatest joy on earth.
They are both survived by his daughter, Laurie Krous who lives in Spokane with husband Cliff and kids Mykaela and Nathaniel; son, Paul and wife Ginger live in North Pole and their kids are Casey and Kenny; son, James and wife Jenni live in Soldotna with sons James and Jason.
A memorial fund is set up though the "Trissel Family Ministry," and donations may be sent to P.O. Box 56618 North Pole, 99705.
Arrangements are with Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Trissel
Leonard Hackett
November 10, 2024
Pam and Paul Trissel were at Wasilla Lake Church of the Nazarene and often mistaken for our Pastor because they were out in the community from Bikers, Homeless, School Children, Poor and many other folks in the community! They did not know a stranger and were GODS LIGHT in out Valley. They are greatly LOVED and MISSED! Pray for their Kids and Grandkids.
Leonard Hackett, Wasilla, AK
Anita Daniel´s Gordon
November 9, 2024
They were such wonderful people. From time to time they come up in conversations and I always smile. You had to smile when you were around them. They loved our Jesus and loved being involved with the church. Especially Bible quizzing. Such great memories. They will always hold a special place in my heart. Gone too soon, but glad they are home. Miss them both, I pray their children are doing well. I´m sure there is a void from their absence . God bless their families.
Cheryl Slusher
November 8, 2024
Rev. Paul Trissel led me to the Lord when he pastored in West Palm Beach, Florida. I will always be thankful for his ministry.
Cheryl Slusher
October 3, 2020
Paul and Pam were my pastoral family in West Palm Beach, FL. I was saved under his ministry in 1977 and have lived for the Lord all these years. They were wonderful. Much love to the Trissel family.
Diann Peters LeNeveu
December 1, 2010
I grew up in central Florida and attended a Nazarene church. As a result, I knew of the Trissel family. I moved to Dallas in 1969 and joined Central Church of the Nazarene. A few years later I heard the news that a new couple by the name of Trissel had come to the church. The name immediately rang a bell and I sought them out after a Sun. morning service. It was Paul and Pam Trissel. I had never met Pam, but instantly felt like she was a dear friend. Paul had the same wonderful laugh, zest for life and love for the Lord as he had always had. At the time, I was playing the piano for a group from our church, The WesternAires. We traveled a couple weekends each month to other churches in the Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, etc. area. The group was made up of 4-5 men, and a young lady and myself. Paul joined the group for a while -- what a wonderful voice. Their daughter, Laurie, was born while they lived here. I remember a group of us going to visit Pam and their new baby in the hospital. There was never any doubt about their love for each other and their love for God. They moved on after a while to another "calling" to do the Lord's work. I shall never forget them. They were truly a blessing in my life, as well as in others. Their children were blessed to have had them as their parents. I know that every church was a little better when Paul and Pam left for having had them as part of their staff and church family. My heart goes out to you children and grandchildren, as well as the West Valley Church family. While our hearts may ache now, we shall see them again. And to all the family members left behind, know that you are in my prayers.
Paul and Pam were such wonderful examples of God's love and what it means to be a Christian.
Lee, Lori, Kevin Klinger
November 26, 2010
We first met Paul and Pam on our first Work and Witness trip in 2006. They immediately became as our own family and we have grown to love them as such. Our hearts are both sad at their passing yet happy they are where they wanted to be, in the presence of our Lord. We will miss them very much but pray that the lives they have touched during their time on earth will seek the Lord as a result of having known Pam and Paul.
We were priveleged to spend our whole vacation in their home this past summer and our lives were enriched for it. We had so much fun fishing with Paul and just simply spending time with them. God gave us a precious gift in both of them. Paul talked about his passion for the West Valley Family Church of the Nazarene and we have come to love those folks as well. Our prayers are with them and the family. They loved their children and grandchildren and although we never had the opportunity to meet them, we feel we know them from Pam and Paul talking about them.
We love you Pam and Paul and miss you terribly but know you are in the presence of God and someday, we will see you once again!
Michelle & Jimmie Scott
November 24, 2010
There's one thing that comes to mind, when I think of Pastor Paul and His Wife(Beautiful People)..They will be truly missed by many people...I will be forever Grateful to have the chance to have known them...May God be with they re family and friends..
Burton & Dawn Parsons
November 22, 2010
Our prayers are with all of you. Keep God close at all times.
We meet Pastor Paul and Pam Trissel at the Wasilla Lake Church of the Nazarene in 1997. Both were in charge of the Children’s program during Church on Sundays and Wednesdays. We have three children all boys. Pastor Paul led our oldest son Garret to the lord during one of the services.
I remember one of the Christmas plays Pastor Paul was in The Great Late Potentate with the children. Everyone was laughing throughout the play. All the children really tried their hardest to do their very best for the congregation.
Pastor Paul and Pam invited all five of us over to their house in Wasilla. The visit was very warm and loving.
Pam was always giving and would help when you asked. I remember when she helped me with our youngest son, Samuel. He was having some problems with allergic to sugar and she told of a similar problem with one of their children.
We left Alaska in October 2000, but we have great memories from the time we had with both Pastor Paul and Pam.
I know we will see them one day in Heaven.
Susan Moore
November 19, 2010
Pam and Paul were special people who will be greatly missed by many who are left behind. They are surely in heaven with the Lord.
John Brillhart
November 19, 2010
Paul James and I were cousins. My dad and his mother were brother and sister. Paul was six years older than me so I looked up to him with great awe and respect. Paul had such a happy disposition.
Here are a few cherished memories:
1) Our family visited the church his father pastored on a Christmas weekend when Paul was around 12 years of age. He had a special bowtie that had a red and green light which he could flash by hitting a button in his pocket that was wired to the bowtie. His dad told him in no uncertain terms that when his group was on the platform for their part in the Christmas program, he was NOT to flash the lights when each person was done reciting their memorized piece. Being such a free spirit, he went ahead and did it, much to my amusement. When we went to the parsonage after the service for Sunday dinner, Paul's father took my cousin into the basement for quite a spanking. I thought it was worth it!
2) After the Trissel family entered full-time evangelism, traveling from church to church each week, our family drove to visit them on a weeknight in a nearby city to attend the service. I sat next to Paul and when his father announced the scripture text for the sermon, Paul turned to it in his Bible
and put a 13th mark next to it. I whispered to him, "What does the number mean?". He replied, "This is the 13th time I will have heard this sermon!" It must have been an enormous sacrifice to be in church almost every night of the week as a teenage boy! I don't think I could have done it!
3) During the summer of 1965, Paul and I lived in his family's mobile home at Indian Lake Nazarene Campground in Vicksburg, Michigan. I was paid $1/hour and hopefully he was paid more than me. It was a summer job for both of us during college years. Our job was to clean the tabernacle after each service, haul garbage from the dining hall, clean cabins between boys', girls', and youth camps, etc. Paul owned a beat up Studebaker with a starter that would not work. We always had to park it on an incline so I could push it and he could "pop the clutch" to start the engine. It was during this summer that he met Pam.
Paul actually never officially grew up like the rest of us. He was always such a kind-hearted person who related so well with kids since he was "one of them"! I was always so proud to inform people that Paul Trissel was my cousin!!
November 19, 2010
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of this world will grow strangly dim in the light of his glory and grace". To the family of Paul and Pam I extend our deepest sympathy. I have known your family since the 50's, they were among the best. They are singing in the heavenly choir now where we will all sing together one day. Pick up the torch and carry on.
Rev. Tom & Judy Whitten
Huntsville, AL
Evelyn Woodhurst
November 19, 2010
The first time I meet Paul and Pam was right after my dad died. Pastor Paul was so caring and supportive of my brothers and my needs. He gave us great comfort during a hard time and in the months ahead. He told of the time he went to my dad's house and visited, Paul was there maybe once a week or at least every other week to check on my dad. He was trying to figure out how to explain the Gospel to my dad so that he could understand it and except Christ. On March 22, 2008 Pastor Paul told me as he and my dad were sitting at the kitchen table God gave him the words to say and Paul used a pitcher of Jesus knocking at the door, the one with no handle, and explained that Jesus was waiting for him to open the door and Jesus would bring light into the darkness that was behind the door. Pastor Paul said at that moment my dad broke down and cried and accepted Jesus as his Savior. Pastor Paul also told me of how my dad was trying to change and he could see growth. Since that time both Paul and Pam have been such a great help to me and my family his hugs, hospitality, smile, and cheerful attitude has helped me get through the tough stuff during the estate issues. I am very thankful that I was able to meet both Paul and Pam they were a blessing, his laugh and smile to this day I will always remember and cherish, it makes me smile to think of it. And I know one day I will see them again.
Many blessing to the family, my family's love and prayers are with you.
Glenn and Deanna Guiles
November 19, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Pastor Paul always had a way of spreading the light even in the darker times. They will both be very missed. Our prayers are with them and their families.
I'll see you again someday Pastor Paul,
Bossman Bennett
November 19, 2010
Paul was a member of my Gospel Singing WesternAires-beautiful tenor voice--a major event while in Dallas-- the birth of their daughter. Laurie-
Susan Brillhart
November 19, 2010
I am sorry to say I never knew Pam well but grew up with the Trissel family (Mary, Paul Sr., Paul Jr., Becky and Debby) pulling into our driveway with their trailor and spending a few days. It was such a treat to see my cousins. Paul was always full of humor and warmth. Bigger than life, you knew he was in the room because of his wonderful laugh. I am sure Paul and Pam will be greatly missed as they were such special people
Richard & Myra Neff
November 18, 2010
My family enjoyed Paul & Pam during our tenure as owners of the revamped Anchor Point Roadhouse from 1992-1996. Paul was instrumental in attempting to bring all churches together every other month for a time of singing & eating; I have always admired that attempt on his part as I feel it is some of the same of what's in store for us in Heaven. Paul was a character:when my dad visited me in Anchor Point I took him to the Nazarene church with me; when I introduced Paul to my dad (who was also named Paul), he said, "I could tell she was your daughter by the ears."...meaning, of course, that both our ears protruded in the same style! I think of that every time I pull my hair back! I also remember their daughter coming to me at the laundrymat, asking me to pray for her mother who was going through breast cancer. To you children, my prayers are with you as you pass through this intense time of grieving. Take comfort in knowing your parents are full of abundant life and magnificent wonder with the King of Kings; have peace knowing you will see them again ~ for all eternity.
Felicia Paskett
November 18, 2010
There was goodness and light surrounding these good people. They had a way of lifting all who were around them and their influence for good will live on in those they have touched. I will miss them but I count them as a blessing to have rubbed shoulders with them. :)
Daniel & Linda Stotler
November 17, 2010
Paul and Pam will be missed by so many. They carried God's most precious message of HOPE and LOVE to so many in need of hearing it. Paul, Pam, your legacy of dispensing hope, charity, and love to those around you not be forgotten.
Doris Pelch
November 17, 2010
November 17,2010
My father was a first cousin to Paul D. Trissel, who happened to be the father to Paul. I only recall seeing and meeting Paul,and his parents and siblings just once back home in Mi. His parents were also active in the ministry in the Nazarene church, which you all are probably very well aware of. There were numerous of our families that would travel to revivals that they held as Paul was growing up. I was never able to connect with any of them after I had grown up, but I've heard from different family members that have been able to keep up with the family. The whole family was so well loved and knew of the effective ministry they've all had. I receive a copy of the Nazarene News every Friday in my email and this is how I've learned of the passing of a cousin, and family I've never had the privledge of knowing personally, even tho we share fellowship in the same denomination. It is so sad to know that as families we grow up and move on with our lives and never get the opportunity to share in each other's lives. It's truly a blessing to sit here and read of a couple's entire life so dedicated to the Lord's work. And to learn how they were so well loved. What a blessing it will be to make their acquaintance in heaven. I can understand how the writings coming in from different parts of the country and the world feel such a love for this family, because we share the same kind of feelings for spiritual leaders right here in our own congregations.
I have learned this morning that this is the third passing of family this year for the family. But I can imagine the joyous reunion that is going on in heaven today. May we all come to know that same peace and joy. May God continue to add to the blessings he has bestowed thus far on all of you in Wasilla, Ak and surrounding communties thro this family. It is a blessing to me to learn of their ministry and how this cousin of mine has lived his entire life for the Lord. May his children's lives continue to carry the ministry on in whatever calling they may have. God bless you all in Alaska!
João Silvio Rocha
November 17, 2010
Conheci o Pastor Paul, quando a equipe do distrito alaska veio ao Brasil no ano 2000. Ele esteve em minha casa em um final de semana e pudemos ter uma agradável convivencia, apesar de falar pouco em inglês. Paul se mostrou um servo de Deus, gentil, doce e muito consagrado a Deus. Minha filha que tinha 2 anos gostou muito dele.
Sempre me lembro de toda equipe do Alaska, e de maneira especial do Pastor Paul. Que Deus conforte toda familia e a igreja. eles "combateram o bom combate, completaram a carreira e guardaram a fé". Meus sentimentos a familia.
Anthony Mitchell
November 16, 2010
"I will resurrect [them] in the last day"-John 6:44. Paul and Pam will be awakened together to a paradise earth and will enjoy perfect health in the kingdom of God!
Pastor Paul Hartley, Superintendent Alaska District
November 16, 2010
Pastor Paul and Pam will be missed on the Alaska District, they were good friends and awesome pastors on our district for many years. We are sad but at the same time rejoice in the knowledge that they are enjoying the reward of eternity with our savior the Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints who have gone on before.
Deborah Bryner
November 16, 2010
Pastor Paul was one of my father in law's (Gene Bryner) best friends and fishing buddies, and he had the same gift of friendship that Gene Bryner did. They were two peas in a pod, and together they took many of the Alaska District pastors on memorable fishing trips during Family Camp at Camp Maranatha, every July. Pastor Paul had a wonderful heart and a deep love of God which he manifested to everyone he met, particularly the children and youth. He could talk to anybody about anything and they almost always listened to what he had to say - because they could see Christ in Pastor Paul. Pam was the steady, quiet foundation in the Trissel ministry. I wish I had known her better, but I always knew that she loved three things above all: her God, her husband, and her family. And she included her church family as part of the larger Trissel Tribe, for which we thank the Trissel family...
Thank you for sharing Paul and Pam with us. Our lives are richer for having known them and we grieve with you for lives that were cut short, too short...too soon. I loved Pastor Paul and Pam and I am forever grateful that I had the privilege of knowing them. May God bless, comfort and keep you all in His Grace.
David Wright
November 16, 2010
Paul was my Pastor in Avon Park, Florida before I became a Christian. Paul also coached me when I got my Life Guard certification in 1970. He was a good swimmer. He also performed my marriage by a lake in 1972. After that I never saw Paul again, but I am still sad to hear the news, but do not grieve as others grieve.
Heather McKnight (Jayne)
November 15, 2010
I have fond memories of growing up with the Trissel family. I pray that they will feel and experience much support and love during this difficult time. Thank you for the deep love and care your family gave to ours, the laughter, and fun times.
Lindy Perry
November 15, 2010
Pastor Paul and Pam were my pastor and wife as a teenager in Avon Park, He led our Quiz team and though we did not win often if ever, we learned a lot of scripture and teamwork. He always bought us mushroom pizza before a quiz said it would make us jump quicker. They will be missed but we will meet again someday on the other side of the river. Thoughts and prayers go out to their Family.
Vicki,Joe,Jake Turtle
November 15, 2010
We have truely lost 2 very important people who dedicated their lives to this community in so many different ways. They will truely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary and Mary Kay Van Hooser
November 15, 2010
Paul and Pam were true friends to everyone they met. They never met a stranger. Their lives beautifully displayed the unconditional love of Christ which shown through to others. Both Paul and Pam had a great sense of humor that was enjoyed by all who met them. We will miss their love and laughter! We know they are rejoicing in Heaven and singing up a storm. Pam is probably playing the piano while Paul sings praises to God. We have holes in our hearts that will only be filled when we get to Heaven and see them again.
Sue Whitney
November 15, 2010
Pastor Paul and Pam were among my mom's best friends, both in Anchor Point and Wasilla. They brought her much comfort during times of serious health issues. Some of you may remember Ruth Zozula. Paul also presided over my own son's funeral here in Fairbanks, a super difficult time for me. I am sure many will miss Pastor Paul and Pam among their many communities that they frequented. The world needs more gentle people such as these two. Sue and Al Whitney.
Bob & Sonia Walker
November 14, 2010
Paul and Pam Trissel were beautiful and loving friends that will be truly missed by all the lives they have touched. God has now blessed them in Heaven.
Anita Daniels
November 14, 2010
I have known both of these amazing people for many years. I worked with them through the church at many different functions. They always had a smile on their face and love in their heart. Paul was like a pied piper with the little children. He always had a child near him. They both will be missed greatly, but are in a better place. Pam & Paul you will always be in my thoughts and my heart. Thank you for so many wonderful memories.
Sandi Mixon
November 14, 2010
What beautiful people they were. Paul was our Pastor when I was a teenager in West Palm Beach, Florida. He and Pam will always hold a special place in my heart.
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