Photo courtesy of Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home - Moose Lake
Jan 21, 1937 - Dec 3, 2025
I am so sad to learn that Paul has passed away. I have known him since 1st grade at Pine Lake District 37 school. I just talked to Phyllis and Paul a little over a month ago, on the phone. condolences to all of you in the loss.
Don Uldbjerg
December 19, 2025 | Saco, ME | Friend
I am so very sorry for your loss. Paul was a very kind man with a contagious belly laugh. May he rest in peace sending love to all...Jackie
Jaclyn Revier
December 08, 2025 | Clinton, IA
We are so sorry for your loss. We're so thankful for having Paul in our lives and being a companion for my mom all these years. We have fond memories of him at our family events and his visits to Arcadia. Loved hearing his stories, especially some of the hunting ones. Thinking of you and wishing you strength and comfort in the days ahead. Scott and Julie Ceaglske
Scott Ceaglske
December 08, 2025 | Tarpon Springs, FL | Friend
Love sent to the Oetterer family from the Makela/Koski family. Dad Oetterer always had a great smile on him and always had a great story of knowledge to tell! With love, Tracy Mike and kids.
Tracy Makela
December 07, 2025 | Finlayson, MN | Friend
Paul John Oetterer Sr., 88, of Finlayson, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at his home. He was born January 21, 1937, in Finlayson to John and Alma (Heinonen) Oetterer.
Paul grew up in Pine Lake Township and lived on the family homestead for most of his life. He graduated from Finlayson High School in 1956, and in 1958 he married the love of his life, Lillian Kari, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The couple lived in Minneapolis for a short time before returning to Finlayson in 1959, where they farmed and raised their family.
Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, and volunteering with the Boy Scouts, the Knights of Columbus, and the local fire department. He worked for the Finlayson Feed Store for many years before moving into construction with Nord and Photo Control. He later worked at Hinckley Grand Casino, retiring in 2004.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillian, on July 16, 2003 his little sister, Anna Marie Oetterer, and his parents, John and Alma.
Paul is survived by his significant other, Phyllis Ceaglske; his children: Paul (Dennette) of Finlayson; Dave (Sherri) of Hinckley; Todd (Nancy Banta) of Willow River; Loren (Tanya) of Finlayson; Kari (Dennis) Gilpin of Finlayson; Mary Oetterer (Steve Hiel) of Finlayson; and Diane (Dean) Volk of Sandstone; his brothers, Robert of Oregon, Stanley(Sue) of Fridley, MN, John (Glenda) of Hinckley, and Bernie (Sue) of Moose Lake; 13 grandchildren—Jay, Wade, Drew, Josh, Kevin, Luke, Liz, Travis, Molly, Henry, Cody, Kyle, and Cameron; and 12 great-grandchildren—Jamison, Alyss, Kevin, Aaron, Bailey, Oliver, Gavin, Chloe, Waylon, Anna, Riley, and Odin.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Mass on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 203 Lawler Street, Hinckley, MN.
Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.
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