Paul Brehm

Paul Brehm, age 69, of Waubun, MN, passed away at his home on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Born on June 2, 1955, in Mahnomen, MN, Paul Howard was the son of Howard and Doris (Anderson) Brehm. After both of his parents passed away at a young age, Paul was lovingly raised by his grandparents in Waubun. Immediately following his graduation from Waubun High School, Paul began his Law Enforcement career with the Waubun Police Department. In 1976, he joined the Waubun Fire Department, an organization that would become one of his lifelong passions. Paul was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ahles, on June 10, 1978, and together they were blessed with two sons. The family made their home in Waubun, where Paul dedicated himself to public service. For 35 years, he served as the Waubun Chief of Police, and from 1979 until his retirement in 2010, he also worked as a Deputy, advancing to Chief Deputy with the Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office. In the early-1990s, Paul co-founded Alarms Unlimited Inc., where he spent nearly a decade installing security-surveillance systems for homes and businesses. Paul also enjoyed hauling sugar beets for Haugo Farms. Paul's dedication to the Waubun community and surrounding area was evident in all aspects of his life. In addition to his law enforcement career, he honorably served as Chief of the Waubun Fire Department for 38 years and was former Mayor of Waubun. He was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, Waubun Area Men's Organization, Minnesota State Fire Warden for 38 years, and served on the Board of Directors for the Mahnomen County Airport.
In his rare moments of free time, Paul loved to fly and eventually owned his own plane which was a dream come true. He spent many hours ice fishing, cruising around on his side-by-side patrolling the streets of Waubun, visiting with neighbors, and meeting friends at the café. Above all, Paul cherished his family. He took great pride in raising his sons, who are each carrying his legacy forward. He adored being a grandpa and "Papa Paul" delighted in spoiling his six grandchildren. He also loved spending time with his German Shepherd, Hemi.
Paul's unwavering devotion to his family, commitment to his community, his oath to serve and protect, and his compassion for others will be remembered by all who knew him. May his memory live on in the countless lives and hearts he touched and saved.
Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara and sons, Scott (Tammy) and Brett (Kelsey), all of Waubun; six grandchildren: Faith, Maverick, Karidee, Taya, Cheslyn, and Tyce; his brother-in-law, Michael Ahles (Yvonne Bakken) of Detroit Lakes; as well as his Fire Department and Law Enforcement families.
Paul is proceeded in death by Howard and Doris Brehm, Helmer and Miriam Anderson, Herbert and MaryAnn Ahles, and James and Fern Blattenbauer, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Waubun High School. A Time of Gathering will be held Friday, March 28, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen and continuing one hour prior to the service at the school. Inurnment will be held at the St. Ann's Cemetery, Waubun, MN.