Paul H. Gladfelter

Fairmont, MN
Memorial Services for Paul H. Gladfelter, age 98, of Fairmont, MN, will be held at a later date. Paul passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at United Hospital District in Blue Earth, MN. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.
Paul Gladfelter was born on May 11, 1927 in York, Pennsylvania to Mary Jane Bolton Gladfelter and Paul Henry Gladfelter, Sr. He was brought into the world in his parent's apartment by a midwife. He was baptized in Christ Lutheran Church, York Pennsylvania as an infant. He was raised within the city of York. Being an outgoing boy, he attended not only the Lutheran Church, but also St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church with his best friend. He took weekly piano lessons from one of the Franciscan Sisters. On March 29, 1942 Paul was confirmed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Christ Lutheran Church, York Pennsylvania.
Paul enjoyed sports from a young age, participating in swimming, and track and field events.
Paul began Scouting at the age of 11. He was very active in the Boy Scouts, earning badges, and attending camps around the state. He attended Pennsylvania State Jamborees on a number of occasions. He earned the highest Boy Scout Award, the Eagle Scout Award, as a senior in high school. Paul followed the Boy Scout oath and laws as his personal principles throughout his life.
Paul graduated from York High School in 1945. While in high school, he enlisted in the Navy. Immediately after graduation, he entered the ranks of the U.S. Navy with boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. Following boot camp he moved to Norfolk Virginia and was assigned to the oil ship, Chuckawan 100 which was a ship that went out to sea to fuel other Naval vessels. Paul's occupational specialty was Yeoman, a Supply Officer. In 1947, Paul completed his years of service with the U.S. Navy.
Paul became a student at Grove City College in 1947, where he met the love of his life, Cathie Hess, while at a college dance. On June 25, 1949, they were married at the Presbyterian Church in Niagara Falls. Their first years together were in Lockport, NY, where Paul became the father of four active boys. In 1964, Paul moved his family to Appleton Wisconsin when he made a career change from working as a salesman for Cathie's father's corporation, to being a salesman for Wick Homes. In 1972, the Gladfelter family moved to Fairmont MN where Paul became an Area Contractor for Wick Homes.
Paul's job took him away on the weekdays, but the weekends were time for family. He loved taking his family camping and traveling with a pop-up camper in tow. After the boys grew up and had families of their own, Paul and Cathie continued to love traveling. They enjoyed visiting their sons and grandchildren in Minnesota, California, Colorado and Wisconsin. They never turned down an event celebrating births, birthdays, and holidays. Other travels and tours took them all over the United States and the world. They loved to cruise on Royal Caribbean Cruises and go sailing with family. Paul's favorite tour was going to the Holy Land and he hoped to return one day.
Paul's faith continued from childhood into adulthood as he became an active Gideon holding true to the mission of spreading the Gospel. Paul prided himself on being an involved member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Fairmont.
On June 25, 2024 Paul and Cathie celebrated 75 years of marriage. They were an inseparable pair and their 75 years together was a testament to their true love and devotion. During the past few years, Paul's daily routine revolved around his love for Cathie.
Paul is survived by his wife, Cathie; sons Jeffrey (Jody) from Chaska, MN; James from Napa, California; David (Anne) from Arvada, CO; and Richard (Kimberly) from Sunnydale, CA. Grandchildren: Jamie (Pete), Megan (Eoin), Joshua (Brittany), Jacob (Carley), Jianna, Kaylie, Jared and Justin; great grandchildren: Logan, Samantha, Alexandra, Patrick, James, Bridger, Brooks and Bennett. He is also survived by sister-in-laws, Mary (James) Currie and Betty (John) Stein. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jane Bolton Gladfelter and Paul Henry Gladfelter, Sr.; brother Arthur Gladfelter, granddaughter, Jennifer Annis; daughter in law, Lynn Gladfelter and son-in-law, Bill Chiat.
www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net