Paul Anthony Pairitz

Paul Anthony Pairitz, 80, of Andover, MN, passed away peacefully at home on August 17th, 2021, with his wife by his side.

Paul was born in Chicago, IL, on December 18th, 1940, to Matthias and Hermina (Hutter) Pairitz. He attended St. Gregory High School, competing in basketball and becoming famous for his underhand free throws. After graduation in 1958, his parents put him on a train with one suitcase and sent him to St. Thomas College in St Paul, MN. He had never visited the college before arriving. While studying at St. Thomas, Paul met the love of his life – Joan Pierre.  They were married on June 5th of 1961 and moved to Chicago with Paul promising that they would move back to the Twin Cities in "a few years."

Paul went to work in the maintenance department for the Chicago Board of Education following in his father's footsteps.  He retired from the "Board" in 1998 after 37 years.  During this time, Paul earned an Associate's Degree from Crane College (now Malcolm X College) in Chicago.

After retiring, Paul and Joan moved to Andover, MN, to be closer to their children, grandchildren and their cabin in WI. So much for "a few years." Paul took a job as a school bus driver at Kottkes Bus Service in Andover to supplement his retirement income but to also interact with children which he had done his whole career.  Paul also volunteered at Epiphany School helping students with their reading skills. He enjoyed being around children and helping them develop. He also attended as many of his grandchildren's sporting events as possible.  People could always tell when he was present since he was the loudest fan in the stands.

Paul loved spending time at the cabin.  He cherished driving his boat especially pulling people skiing and tubing although he could not ski.  He enjoyed helping the "farmer" with farming chores when help was short. However, you had to beware when Paul was pulling a loaded hay wagon.  He was not too smooth with the tractor clutch and quite a few people found themselves riding a bale to the ground.  While at the cabin in the evenings, Paul liked to pile a bunch of kids into the car and treat them at the Dairy Queen. Every so often, it would be near closing time for the DQ, so he would call and make sure they would stay open until he arrived.  This was no problem since Paul was on a first name basis with nearly every business owner in town.

Paul was a generous, gregarious man.  He never met a stranger.  He could start a conversation with anyone and make it seem that they had known each other for years. A rare gift. He shared whatever he had and was always willing to lend a hand even without being asked.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother Anthony (Kathy) and sister Germaine Jonesi (Dave); survived by his wife Joan, son Joseph (Patty), daughter Lynn Bettendorf (Pat); grandchildren Matt Barton, Tim (Liz Boots), Kelly and Sadie Bettendorf; great-grandchild Brooke Barton and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:30am on August 30, 2021, at the Church of the Epiphany in  Coon Rapids, MN, with a visitation starting at 9:30am.