Paul T Romanowski

Paul Thomas Romanowski

December 6, 1924 ~ July 18, 2025

Paul Thomas Romanowski was the 8th of 13 children born to John and Sofia Romanowski on December 6, 1924, at the family farm in Finlayson, Minnesota. His parents emigrated from Poland, and Paul fluently spoke Polish at home with his large family.

Paul attended grade school at District No. 50 in Pine County and graduated from Willow River High School in 1943. He would often tell stories of his high school and recall the name of his principal and teachers who shaped and encouraged him. A favorite memory was being asked as a junior to speak at the junior-senior prom. It was a pivotal moment that earned him the confidence to pursue future ambitions.

Life on the farm was difficult, and Paul was the first to admit it. He was aware of the sacrifices his mother made to care for their family and it touched him deeply. He fondly spoke of the trips he made to town with his father, visiting the bank, meat market, and businesses. His father once told Paul that he was not cut out for farm work and should instead pursue a career in business.

Paul was gifted with a mind for business and problem solving. As a child, he planted a vegetable garden and tenderly cared for it, selling the produce to buy a bicycle from the Sears catalog. When it arrived by train, he asked the mailman for a ride into town to pick it up, intending to ride the bike home. To Paul's surprise, the bicycle arrived unassembled in a box. With quick thinking, Paul went to the blacksmith in town who helped him assemble his bike, enabling Paul to ride his bike home.

A year out of high school, Paul enlisted in the US Navy. He was stationed in the South Pacific, serving his country in the Philippines, New Guinea, and Guam. He learned many life lessons during his two years in the Navy, one most notable was making his bed perfectly, and he did this every day until the day he died.

Paul returned to Minnesota after the war and began his career in the automobile business at Kaiser-Frazer and Johnson Motor Company on Snelling Avenue. With a strong work ethic, perseverance, and encouragement from his brother-in-law, E.J. Tempel, Paul opened his own business, Midwest Motor Company, on University Avenue in St. Paul, which he operated for many years. After selling his business, he remained active buying, selling, and assisting people with their vehicles.

It was at the State Capitol building where Paul met his future wife, Janet Nelson. He would make trips to the Capitol to do business transferring automobile titles. Paul and Janet were married on May 9, 1953, and made their home in St. Paul, raising two daughters, Rita and Gail. When at home, Paul took pride in his yard, spending countless hours tending to his lawn and gardens. He loved to cook and will be remembered by many for his precision in grilling and the pleasure he took in serving his guests.

Paul and Janet were charter members of Roseville Lutheran Church. Over the years, he served on the church council and volunteered as a greeter and usher, positions that suited him well.

Paul was truly a people person and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. Nothing brought him more joy than connecting with family, friends, and business associates. He had a servant's heart and enjoyed helping people. With his random acts of kindness, Paul made life a little brighter for all.

Paul is survived by daughters, Rita (Steve) Hallstrom, Gail Romanowski (Gary Laidig); grandchildren, Melinda (Eric) Berg, Jaclyn (Mark) Tarman; great-grandchildren, Wally, Winnie, Dylan, Noelle, and Raya; brother, John Romanowski, many special nieces, nephews, family and dear friends. He is preceded in death by loving wife of 69 years, Janet; parents, John and Sofia Romanowski; siblings, Josephine Natalino, Kathryn Hertzberg, Helen Romanowski, Joseph Romanowski, Anne Patient, Frank Romanowski, Agnes Tempel, Bernyce Hutson, Mary Austing, Marcella Klainert, and Edwin Romanowski.

Thank you to the St. Therese Woodbury community, residents and staff. We are most grateful for your friendships, kindness and stellar care.

Paul Romanowski Celebration of Life Service

Roseville Lutheran Church

1215 Roselawn Avenue West Roseville, MN 55113

Friday, August 15, 2025

10:00 am Visitation

11:00 am Service

Lunch to follow

Memorials preferred to Roseville Lutheran Church or St. Therese of Woodbury