Paul C. Ehlen
Paul C. Ehlen of Hamilton, Montana passed away suddenly on June 27, 2023 at the age of 61. Born on September 14, 1961 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was the son of Charles Ehlen and Nancy (Frederiksen) Ehlen. Paul grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota with his four siblings and attended Cathedral High School. He earned his college degree from Marquette University and went on to be an entrepreneur. His passions included aviation, hunting, fishing, skiing and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife Katy; his children Claire (Andreas) Christodoulou, Sarah Ehlen, Christian Ehlen, and Joel Ehlen; his parents; and his siblings Cathy Brutger, Fred Ehlen, Betsy Ehlen, and Steve (Kelli) Ehlen. He also leaves behind many other beloved family members and friends. A visitation will be held at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th St., Edina on Monday, July 17, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary, Hennepin Avenue at 17th Street in Minneapolis on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. with a one-hour visitation prior to service. Fr. Daniel Griffith will be presiding. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department (P.O. Box 562, Hamilton, MT 59840); the American Legion Post #91 (PO Box 205, Corvallis, MT 59828); The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis; The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena; or donor's choice. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Sponsored by Daly-Leach Chapel & Crematory.
Jack Amundson
June 24, 2025
Always remembering you, Paulie, and dear Katy. Jack
Shelly (wanner) Jund
December 18, 2024
Katy and Family, I think of Paul often and how awesome he was to work with, a good guy gone to soon. He had such drive but so compassionate lucky to have worked with him in the lasik field for so many years
Jack Amundson
June 24, 2024
Always remembering my friend Paulie.
mark robbins
October 18, 2023
Katy, I just found out today about Paul's tragic untimely death. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Paul was always so full of life. He will be missed by all his family and friends.
Marty Gaslin
July 13, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the Ehlen family. Sincerely, Martin and Tawni Gaslin and Family.
Anne Jacobson
July 11, 2023
Sincere and deepest sympathy to Paul´s entire family and all those who know and love this amazing man. Paul, along with sweet Katy, was quietly generous beyond measure. No words are sufficient.
We loved having the Ehlen family as neighbors and friends since 1993 while enjoying all that comes with watching a family grow and thrive. The Ehlen family does so much for so many without asking for anything in return. Paul´s contributions to WOTN Museum and helping our family years ago in our grief will never be forgotten.
We all have dozens and dozens of Paul stories and great memories of life with this energetic and entertaining man who left this earth way too soon. We will cherish every memory forever and we will find ways to honor Paul´s incredible life and legacy.
We will also support Katy in her grief; she and Paul are a perfect pairing, like peanut butter and jelly or wine and cheese, how do we say Katy without Paul?
Prayers to Claire, Sarah, Christian, and Joel as you navigate life without your dad. Thank you for the privilege of knowing and sharing Paul over the years.
Anne Jacobson and family.
Mike Sipe
July 11, 2023
I know Paul loved his family. May peace, love, good memories be forever.
Shelly (Wanner) Jund
July 10, 2023
I was so fortunate to be part of this amazing person life I worked for Paul many-many years. He was a one of a kind,he opened so many doors for me taught me so much in my life he made sure I was always taken care, as he did for so many of his workers and friends. His energy and upbeat personality was contagious his humor was unforgettable. But most of all he was a friend support and encourager and respected by me, above all a giver loving father husband, and a true friend
Gone but never forgotten. My deepest sympathy Shelly

Ty Tallakson
July 10, 2023
Michele Helgen
July 10, 2023
Katie, we are so very sorry for your family´s tragic loss. You are all in our prayers. Michele and Henry Helgen, friends at the Carlyle
Jim MacKay
July 9, 2023
Although we had not met in person, we traded calls and emails last year to set up mountain training in Paul's BH-206 helicopter. I was struck by his professional approach to aviation and his passion for flying. I will miss the opportunity to fly with Paul and send my deepest condolences to his family for his loss.
Ty Tallakson
July 7, 2023
1964, Vallejo California. That is when and where my parents met Paul's parents - Lee & Charlie serving in the Navy. Paul & I were 3 years old at the time. For nearly 60 years, our families have been and still are, the closest of friends ~ Mutual vacations & trips, births of our kids, graduations, weddings, funerals, hunting-fishing, just hanging out. And of course the cherished tradition of Christmas Tree cutting together!! There are no words right now - our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to Katy, Claire, Sarah, Christian and Joel. And to all of the Ehlen Family, of course. With love, -Ty, Penny, Heidi & Elsa Tallakson
Cindy Brutger
July 7, 2023
So many memories! Paul´s love of life was contagious! Katy and kids I hope you feel the love and compassion so many people are sending your way. Our hearts are breaking for you.
Renee and Derrick Taylor
July 7, 2023
Our condolences to Katie and to the Ehlen family. Words cannot even describe how shocked we were to hear of Paul´s tragic passing. Such a loss of a spirited and vibrant personality. We will always remember him for his humor and charm. He will certainly be missed by many.
Renee and Derrick Taylor
Tom Elliott
July 6, 2023
Paul was a great friend and boss, met Paul in the early 1990s traveling to do refractive surgery in his Beechcraft Baron. It was a pleasure.
Randy Huenergardt
July 5, 2023
I am a very lucky person to have been able to call Paul a close friend. We met a little over 10 years ago when he called me and asked me to train a hunting dog for him.
That dogs name is Boone and what a great family that Boone ended up with. I have trained dogs for over 40 years and Paul was a lot more than just a client. I will miss him like my brother that I lost last year. R.I.P. My Friend
Kenny Olson
July 5, 2023
I've had the incredible opportunity to do IT work for Paul and his companies over the past few years. I was never super close with Paul, but had the pleasure of working directly with him many times. It was immediately obvious to me that he's a caring and fun guy, who has nothing but interesting things to say. He made everyone feel welcome and wanted. Paul had such a powerfully positive impact on those around him, and was undoubtedly a role model to many, myself included. No matter how good or bad your day was, he was sure to put a smile on your face! I have nothing but great things to say about him.
My thoughts are with Paul's family and friends. I will always remember Paul fondly - he will be dearly missed.
Jayne Stenstad
July 2, 2023
It seems that Paul may have been at the MN Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee Banquet, April 1st in Minnesota. I could be mistaken but either way he would have been warmly welcomed. My late, husband, John Nelson Metropolitan Airport Commission, would have also echoed that Paul was a man of good character. God bless you, lean toward your Christian faith to guide you through this difficult time with your family and close friends.
Paul earned his “Angel Wings”. He is with God in Heaven and protecting you.
Leanne Kolodziej
July 2, 2023
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Paul, my former boss of 10 years. He was a kind, generous, and caring person who always put his family first. His love for them was evident in everything he did. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. Paul's memory will always be cherished, and his impact on those around him will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Paul.
Art and Lily Cressman
July 2, 2023
Lily and I are greatly saddened to hear of Paul's passing and send our prayers and heartfelt thoughts to Katie and the family. As a fellow pilot and neighbor, Paul and I shared many conversations, the occasional golf date, back country flights together. He graciously offered & allowed us to share his hanger when we were in Hamilton. He was a man's man and always a pleasure to just "hang" with. Paul always had time to check on Lily's health and loved to share photos of his girls.... whom he cherished so much. Lily and I have lost a friend and someone whose generosity and love of life will be sorely missed..... Now absent the stress that life brings, Paul rests peacefully in the loving arms of the Lord.
Art and Lily Cressman

Tom Kamp
July 2, 2023
Paul and I connected beginning in 2002 over a love for flying and piloting high performance aircraft. As our friendship developed, that common interest in flying expanded to include golf, skiing, and dinners out with our wives. We spoke often since we shared a common value system that prioritized our faith and our families. We went on many exciting and memorable trips together. In many of these settings, we joined other friends. One of the common themes was that Paul was frequently the life of the party due to his gregariousness, infectious smile, and unending sense of humor. Paul´s zest for life was and continues to be an inspiration to me.
One of my favorite stories of Paul was from one of our ski trips in Canada. While the skiing was outstanding, the interaction with Paul and other friends was always a highlight of my year. Paul, who never suffered from self-doubt, and jokingly referred to himself as the "World´s Greatest Skier", once skied off a large snow-covered boulder on a very steep slope surrounded by many trees. Upon landing in deep snow, he did a "double release" (meaning both ski boots burst out of their bindings) and summersaulted forward in front of the rest of our group. It was quite a sight that caused all of us to laugh and recount the story many times in subsequent years. There are more than a few videos of our group having the time of our lives.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Katy and family. Like many others, my life was enriched by knowing and interacting with Paul.
danese anderson
July 2, 2023
My late husband and I met Paul and Katie when they had a very young family. Paul was full of life and very driven.... With an infectious smile. His family was most important to him. May Katie and the children find peace as they remember the good times.
danese anderson. ( Late husband Eddie )
Gavin
July 1, 2023
Paul was a nice and thoughtful man. He gave me the opportunity to follow my dream and get my pilots license in his Cessna 150. Thank you again Paul.
Jackie Corah
June 30, 2023
I worked for Paul for 15 years. He was a wonderful man to work for! He was thoughtful and generous to all who worked for him! He will be greatly missed by all of us who were lucky to know him!
Jackie Corah
Chris Thompson
June 30, 2023
What a Great Boss and Friend. It was an honor to work for you and with you. Also to share life with you. You surely will be missed.
Keith Carlson
June 30, 2023
Katie and family, my deepest sympathy to you in this terrible time of loss. Paul was always very helpful to me from the very start of my ophthalmology career. He showed me new and better ways to care for patients and was ready at any time to assist me. Always a friendly smile. Always upbeat. Full of boundless energy. A great loss. I pray for the peace that only comes from Jesus Christ in the days ahead as you lean upon him. Keith Carlson
Billy Manzene
June 30, 2023
I am just heart broken. Paul was a great person and will remember all the great things he did for me . My Thoughts and Prayers are with his beautiful family. God Bless you Paul and may God continue to bless your family.
RIP
Jack Amundson
June 30, 2023
Katy and family, Paul was such a great guy and friend. I am so sorry for your loss. With hugs, love, and sympathy.
Jack Amundson
Jake
June 30, 2023
Paul was one of a kind. The only thing that outmatched his tenacity was his genuine kindness and his pervasive positivity. Through his genuine persona, he changed the trajectory of countless lives for the better. We were all lucky to have him.
Lindsey Heil
June 30, 2023
Paul and his family were neighbors of ours for many years. He was a man of faith and was always there to lend a helping hand and was always thinking of others. His and Katy's overwhelming thoughtfulness and generosity touched our family on many occasions, especially after the sudden death of my father. I am thankful to have known Paul and pray for peace and comfort to both him and his entire family during this very sad time. May God be with all of you.
Michael Castino
June 30, 2023
Thanks Sniffy, I met Katie,Larry and Cindy because of you,three better people I do not know. Three people I will be seeing soon just sucks that I won´t be seeing you. RIP SNIFFY. Michael Castino
Ellen
June 30, 2023
Paul was my boss and friend for 27 plus years. He was the best boss and the most thoughtful kind man. I am so saddened by his passing. Deepest sympathy to Katie and the kids.
Larry
June 30, 2023
A unique friend for 30 years. Will miss knowing he isn´t out there. Sprayer to Katie and all the Ehlen children. He will be sorely missed.
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