My dad was also a teacher at Highland (Bill Koenen) and he was trying to teach me how to drive at the Fairgrounds. I was a bit nervous and was trying to navigate carefully when all of a sudden a patrol car with all lights flashing pulled us over. Apparently the two of them had planned this stunt in advance knowing Mr. Paddock was going to be out patrolling that night.  I'll never forget how hard the two of them laughed at my expense! Mr. Paddock had a great sense of humor and a most memorable laugh.He was also a wonderful history teacher.
 Sincere condolences to the Paddock family. 
Judy Roe

Mr. Paddock (Sr.) had a great way of explaining things. To this day, I can tell you exactly how World War One  started, because of him.  For some reason I can still recall a lot of different stories he related in his history class, 32 years later.
 He was a good teacher. I hope my students will say the same thing about me.
Sorry to hear about your dad, coach Paddock.(Jr.)


Mr. Paddock was a favorite!  He would always make sure to ask me a history question in class the day after a basketball game knowing that I more then likely  I did not read the assigned pages..."Hagemeyer, do you know what happened in 1812? (or whatever it was for that day)"   I would look at him and he would smile as I would say " Umm... probably not, but I could and would love to tell you about last night's basketball game... you interested?"  He just smiled and laughed and continued on.  I knew it was coming but never had the "answer."  I loved his sense of humor and enjoyed being around him in the gym when we practiced or played a game.  I am sure he is catching up with Coach Richardson and that makes me smile.  Thank you for all of your support and humor over the years, you were special!
Godspeed.
P.S.  Still have never read a history book!


"Mr. Paddock" was a character! I first met Mr. Paddock in tryouts for the 1974 HPSHS B-Squad Basketball team. About 30 guys tried out for the team and only 14 would make the final cut. The previous year when I tried out for the HP Jr High basketball team I and two other friends were cut because one of the players had a good relationship with the Coach and the Coach asked him who he'd like cut from the team. I was one of those people. I was confident and nervous each time Mr. Paddock made a cut if I would be cut or make the cut. It got down to the final cut. Mr. Paddock posted the 14 players who made the team on the JV Locker Room bulletin board. After the final bell rang, all of the final 16 or so guys ran down to the locker room to see if they made the team. My name was on the final 14 players! I was so happy that this other player, who did make the team, had no sway with Mr. Paddock and he chose me to be on the team! We went on to have a 29-1 record - losing in the Twin Cities Championship game to Mpls Central. I didn't play much but it was so rewarding to make the team and be with such a great group of guys. Another fond memory, that really surprised me was when Mr. Paddock visited us at our cabin on Fall Lake, just north of Ely, MN. I didn't realize that he had a cabin up in that area. My dad knew him and invited him over one night. We had a very nice time chatting on our screen porch as the sunset. I always wondered why he walked the halls of Highland and in his class with both hands in his front pants pockets and swung his legs way to the outside before bringing them back in. He would move his upper body as he walked as well. He was a character. He loved to have us run Gophers in basketball practice. Usually 20 in a row. I was also on the high school cross country and track teams so I didn't get tired until the 12th gopher or so. Later, when I would coach boys and girls basketball teams I could barely get the kids to do 3 in a practice. My prayers are with you

So very sorry to hear about your Dad! He was a good man and I have so many fond memories of him and your Mom. I last visited with him at my parents 60th anniversary party at our home and it was so fun to see him. Much love to the Paddock family - my Dad will be happy to see him up above!
Louise Ingebritson Meltvedt 

“A “memory is hard since I have so many. Bill and I walked our dogs every morning together for years.  I cared for Bill like a father or a favorite uncle. I loved his stories - no matter how many times I heard them. He gave wise advice but never admonishment. He loved my cooking or least pretended to and I loved cooking ... or trying to cook his favorites for him. 
He, always grateful, would  return with Frango’s in hand and his Tupperware clean. 
Once dear Finnegan left us, I knew it was only a matter of time. We tried to keep his mind and spirit  alive  with 3 new words to remember each day but alas those,  and all good things must pass I guess. 
He must be SO happy to be reunited with Margaret... I look forward to one day visiting with them both! 

Back in 1957 I went to Highland Junior High, and was fortunate to have Mr. Paddock for math.   He was a wonderful teacher and we all adored him!   Fast forward to 2002.  I joined a new church and two of the members there were Margaret and Bill Paddock!   What a surprise!   In 2006 I got another surprise.  In church one Sunday, I
wanted to introduce my “date” to the Paddocks.   The response I got was “Bill Paddock?   I’ve known him for years...our sons are very good friends”.    How lucky I’ve been to have a teacher I never forgot
and was able to have him as a friend in my adult life!   Thank you for your guidance  as a teacher, your influence, kindness and  friendship.    You will be missed always.

I remember at Highland Sr., I missed a test of naming the States. Mr. Paddock had me out in the hall filling in the states before he let me go on the field for our homecoming football game. I screwed up the geography test badly. Since that time, I've been to 47 States and 28 Countries. It seems each new state or country I visit, I've thought of Mr. Paddock and that test in the hallway, fondly.  He could inspire in many ways.

Dear family of Mr. Paddock,  I took the wishes and  words from his obituary to heart and yesterday and today did some shopping for a family that is housebound due to the Covid-19 virus.  It wasn't much of an effort but it reminded me to take the best of someone you knew and spread that goodness  around whenever you are able.  Mr. Paddock I appreciated your many kindnesses.

Gayle Dorshow

So sorry for your loss and the passing of a wonderful man.  Teacher, B-ball Coach, Sherpa - it was his push that got me off to college.  I have told the story often of how he called my parents and suggested they get me to the school counselor as it didn’t appear that I was applying for college.  He was right and my course corrected, a huge difference maker for me.  I am lucky to have had him as a teacher/coach and forever grateful for that.  RIP Mr. Paddock.
Ross Rifkin (Class of 1969)

Mr Paddock was the nicest,  kindest ,and most encouraging  teacher I had at Highland Park Senior High School! He was a gem of a man! We are all saddened by his passing.   My condolences to his family and all who were privileged to know him! Richard Levine

Sorry Paddocks and Duforts and others for your loss.  I loved playing basketball for Coach Paddock at HPHS in 10th grade .  he was tough but always fun, and gave us pride in taking the effort to be the best in St Paul.  Many happy memories.  God bless you all at this time .  I look forward to doing something in his honor to help fulfill  his wish.  — Paul Koenen class of ’76

  Mr.  Paddock taught at Highland JR. HS before he went to the Sr. Hi. I no longer remember if it was 8th and/or 9th grade, but he was my favorite.  He was the main reason I loved history and became a Soc. Studies tchr.  I still remember that he warned us about China - in a time when the USA was all worried about Russia.  I did not know your mom's name was Margaret - that's why it was an easy name for him to remember.  Six yrs. later my sister had your dad at the Sr. High.  She told me he often called her Margaret.
     Thank you Mr. Paddock for good memories.  

I had the privilege of working with Bill in the late 80s and early 90s at HPHS. Bill taught with passion, engaged students, and was an enthusiastic colleague! Bill, you will always be remembered! Always loved you!

Dan Wagner 
English Teacher 

I was one of the many students fortunate enough to have had your dad (grandad) not only as a teacher but also as my homeroom teacher. When we returned to Highland for our 50th reunion this summer it was a group of students from Mr. Paddocks class who took a detour to go and find our classroom and share good memories of your dad (grandad). How timely that we would be asked to go out and share a kindness with others in his honor. Will do.

What a an amazing obituary request. Not a surprising humanitarian gesture from a good hearted man. He was my homeroom teacher and my history teacher who was very encouraging.  Enjoyed seeing him at the State Fair too. Rest in peace.

I love history and I really loved history class with Mr. Paddock at Highland Park (Class of 1976). He always made class interesting and fun.

My first year at Highland Park Senior High School was also Mr. Paddock’s first year there.  He taught American History.  I enjoyed his class, he had a time line for how we were to make it through the text book by the end of the year and we made it, with a research project thrown in for good measure.  There were probably more than thirty students in our class.  Imagine having to read all those papers for five classes!  I think about him from time to time.  He referred to me as Miss Glynis.  He also had some ready remarks,  for example,  the patriots ran the red coats out “tail end over teakettle!”  I heard him use that expression often when speaking about disputes in American  History.  My senior year he was a faculty chaperone on our class on our trip to Washington D.C.   He was pleasant and fair and
students liked him.  I did!

Very sorry for your loss!   Great teacher at Highland!  🙏

Mr Paddock was my homeroom teacher from 1969-1972.  He was a diamond with a booming voice and warm personality.  He told us that he was in charge of the lockers and combinations because his last name rhymed with padlock.

I never had him as an instructor but I will never forget him.  He was the kind of person you knew had your back.  Sophmore year, I had a bittersweet incident.  Some guys were roughhousing in the pool and one of them (who actually was into boxing and trying out for the Golden Gloves) did not know I was behind him.  He elbowed me in the eye.  It created quite a stir and happily I was excused from swimming for the duration of the semester.  The very next day, the  young man came to our homeroom with his cap off and sheepishly asked Mr. Paddock If I had arrived (he gallantly wanted to check on me).   Mr. Paddock boomed out, "there she is, the girl in the back with the shiner!
I totally respected Mr Paddock and I send you my deepest condolences and sympathy.  
Our world is less because your  father has left us.  I'll never ever forget him.  
Gayle Levy Dorshow

Mr. Paddock was a great teacher! Sorry to hear about his passing...Condolences to his family.

So sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a wonderful teacher; I loved learning history from him.

I had Mr. Paddock as my history teacher at Highland Park-class of 1978. I hated history until I took his class. He made it so interesting. He was a great teacher. Years later I saw him at my church in Eagan and he remembered me.  He will be missed. RIP 💔

Mr. Paddock was such a nice man. RIP  Mr. Paddock! HPSH '85! 

He was a great guy and teacher.  I had him as a homeroom teacher for 3 years from 1966 through 1969.  He was my instructor for American History too.  Good stories and great discussions and yes basketball times!  Steven

Mr. Paddock was a great teacher. I looked forward to his History class and the stories he told. He always made class so interesting. I had him as a junior in 1974-75 at Highland HS. My deepest sympathies for your family's loss. Joan (LaVigne) Ryan '76

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

William Walfort Paddock

3 juillet 1935 – 11 avril 2020

Wulff Funeral Home

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