Paul William Oehlke

Paul was born on February 4, 1957, to Clifford and Bertha Oehlke of rural Newport, Minnesota. As the son of a farmer, he learned how to raise crops, milk cows, farrow pigs, repair farm equipment, and all the other aspects of farming. Paul was a member of 4-H, played saxophone, and wrestled, but he preferred being a member of the debate and declamation teams at Woodbury Junior and Senior High Schools and downhill skiing. When the family relocated to Kasson the summer before Paul’s senior year, he was instrumental in starting a declamation team at Kasson-Mantorville High School. Paul helped to plan the 50th class reunion for the K-M class of 1975 but was unable to attend due to his health.

Paul loved learning. After high school, he received a BA in Speech Communications and Rhetoric from UW River Falls, a Masters from UI Urbana-Champaign, and a Doctorate from UM Twin Cities. He was recognized in 1979 as the After-Dinner Speaking National Champion at the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament representing UWRF. After graduating, he shared this knowledge with others as a college professor. Among the universities he taught at were Humbolt University in CA, the College of William & Mary in VA, Tulane University in LA, Creighton University in NE, Edinboro University in PA, and St Cloud State University in MN. In later years, he established Independent Thinkers LLC which specialized in speech and communications consulting.

Paul met his beloved wife Kristin Peterson at Barnes & Noble, which was very fitting as they both loved books and were lifelong learners. They were married on 9-9-1999 aboard a riverboat on the St. Croix River, a date they chose so their anniversary would be easily remembered. Their home was primarily in St Paul except for several years in Atlanta when Kris was working at the CDC. When they returned to Minnesota, they purchased a house which Paul set about remodeling. He was particularly proud of the deck and landscaping he completed. This expanded the room available for the parties they loved to host. They traveled extensively enjoying the sites and tastes of new places. Sadly after 19 years of marriage, Kristen passed away before they could complete their bucket list of places they wanted to visit. Paul was heartbroken when she died in 2018.

Paul was also preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Bertha Oehlke. He is survived by his siblings: Kathy (Phil) Adam, Carol (Larry) Lipschultz, and John (Aleida) Oehlke as well as nieces and nephews, David, Marie, Jessica, Michael, Abby, and Krista. Paul was fortunate to find Barbara Dovey who shared his life with him since August of 2020. She was the medicine that helped Paul recover from Kristin’s death. Their travels included enjoying music, good food and often stopping to find out the history of a church along the way. Paul went to Alabama in January 2026 to be close to Barbara and to escape the cold of a Minnesota winter. She lovingly took care of Paul until his passing.

The last year of Paul’s life was enriched by family and friends who visited him either in person or on the phone. He enjoyed reminiscing with everyone. When one tried to change the focus and ask how he was, his response was “as well as can be expected.” He didn’t complain about his cancer diagnosis. He said he was “good with God” and accepted whatever God’s plan was for him.

Please join us as we celebrate Paul’s life on Saturday, August 8th at Wulff Funeral Home (1485 White Bear Avenue, St. Paul). Visitation begins at 9:30am and the Celebration of Life service begins at 10:30am. After the service, please join us at Paul’s house at 1424 Arundel Street, St. Paul to share memories and a farewell meal.