Paul Arthur Chell

Paul Arthur Chell was born on October 22, 1938 to Anton and Bernice Chell in Waseca, MN, and died on June 17, 2019 in Northfield, MN. Paul grew up in Minnesota and attended schools in Kensington and Olivia.  He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter and subsequently received a Master of Divinity from Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, IL.  Paul married Sharon J. Swanson on August 25, 1962.   Together, they served Lutheran parishes in South Dakota, Oregon, Washington and Minnesota from the time of Paul’s ordination in 1964 until his retirement in 2015 from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Olympia, WA, where he was a visitation pastor.

Paul was devoted to his family and took great joy in his children and grandchildren.  He was a musician, having sung in the Gustavus Choir and several church choirs, and was a huge sports fan, particularly of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners.  For 12 years, he served as an usher at Century Link Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, and was thrilled to witness their successful march to a Super Bowl championship in 2014.

Paul moved to Northfield in 2016 to be closer to family, as significant health challenges and an eventual diagnosis of ALS necessitated additional supports and services.  He lived at the Northfield Retirement Community until his death.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sheri, in January 2010.

Paul is survived by his children, Eric (Angie) Chell of Puyallup WA; his daughter Krista (Jeff) Middlebrooks of Northfield MN; his grandchildren, Matthew and Christopher Chell, Holly and Luke Middlebrooks; his sister, Ruth (Bob) Oliphant of Edina MN and his brother, John Chell of Plymouth MN.

The family requests that any contributions in his memory be made to the ALS Association, MN/ND/SD Chapter.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.  www.northfieldfuneral.com