He was born in Mount Jewett, PA on June 1, 1931 to the late John Ivar and Mabel Augusta (Anderson) Holmberg. Paul enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and served on the USS Corsair SS-435 during the Korean War. Following his service, he moved to Minnesota to attend veterinary school at the University of Minnesota. He graduated in 1960, started two veterinary practices, and cared for both farm animals and innumerable pets and owners throughout his 43-year veterinary career.
He met his wife at First Covenant Church St. Paul and they married on August 30, 1957. They were parents of four children and 11 grandchildren. Following his retirement, Paul continued to work up until his death as a greeter at Home Depot in Blaine, MN.
Paul was an encourager who looked for ways to show hospitality and inspire others. He was well-known for a firm handshake and tight hugs. He was a consistent supporter of his children and grandchildren, faithfully attending sporting events and concerts, never missing an opportunity to tell them he was proud of them, literally to his death bed on his final day. Paul loved to garden, annually adorning his homeowner's association property with petunias, geraniums and other flowers, all the while never turning down a cup of coffee. "Old Glory" flew daily and proudly from his deck.
He is survived by his wife, Marion Holmberg of White Bear Lake, MN. Also surviving are his four children: Chris (Bud) Sundeen of Oak Grove, MN; Mark (Kerry) Holmberg of Woodbury, MN; John Holmberg of Algonquin, IL; Lisa (Chris) Clement of Clive, IA. As well as his 11 grandchildren: Joel (Katie) Sundeen, Alyssa (Logan) Nieson, Katie Holmberg, Abby (Michael) Huber, Andy Holmberg, Tom Holmberg, Annie Holmberg, Amy Holmberg, Megan Clement, Ryan Clement and Quincey Keenan.
He is preceded in death by his parents, J. Ivar and Mabel Holmberg, and his siblings: Alfred Holmberg, Duane Holmberg, Milton Holmberg, and Marge (Holmberg) McCauslin.
A Celebration of Life and Faith service will be held at First Covenant Church (1280 Arcade Street, St. Paul, MN) on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 1:00PM. Refreshments, especially coffee, will follow. Private family burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022.
Memorials preferred to First Covenant Church of St. Paul or Minnehaha Academy as he served on the Board of both organizations.
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