We have bittersweet news to share with you. On Saturday, October 23, Camp’s dear friend, Paul Lundgren, went “home” to be with his Savior – a sad day for Paul’s family and friends…but the best day ever for Paul! Teamed with wife, Donna, Paul was a valued and much loved Camp Lebanon volunteer. He wore many hats, including Fishing Grandpa, Bell Hop (for seniors and quilters), Chief Lawn Mower, and All-Around Volunteer. Loved by all ages and valued by all departments, Paul was a loyal friend, faithful servant, and eager witness for Christ – a genuine “sermon in shoes!”
A Memorial Service was held at Country Community Church in Holdingford MN on Wednesday, October 27 to honor Paul’s legacy. Over 200 friends and family joined together in singing favorite hymns, sharing memories, and proclaiming the “Good News!” that Paul’s hope was founded in his relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul’s son, Nathan, shared a stirring tribute, reminding all present that his beloved father no longer had to settle for living by faith. He had finished the race and so can now live by sight, seeing his Savior face to face.
The testimonials were especially touching as two “best friends” and all fourteen grandchildren shared memories of Grandpa Paul (most involved rock hunting, fishing, reading books, or playing games). Tears and laughter were both in abundance, which was only appropriate as we recalled together the joy so enthusiastically lived out by Paul. Camp’s Executive Director, Bill Abeler, who had the privilege of officiating the service, concluded the gathering with an encouragement from one of Pauls’ all-time favorite scriptures found in Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
To watch the service, follow this link: Paul’s Memorial Service. The family requests that memorials be sent in Paul’s name to Camp Lebanon to advance the ministry the family holds so dear. Gifts can be sent by mail to Camp Lebanon, 1205 Acorn Road, Burtrum, MN 56318 or be donated online by following the link below.
We love you Paul!
Obituary for Paul Lundgren
Paul was born February 26, 1952, to Kenneth and Marilyn (Fillmore) Lundgren. He grew up in Robbinsdale, MN as the second of four siblings. After he finished high school, his family purchased and operated Lundgren’s Upper Cullen Resort near Nisswa, MN. One summer while living at the resort, Paul asked out a beautiful car hop whom he had previously met at church. He married Donna Schack on August 23, 1975. They made their home in Brooklyn Park after Paul completed his bachelor’s degree at Northwestern College in St. Paul, and a Masters of Divinity at Bethel Theological Seminary in Arden Hills. During seminary, Paul started delivering packages for UPS. Paul continued to provide for his family for 37 years as a UPS driver who cared more about the people he was delivering to than he did the packages which he carried. He and Donna added Nathan, Naomi, and Bethany to their family before building their new home in Maple Grove, MN and moving there in 1991. He retired from UPS in 2014, and began his new “career” as a volunteer for several ministries. Paul and Donna moved to Albany, MN in 2016 to be closer to Camp Lebanon, where they volunteered regularly. Paul’s life was marked by dedication and loyalty to whatever he did. He loved baseball, played on numerous softball leagues each summer, and often took his kids to Twins games at the Metrodome. He was an avid fisherman and would never be caught without enough tackle. He ran with a passion, completing 16 marathons and countless 5k races. Most importantly, his love for the Lord and his Word was evident by the many Bibles, commentaries, and Christian books he enjoyed. His trips to visit the kids and grandkids always included a bag of books to consume between card games of golf and taking his dog Eddy for a walk. He taught Sunday School for many years, and leaves a legacy of marked-up Bibles and time devoted to studying and understanding God’s Word.
Paul will be remembered and dearly missed by his wife Donna; son, Nathan (Brittany) Lundgren of Kooskia, ID; daughters, Naomi (Luke) Perman of Lowry, SD and Bethany (Joseph) Yard of Lindale, TX; 14 grandchildren; siblings, Dave (Kathy) Lundgren of Nisswa, MN, John (Jill) Lundgren of New River, AZ, and Mary (John) Bergquist of Nisswa, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Paul has joined his parents Ken and Marilyn in heaven.
2 thoughts on “In Memory of Paul Lundgren”
Sympathy and love to you Donna. What a great tribute.
I am so sorry to hear about Paul Lundgren. He was a dedicated, fine Christian. He loved the Lord, his family, the kids and camp. He will be missed.
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