Paul Wallner

Paul Edward Wallner was born on February 9, 1932 to Frank and Catherine (Hammerschmidt) Wallner at New Ulm, Minnesota. The family moved to Bertha, Minnesota in 1945. On January 16, 1953, Paul entered the US Army to serve his country in the Korean War and was honorably discharged on December 15, 1954. Paul was united in marriage with Wilma Kearney in Redfield, South Dakota on October 31, 1955. He brought her back to Bertha where they operated a dairy farm west of Bertha. His cows were his second family, his pets. They came to him when he called and he named each one. When he went out to the barn at the end of the day, as he did everyday, he would say he was tucking them in for the night. They sold the cows in 2000 and he began spending more time around the house. He enjoyed gardening and taking care of the birds and squirrels as well as indoor activities such as reading and suffering through countless games of computer solitaire. He also enjoyed fixing things around the farm and inventing tools that helped make the chores easier. In his community, Paul was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bertha, serving as a member of the church council for years. Paul passed away suddenly on March 13, 2004 at the Tri County Hospital in Wadena, MN at the age of 72. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Catherine Wallner, and his brother John Wallner. He is survived by his wife of over 48 years Wilma Wallner; sons Peter (Joan) of Bertha, Steven (Lucinda) of Wahpeton, ND, Richard (Kathy) of Chanhassen, MN, and Thomas (Patty) of Canton, SD; daughters Mary (Warren) Stokes of Wadena, Cathy (Kevin) Perish of Clarissa, MN and Judith Sauer of Byron, MN; 19 grandchildren; brother Robert (Emily) of White Bear Lake, MN; sisters Mary Olson of New Hope, MN, Geraldine (Wally) Webster of Chesterfield, VA and Barbara Wallner of Crystal, MN; and nieces and nephews Jimmy, Tracy, Mike and Michelle. Pallbearers were his grandsons Michael Stokes, Justin Wallner, Matt Sauer, Jeremy Wallner, Andrew Wallner and Patrick Perish. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren Devin Perish, Lance Parker, Tate Wallner, Heidi Stokes, Jenny Wallner, Maggie Wallner, Kassie Wallner, Amanda Wallner, Tia Wallner, Kelly Sauer, Jennifer Haldeman, Ashley Perish and Jaclyn. Military Honors were provided by the William Larson American Legion Post 366 of Bertha, MN. Interment was in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Bertha Township, Minnesota

Paul Wallner

February 9, 1932 - March 13, 2004