Paul Richard Joelson

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, son and brother, Paul Richard Joelson, on July 17th, 2026 at the age of 39 while vacationing at his family cabin on Lake Vermilion.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart, love of his life and soulmate, Jennifer (O’Brien), their three amazing boys, Riley, Wyatt and Austin and black lab, Louie; his loving parents, David and Carol (Ellegard) Joelson; his fun sister, Jenna (Will) McNulty; his extraordinary in-laws, Scott and Maureen O’Brien; his wonderful sister-in-law, Marissa (Devin) Gloe; his strong nephews, Mason “Maynard” and Brennen “B” McNulty, Cade Gloe; grandma, Kay “Munga” Joelson; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

Preceded in death by his sidekick, Remi; grandpa, Richard Joelson; grandpa, Stanley Ellegard; grandma, Rose Roach; step-grandpa, Richard Roach; uncle, Buzz Kemen; and aunt, Julie Bonovich.

Paul “PJ” was born on September 2, 1986 and grew up in Maple Grove, MN. He had a strong passion for sports, especially hockey and football. His passion, dedication and hard work ultimately brought him the opportunity to play for the Maple Grove Crimson Varsity hockey (#22) and varsity football (#90) teams at an early age.

After graduating from Maple Grove Senior High school in 2005, Paul pursued playing football at Michigan Technical University while also studying business. His path deviated after a football injury, ultimately leading him to make the move to the University of Minnesota - Duluth, where he achieved his Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Marketing.

Paul was part of the sales team at Engineered Flexible Products (EFP) where he took so much pride in his work, his customers and co-workers. He knew he found his place and lifelong friendships. His future was bright.

As an avid sports enthusiast, when the time came and his sons started playing sports, there was no doubt that he would be coaching them. It was there that he became “Coach Paul” to the hockey and baseball youth. Coach Paul developed a strong passion for coaching all three of his sons, and all those a part of STMA youth hockey and baseball along with EuroAmerican Hockey.

Paul was a hunting, fishing and outdoors enthusiast. He loved going to the hunting shack and just being with friends while making memories. In the more recent years, this also included his sons going with him on the same adventures. Paul also had a great appreciation for music. There was not a genre that Paul didn’t know and would always appreciate the meaning behind the song. He was known as the DJ for everyone. He had a niche for music, he had a song for everything and everyone. When a song came on that reminded him of you, he would make sure to give you a quick phone call letting you know so he could bring a smile to your face.

Paul was one of those rare people who had genuine kindness, an infectious smile and had an unwavering willingness to help others and there wasn’t anything Paul didn’t know how to fix. Paul always had a smile on his face and brightened every room he walked into without even trying. His laugh was contagious and it will forever be in our hearts. He left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

A visitation will be held on August 18th, 2026 from 5-8pm at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 34 2nd St. NE, Osseo, MN 55369.

A funeral mass will be held on August 19th, 2026 at 10:30am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93rd Ave. N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445, with a visitation one hour prior to the mass.

A celebration of life will be held following the funeral mass at the Osseo-Maple Grove American Legion Post #172, 260 4th Ave. SE, Osseo, MN 55369.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family.

To help carry on Paul’s legacy to his sons, please bring your favorite picture(s) with a written favorite memory, story, joke that reminds you of Paul, or whatever you want them to know about their dad, or all of the above to leave in a box when you visit.

Paul will be greatly missed, will always be loved but will never be forgotten.

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” - The Beatles