Paul J. Greten

Paul J. Greten, age 85 of Hastings, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday morning, July 25, 2017, following a brief illness. Paul John, the son of John P. and Anne C. (Huckenpahler), was born on September 3, 1931, in Hastings. Following his education, Paul was united in marriage to Martha Stoffel on September 13, 1952, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion and returned to the farm. He was then drafted into the United States Army and later received an honorable discharge. Upon his return, Paul and Martha built their first home on the farm in 1957. Paul began working at Bahls Motor, first as a janitor in his younger years, then in the assembly area, and eventually retired as a salesman after forty years; he truly loved the many friends he gained working there. Outside of work, Paul and Martha loved old time and two-step dancing with the three dance clubs as well as playing cards on a regular basis, and camping with the Winnehaha Camping Club. As a family, Paul and Martha would take the children on a long family vacation every summer which allowed them to visit almost all of the states on the West side of the Mississippi, as well as many trips around the world. Paul loved taking care of his yard and mowing the lawn (often times started with a discussion between his son and grandson on who got to mow). As avid car collectors, Paul and Martha were also longtime members of the Riverbend Auto Club. Most of all, Paul was extremely proud of his family and cherished the many memories they have shared over the years. He was preceded in death by his parents. Paul was survived by his loving wife of almost 65 years, Martha of Hastings; his two children, Mary Anne (Larry) Ruemmele of Hudson, WI, and Michael (Sandra) Greten of Hastings; his two grandchildren, Katie (Justin) Ernst of Minnetonka and Paul M. (fiance, Alison Schlosser) Greten of Hastings; and his sister, JoAnne (Rod) Olson of Hastings. Paul is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Dolores Stoffel of Hastings, Wally (Bernie) Stoffel of Vermillion, and Rita (Robert) Zignego of Red Wing; special niece, Molly St. Denis; adopted granddaughter, Melissa Spicer, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 31, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father Michael Barsness officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings, and will continue for one hour prior to Mass at church on Monday morning. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The American Heart Association, Allina Hospice, or to the donors choice in memory of Paul. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings.