Paul L. DesMarais

Paul Leo, age 88 of St. Louis Park passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday January 14, 2023. He was surrounded by family members & Carol, his loving wife of 65 years.

He was born in Minneapolis on November 12th, 1934, attended Catholic schools, served in the Navy, and studied Forestry at the University of Minnesota - all before marrying his “Wife for Life”.
Life became busy as he and Carol raised six children in their joyful, playful, adventurous & loving home of 64 years. He and Carol instilled in their children their love of God, wisdom of life, love of nature and their welcoming dispositions. His love of building homes for people supported his passion for his family. From the beginning Dad lived by his Irish mother’s words; “As sure as God made little green apples, he’ll take care of you.”  Both Mom & Dad had a confidence in these words.

When Paul & Carol began dating, they walked to “the Paradise Theatre” which was featuring a movie called “I Love Melvin” and, on their way home that snowy night they held hands while singing a song in the movie. It was a song they sang throughout their life – especially toward the end of their time together and in his passing. They sang “Life has it’s funny little ups and downs, downs and ups, ups and down, life has it’s funny little ups and downs, down and up are we”. This song became the way they looked at and lived their life together.  This attitude was apparent to anyone who walked through their welcoming door. They left with a lighter heart and perhaps saw the world with a new perspective.

As a boy growing up Paul dearly loved and always looked out for his cousin Jerry who had down’s syndrome. Jerry lived very close across the alley from him.  In Paul’s early adolescence, when both he and Jerry lost their fathers, he stayed strong in his commitment to Jerry. This continued throughout their adult lives. Paul joyfully supported Jerry and his friends later in life through Special Forest Ministries.

Paul loved people and was always interested in knowing them and really listening to their story. He cared especially for those down and out on their luck.  He served meals through “Dinner at Your Door” and volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul.

Paul is survived by wife, Carol; his children Tim, Laura (Jeff), Paul (Marlene), Joe (Cindi), Mike (Carrie) and Mary (Gary), as well as 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and “one in the oven”.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 AM Friday, January 20 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 145 Jersey Ave. S., Golden Valley with lunch to follow. Interment will be at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope following lunch.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM Thursday, January 19 at Gearty- Delmore Plymouth chapel 15800 37th Ave., North, and again AT THE CHURCH one hour prior to Mass on Friday.

Memorials preferred to Sharing and Caring Hands and Good Shepherd Catholic Church.