Paul Engebretson

Dad, Pops, Hon, Grandpa Paul, Front Row Paul, Pauly - whatever you called him, if you knew him you knew - Paul Engebretson was one of a kind. Paul left this world peacefully in his home, surrounded by his adoring partner & loving family, on March 25, 2025.

Paul was born in Vallejo, CA and spent most of his youth in Superior, WI. Paul graduated high school where his father was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He graduated from the University of MN with a degree in political science and spent his career working in marketing & advertising. He was a dedicated father, raising two children, Anitra & Andrew, shaping them into the human beings they are today. In addition to his human children, Paul also cared for and loved many dogs over the years. They brought a special joy and comfort to his day-to-day life. Paul was also an intellect, an avid reader, and a "profane angry liberal", as he liked to refer to himself.

In retirement, Paul was lucky to be able to focus on those things that brought him the most joy - regular golf meet-ups with son Andrew followed by parks and pizza with his grandson, Brandt; dinners out and sharing his love and enthusiasm of music with daughter Anitra & partner Sheila. (He also never gave up on trying to get Anitra to love golf more, and she will keep trying). His kids both turned to him often for the kind of advice & support that only a good father (and good man) can provide. He also enjoyed regularly attending Twins games with the "Gentlemen of Leisure", loved every single moment he spent with his grandson Brandt (especially on the golf course, swimming at the pool and at the baseball stadium), golfing with his lifelong friends "The Boys", and seeing local music.

Perhaps Paul's most crowning achievement was his metamorphosis from a music-lover into Front Row Paul (FRP). Paul always held a deep appreciation for music, especially fast & loud rock 'n' roll, starting with the punk rock scene at the Longhorn in the late 70's. Later in life, he found his niche in the local Minneapolis music scene. He earned the FRP moniker by being the first one in line to enter a venue where he made his way to "the rail." He wrote a weekly blog on Facebook championing the bands and the venues he loved, encouraging others to get out and experience all the excellent music made right here in Minnesota. His love for both the music and musicians did not go unnoticed and two songs were written about him: Front Row Paul and On Two Pauls, which was also dedicated to another local music enthusiast, photographer, and friend of FRP. It wasn't just the music, though. It was the community which he loved and fostered - and who evidently loved him back, just as strongly.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Marjorie. He is survived by partner Sheila Knight, daughter Anitra, son Andrew (Amanda), grandson Brandt, brother Peter (Laura), and nieces Molly, Elin & Sara.

A small celebration of life for family & his closest friends will be held at a later date. And one more big show, a two-day music event with many of the bands that he so loved, will be held in Front Row Paul's honor on May 31 & June 1 at Palmer's. Stay tuned.