Paul passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 18, 2026.

Paul will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, businessman, and community leader whose love for Owatonna never wavered. Paul never forgot the people who helped him throughout his life. He valued friendship, loyalty, and community, and was always willing to lend a helping hand when someone needed support. He believed in keeping his word, treating people fairly, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. His deep devotion to his family, generous spirit, and welcoming nature will be deeply missed

A message from Paul:

"I was born on the family farm on May 20, 1936, as the fourth child of Corbie L. Arnfelt and Esther Sampson Arnfelt. My siblings were Robert, Anthony, Richard, Eileen, and Joanne.

I spent my growing-up years on the family farm and attended the country school for two years before graduating from New Richland High School in 1954. After attending Mankato State College for two years, I entered the U.S. Army. During my service, I was stationed in the states and served in Korea for 18 months, attaining the rank of E-4 before my discharge. In 1959, I moved to Owatonna and worked for Sampson Dairy. After my stint as a milkman, l owned and operated several businesses in Owatonna: Paul’s Conoco, Arnfelt Real Estate and Insurance, Basic Home Builders, and most recently, Life Style Management.

I met Gail Routh in 1956, and that was the beginning of my great life. We were married on January 8, 1960. She was the love of my life, and together we made many wonderful memories traveling and spending time together. Some of our travels included trips to Alaska, London, Cabo and the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. We enjoyed many years wintering on Sanibel Island, Florida, but Owatonna has always been my home.

Gail and I had three children: a daughter who died at birth, Elizabeth, and a son, Patrick.

I was fortunate to be involved in many civic and community organizations throughout my life. I served on the Owatonna Charter Commission, Owatonna Planning Commission, Owatonna Safety Council, the local and state Boards of Realtors, the Steele County Free Fair Board, and the Owatonna Foundation. I was one of the founders of Community Bank Owatonna and served on its board for 12 years. I was also a Life Member of the Elks, a member of Minnesota Pheasants, a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and an active member of the Owatonna Jaycees for 12 years.

To all my family, friends, and business associates, I would like to thank everyone for the love and friendship you have shown my family and me over the past many years. What a great community! So many great experiences.

The friendship and love shown to my family and me in times of joy and happiness, and certainly in times of heartbreak and sadness, is truly the meaning of Owatonna. God bless each and every one of you.”

Paul is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Kienholz, and son-in-law, Kent Kienholz; granddaughter, Allison Peterson and her husband, Aren, and their children, Annie and Greta; granddaughter, Zoe Callen and her husband, Sam, and their son, Miles; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Schwab; sister, Joanne Waddington; sister-in-law, Iona Arnfelt; Gail's siblings, JoAnn Eaton (Steve), Allan Routh, Mark Routh (Brenda), and Kristine Fischer; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Gail; parents, Corbie and Esther Arnfelt; infant daughter; son, Patrick Arnfelt; brothers, Robert Arnfelt (Joyce), Richard Arnfelt (Mary Jane), and Anthony Arnfelt; and sister, Eileen Sampson (Joe).

Paul's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Ecumen Countryside and Ecumen Hospice for the compassionate and loving care they provided to Paul.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM and on Thursday from 9:30AM until the start of the service. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 10:30AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Reverend Todd Buegler officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to the Owatonna Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church, Steele County Free Fair Foundation, Ecumen Countryside or Ecumen Hospice.