Paul Dvergsten

Paul Dvergsten, Watson, died on Monday, January 4, 2021 at St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 67.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 1:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo with Rev. Keith Brustuen officiating.  Burial will be in the Watson Lutheran Church Cemetery.  

Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 5-7 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church. A  prayer service will begin  at 6:45 PM.  Masks and social distancing will be required for both the visitation and the prayer service.

Paul Dvergsten was born in Winona, MN and adopted by Harold and Agnes (Jerve) Dvergsten.  He was baptized and confirmed at Watson Lutheran Church.  Paul would grow up and live in the Watson area all his life.  He attended and graduated from Milan High School in 1971.  While in high school Paul was active in football, baseball and wrestling.   Following high school he attended Willmar Vocational College and majored in Agriculture Business.  Paul married Sonia Rigge at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Woodlake on October 4, 1975.  They made their home in rural Watson and raised three daughters, Rachel, Maria and Ana.   After Paul retired from farming he worked for the Lac qui Parle DNR doing various projects for about 10 years.  He loved his work with the DNR as it gave him time to spend in the outdoors.

Paul was a member of St Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo and he served as an usher and on the property board.  His faith was very important to him.  Paul also served on the Tunsberg Township Board and was a member of the Watson Fire Department for many years.  Sonia and Paul enjoyed traveling together on a cruise and to Germany.  They would also travel by motorcycle to the Black Hills.  Paul enjoyed the outdoors and spent time deer hunting, which he taught to all three of his daughters.  Every Sunday Paul looked forward to watching Sunday afternoon football with his girls. Paul’s buddies would refer to him as “Butkus”  He cherished the time he could watch his grandchildren play in their sporting events.  Family will forever remember Paul’s sense of humor, his fondness to visit with friends and family, and his caring and kindness.

Paul is survived by his wife, Sonia, Watson; his children: Rachel Dvergsten, Montevideo, Maria (Calin) Eisenlohr, Montevideo, Ana Dvergsten, Elk River; grandchildren: Rylee Jensen, Grayson Eisenlohr, Lilyana Eisenlohr, Hayden Eisenlohr; sister: Jayne Jarett, Alexandria; as well as many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Harold and Agnes Dvergsten and his father-in-law, Orvin Rigge.

Blessed be his memory