Paul Caquelin

Paul F. Caquelin, 77, Brainerd, passed away February 16, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Essentia Medical Center in Brainerd, with his wife of 55 years at his side. 

Services will be held Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd with Pastor Thomas Stoebig officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church.

Paul was born February 4, 1942 in Macon, GA. to Howard and Elizabeth (Baringer) Caquelin. Raised in a military family, Paul had many different homes including Japan and Germany, eventually landing in San Antonio, TX. After two years at the University of Illinois, he took a job with the new Kraft plant in Champaign and became supervisor of the department responsible for cheese taste and quality. Paul married Susan (Johnson) on August 31, 1963 and started a family with the surprise of twin boys in 1973. In 1977, with no previous experience, Paul moved his family to Staples, MN and bought into the Staples World Newspaper, where he was a part owner and editor. He was the roving photographer at nearly every Staples sporting event for over 10 years, making each young athlete feel like a star with the perfect action shot and a caption in next week’s Staples World. His dedication to Staples High School sports will always be remembered by those who played in those events and Staples community. Paul became a writer over time, telling hundreds of stories and sharing his life in his weekly column ‘Wings on the World’. He was also a former Staples School Board Member, showing his commitment to his community. His next career was working at Cragun’s Resort as a conference planner then he worked at Super America on South 6th for ten years. It seemed his Super America regulars scheduled their daily trips so they could shoot the breeze and have a laugh. Paul was a humble servant with a great sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. It took very little for him to be content; a dog to walk, a good book to read, and time with family and friends. 

Survivors include his wife; twin sons, Brian (Erin Murray) and Christopher (Lauren); one granddaughter, Emma; other family members include Del Butterfield, Susan Butterfield, Larry (Susan) Butterfield, Matthew (Valorie) Butterfield and Daniel Butterfield; and his dog, Cierra.  

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