Paul E. Campbell

Paul Campbell, age 89 of Grafton, ND died on Monday, January 03, 2011 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, World War II pilot, farmer, mail carrier, church and community volunteer, and friend to many. Paul was born March 27, 1921 to William and Amanda (LaBerge) Campbell, the oldest of 6 children, and grew up on the Campbell homestead east of Grafton. Paul graduated from St. Aloysius Academy in Oakwood in 1937 and later flew B-17s while serving with the 401st Bombardment Group based in Deenethorpe, England, where he flew 40+ missions. He was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross among other awards. During R&R in 1944, Paul said he experienced the "Most important event of my life" as he met his future wife, Marietta Peterka, a school teacher from Veseleyville, ND. Paul was discharged from the service on September 20, 1945. He always credited his safe return home to his 11th crew member, his Guardian Angel. Paul and Marietta were married July 2, 1946 and raised seven children. Paul was a rural mail carrier for 37 years and farmed with his father, William and brother, Edmond. Both Paul and Marietta were very involved in community and church activities. In addition to the St. John's Cemetery Board, Paul was American Legion Adjutant and also commander. He was on the Metropolitan Bank Board, the Farmer's Elevator Board, School Board, Lutheran Sunset Home Board, Polka Club, Grafton City Planning and Zoning Commission and also served on other boards and committees. Paul is survived by his seven children: Jeannie, Eden Prairie, MN; Carol (Geno) Schaffer, Andover, MN; Nancy (Alan) Kline, Tampa, FL; Diane (Rob) Mihulka, Grand Forks, ND; Tom (Lori) Minneapolis and Grafton, ND; Bill (Tammy); Grafton, ND; Greg (Leanne), Grafton, ND; 14 Grandchildren: Christine (Chris) Scifert, Paul Gardner, Katie (Nat) Malen, Jon Campbell, Jennifer (Ronny) Drake, David Campbell, Marc Mihulka, Paul Ryan Campbell, Thomas & Monique Campbell, Austin, Braden, Olivia and Sophia Campbell; great grandchildren: Colin and Cailey Scifert and Ella Drake. Paul is also survived by two brothers: Edmond, Grafton, ND; and Fr. Joseph, Bella Vista, AR; and three sisters: Blanche Osowski, Oslo, MN; Jane Osowski, Oslo, MN; and Alice Danielski, Warren, MN and many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marietta on April 2, 2006, sister Annette, who died at age 4 and by an infant son, Ronald James. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, January 7, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at St. John's Catholic Church. Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Grafton. Military Rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the Lutheran Sunset Home, Grafton High School Scholarship fund or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.