Joseph “Paul” Inden age 96 of Marshall, formerly of Cottonwood passed away Friday, January 13, 2017 at Minneota Manor. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cottonwood, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday to meet with the family. Burial is in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Marshall, following the luncheon at the church. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 113 of Marshall. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
Joseph Paul Inden was born February 12, 1920 to Joseph Peter and Lillian (Houston) Inden in Waseca, Minnesota. He was baptized, received his First Communion and confirmed in the Catholic faith at Holy Redeemer Parish. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Marshall Public School, graduating in 1938. Of this class, very few are still living. He was a member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus.
He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from May 1942 until March of 1946 as an apprentice seaman and eventually 1st Class Seaman. While serving in the military he was stationed at Boston, MA; Washington, D.C.; Silver Springs, MD; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Ketchikan, Alaska; and Greenland.
While attending high school, and also after serving in the military, Paul was the projectionist at the Roxy and State Movie Theaters in Marshall for many years, as well as Marshall 6, and the Star Lite Drive-In. He could tell you many stories of where businesses used to be located throughout Marshall and the houses where people lived from many, many years ago. His memory was impeccable and could go on and on about growing up in this area. Paul was employed by the State Department of Transportation in Marshall, MN as the office manager for 36 years, retiring in June, 1982.
Paul married Maxine Loke Larson on June 25, 1966 at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall, MN at age 46. At this age he became the father to four children. He and Maxine lived in Marshall and Cottonwood during their married years. They also wintered in Mission, Texas for over 20 years and enjoyed spending time with many “Winter Texans”. He and Maxine were residents of Boulder Estates in Marshall, MN for many years and then he became a resident at Minneota Manor in May 2014.
He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Gophers, Twins, Vikings, and Lynx teams, as well as professional bowling. Paul’s most favorite pastime was listening (and singing) to his vast collection of music from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s eras. He transferred many of his records to CD’s to anyone who asked for them. He was a pilot for over twenty years and co-owned planes with other flying partners. He flew to many flight breakfasts over the years and took many friends on airplane rides. A few years ago he was able to enjoy a plane ride in one of the Red Baron planes before being sold. A special highlight in his life was attending the Rose Bowl in 1961 and also visiting many countries in Europe.
Paul is survived by his stepchildren: Pat (LaVern) Gawarecki, Sandy Mosch, Don (Mary) Larson, and Deb Larson; grandchildren: Robin (David) Menier, Ann (Joseph Aaron) Bridges, Dustin Larson, Joshua (Holly) Larson, Paul Larson, Samuel Larson, and Jillian (Ryne) Gregory; 3 great-grandchildren: Benjamin Menier, Lydia Larson, Ronan Gregory; 2 step great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Darlene Wilson; brother-in-law Robert Fischer; his very special nieces and nephews; and other family relatives who meant so much to him. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, wife Maxine, sisters Lorette Caron, Mary Lou Barkley, and Josephine Inden, stepsons Ronald Larson, Marlow “Pete” Larson, and son-in-law Douglas Mosch.
The family would especially like to thank the staff of Minneota Manor, Boulder Estates and Prairie Home Hospice for their special care and comfort provided to Paul. You all helped make his quality of life so meaningful and special. We are so very thankful for having Paul in our lives all of these years!!!
I had the privilege to get to know Paul through my son and his Eagle Scout project at the Minneota Manor. Paul was a delight to visit with! He was so generous in his sharing of knowledge and CD’s of music with my son. They developed a friendship that was special to my son. Paul was not afraid to share his faith as well as his love and interest in music. To all of his family, know that we will remember you at this time of sorrow, but know that Paul now resides with his Savior for whom he was ready to meet. May you be comforted in this time of sadness. Thank you Paul and RIP our friend!
To the family of Paul Inden, you have our deepest sympathy! My dad Is a resident at the Minneota Manor and was Paul’s meal partner and lived right across the hallway from Paul! I would visit with Paul, when I visited my dad! I found Paul to be a kind, fun, and an interesting gentleman! He will be missed by my dad and myself! God bless Paul’s memory! Tony Winter and daughter Deb Malone
Came across Paul’s obituary while looking for someone else’s. Fond memories of him hanger flying with my Dad (Hi Halvorson). Many flight breakfasts. So many from that time are gone now but know there is some serflying talk going on in the next life.