Paul G. Eidbo

Paul G. Eidbo died July 09, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his beloved family. He left to join Jesus and his wife Joyce in the mansion Christ promised them in Heaven.

Paul was born on Sept. 30, 1927, in Bowdon, North Dakota to Rev. Elling and Sigrid (Hansen) Eidbo. He attended school in Bowdon and Woodworth, ND, graduating from Jamestown High School. But, he always maintained close ties to Bowdon.

He entered the US Navy at 17 just before the end of World War II. His group was scheduled for the invasion of Japan, but instead served in the early occupation at Yokosuka Naval Base. He graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, in 1949. Paul taught at Dazey, ND, and later directed the Lutheran Resettlement Service in Fargo, aiding in the resettlement of more than 700 Displaced Persons and refugees in North Dakota.

Paul and his future wife, Joyce, first met as students at Concordia College in Moorhead while raking leaves with the student body. They married in 1952, and enjoyed 58 years together. They were charter members of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and treasured their life in the church. In the late 1950’s, Paul joined father-in-law Chester Elmquist’s, honey business, which later incorporated as Eastgate Industries (now Junkyard Brewery!), and 1974 Paul established East Texas Bee Company. Paul and Joyce continued in the beekeeping business for 47 years.

Paul was long active in the Republican party, and served two years as chairman of the Clay County Republicans, and as Clay County Commissioner in the early 1970s.

In 1980 Paul established, with the help of his nine brothers and sisters, the Rev. & Mrs. E. E. Eidbo Educational Fund at Concordia to honor their parents.

In 2007 Paul was proud to be escorted by his eldest son, Carl, on the first WDAY WWII Veterans’ Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

Paul’s enjoyed Model “A” restoration, membership in Sons of Norway and The American Legion, and socializing at Red Hawks Baseball games. However, his main enjoyment came weekdays with his friends at the “Think Tank” coffee club, where problems were solved, and advice was freely given. As a natural neighborhood organizer, he encouraged and arranged installation of many flag poles and American flags up and down his street. Music was always of interest to Paul, singing in multiple choirs throughout his life.

Paul had a soft spot for the homeless and less fortunate. Mindful of Christ’s command to feed the hungry, he could never refuse someone asking for help. “There but for the Grace of God, go I”, he insisted.

Surviving Paul are their six children and families: Carl (Marilyn); Eric; Louise (Bennet) Spielvogel; Joel; Robert; and Emily (Jeff) Haynes. Twelve grandchildren: Ashley and Kelsey Eidbo; Alyssa (Mike) Amat; Evan (Shannon) and Ezra Spielvogel; Sarah, Kelly, Lauren, and Matthew Eidbo; and Abigail, Joshua, and Jadon Haynes. Also survived by one brother, Dr. Walter Eidbo, and one sister, Ethel Eide, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, his parents, his brothers Dr. Olav, Rev A. Martin, and Earl; his sisters Sigrun Alquist, Inez Melland, Margaret Melby, Esther Lerwick, and infant twin grandchildren Timothy and Amy.

Paul gives thanks to God for all his many blessings. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Paul insisted special mention be made of his tremendous gratitude and love for his youngest son, Robert, who lived with him and lovingly cared for him for so many years.

The Eidbo family thanks all who have been so kind and helpful, for the prayers offered by so many, and the strong community that kept Paul going!

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 15, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead. The funeral will be on Friday, July 16, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a social gathering at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Moorhead. A live stream of the funeral will also be available on this page for those who cannot attend.

Following the service, Paul will be buried alongside Joyce, in the Prairie Home Cemetery in Moorhead.

The Eidbo family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to Churches United for the Homeless, Moorhead. AND freely give something to the person asking on the corner.