Paul Ernest Heidorn was born Sept. 27, 1929, in the parsonage, Blue Earth, Minnesota, to Rev. Walter Emil and Emma Martha (Rittmueller) Heidorn and passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus his Savior on Nov. 3, 2021, in Seward, at the age of 92 years, 1 month and 7 days.
Paul was baptized at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Blue Earth, by his father. He attended St. John Lutheran School, Elmore, Minnesota, for his elementary education and was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, rural Elmore, on May 16, 194,3 by Rev. M.C.A. Mueller.
Upon graduation from Bethany Lutheran High School and College, Mankato, Minnesota, he taught at St. Peter’s Lutheran School, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He was placed at Zion Lutheran School, Harbine, Nebraska, in 1954 after graduating Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois, (Concordia University). He taught grades K-8 at Zion for 12 years. In 1966, Paul accepted a call to St. Paul Lutheran School in Utica as principal and teacher, serving until retirement in 1993.
Paul was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Utica, Lutheran Laymen’s League, Sunday Morning Bible Class and served on several committees over the years.
During 40 years of teaching, Paul also served the Nebraska District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod by accepting elected and appointed positions.
He was a member of Utica Commercial Club, attended Utica Community Senior Center and served on various committees in Utica.
He enjoyed golf, bowling, dartball, horseshoes, fishing, hunting, crossword puzzles and tinkering in his shop. Together with his wife, they raised and sold asparagus for many years.
Paul married Caroline A. Hannaman on July 29, 1956, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Blue Earth, and were blessed with three children, Mark Paul, Timothy John and Lynn Carol.
Preceding Paul to eternity are his parents, Walter and Emma Heidorn; brothers, Lawrence (Alberta) Heidorn, Norman (Jean) (Doris) Heidorn; parents-in-law, Emil and Emma Hannaman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Paul is survived by his wife, Caroline Heidorn, Utica; sons, Mark (Jacqueline) Heidorn, Houston, Texas, Timothy (Jocelyn) Heidorn, Utica; daughter, Lynn Heidorn, Seward; four grandchildren, Philip (Marina) Heidorn, Houston, Kristopher Heidorn (fiancée, Mel Frydrych), Houston, Benjamin Heidorn, Houston, and Emma Heidorn, Utica; brother-in-law, Fritz (Ginny) Hannaman; sister-in-law, Janice Hannaman; nieces and nephews; former students and many friends.
The funeral service was Nov. 9 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with interment at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Utica. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church endowment fund or Lutheran Hour Ministries. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.
