Paul Bryan Stegmeir

Paul Bryan Stegmeir, age 82, passed away peacefully in his home in Faribault, MN, on August 13, 2024. Paul was born the eldest of six on April 17th, 1942 in St. Paul, MN. He graduated from Mahtomedi High School in 1960 and attended Macalester College on a football scholarship for one year before joining the Naval Air Reserve. He later pursued a degree in Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota, where he also worked with the U of M Extension Office of Special Programs, traveling statewide to speak and conduct seminars in rural areas.

Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a business selling wood-burning appliances. His passion for educating the public about safe wood burning and energy conservation evolved into a distinguished career as a wood burning and fire safety consultant. Renowned for his expertise, Paul became a respected speaker, insurance case consultant, and building fire investigator, authoring numerous articles for industry publications. His dedication to fire safety and indoor air quality continued well into his retirement as a consultant, lecturer, and writer.

In the mid 1990s, Paul was appointed to the Citizens' Council on Voyageurs National Park Water Level Committee and played a key role in the study of and recommendations for important changes to the rule curve for the Rainy Lake and Namakan Chain of Lakes, a part of the state he considered his nirvana. Paul spent as much time as he could at his rustic cabin on Lake Kabetogama, fishing for walleye and entertaining friends and family with his fish feasts and story-telling. In recent years, Paul served on the board of the River Bend Nature Center in Faribault.

Paul married Susan VanZanden in 1965, and together they raised two daughters, Kristin and Jodi. Their marriage spanned multiple decades. A bone marrow transplant in 1986, made possible by a donation from his youngest brother, Jim, was both life-saving and life-changing for Paul.

In 1999, Paul met Anne Michels Roach at the local Camping and Travel Convention. Their instant bond led to marriage in 2000, and they spent many years exploring new places, enjoying each other’s company, fishing, and embracing the joy of their large extended families.

Paul’s love for the outdoors was evident throughout his life. He enjoyed volleyball, downhill skiing, camping, and canoeing. His greatest joy came from hunting in Minnesota and at the Hat Ranch in Wyoming and fishing with friends and family. 

Most importantly, Paul cherished making connections with others. Whether engaging with new acquaintances or deepening bonds with his beloved family and friends, he was always eager to learn and share experiences. He will be deeply missed.

Paul is survived by his wife, Anne Michels Roach; daughters, Kristin Nourse (Dan Palen) and Jodi (Scott) DeToffol; grandchildren, Conner Nourse, Gael Palen, Charles DeToffol, and Samuel DeToffol; son-in-law Dave Nourse; Anne’s sons, John (Brenda), Patrick (Mary), and Tim (Nicole); grandchildren, Brandon (Rachael), Dana (Garrett), Colleen (Tylor), Alanna (Douglas), Collin, Preston (Alexis), Adeline, August, Michael, and Luke; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Judy (Dan) Waxlax, Linda Stegmeir, John (Carol) Stegmeir, William (Victoria) Stegmeir, and James (Shannon) Stegmeir; siblings-in-law, Darrel (Sandra) Michels, Cinda Michels, Mark (Barb) Michels, Tom (Joyce) Michels, Bob (Glenda) Michels, Jon (Karen) Michels, and Maureen Leary; and many loving nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by parents, Paul “Duke” Stegmeir and Anne Falb Stegmeir; stepson, Tom Roach; and brothers-in-law Jim Michels and Myron Engebretson. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 24, from 1-4 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 1 p.m. at Parker Kohl Funeral Home, Faribault. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to River Bend Nature Center in Faribault, MN, or a charity of choice.

Funeral arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory, Faribault.