Paul Michael Proulx

Paul Michael Proulx

Paul Michael Proulx, 80, of Crookston, Minnesota, died peacefully early Friday afternoon, November 27, 2009, at the RiverView Care Center in Crookston, with his loving wife, Lois, and many of his family at his side.

Paul was born in Argyle, Minnesota on May 1, 1929, the son of Emery and Frances (Verbout) Proulx. He grew up in Argyle where he was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith, and then attended high school at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, and graduated in 1946. Paul also attended Cathedral High School and St. John's University, Collegeville, MN. He was united in marriage to Lois Wavra at St. Dorothy's Catholic Church in Dorothy, Minnesota on October 14, 1950. Paul and Lois made their home in Crookston and together raised eleven children. During the early years of his working life Paul was employed at the Bridgeman Creamery, worked in the construction trade, then for the American Crystal Sugar Company, and later at Ziegler Caterpillar Company. In 1963 he established his own business, known as Proulx Refrigeration Heating and Appliance. After a long and successful career he retired in 1995.

Paul was very active in the community and was a devoted member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish. He served on the Mount St. Benedict school board, and was a 4th Degree Knight and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Association, Crookston Eagles Aerie #873, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Minnesota Civil Air Patrol. Professionally he was a member of the Refrigeration Engineers Society, and served on the advisory council of the Wahpeton School of Science. Paul was presented the prestigious Torch and Shield Award by the University of Minnesota-Crookston, and the Top Aggie Award from the Northwest School of Agriculture.

When it came to telling a story no one told it quite like Paul. Evidence of this was the Bullshooters Award he received from the Refrigeration Engineers Society. A source of great pride to Paul was passing on his business to his sons, Mike and Tom, and watching them continue the standard of excellence that Proulx Refrigeration has long been known for. He was passionate about his hobbies of hunting, fishing, enjoying his lake home, and flying his ultralight airplane. Paul touched so many lives and he will be very lovingly remembered by Lois and the family. He will remain in their hearts forever.

Family members include his wife and best friend of fifty-nine years, Lois; 11 children, Greg (Marilyn) Proulx, Waconia, MN, Jennifer (Stuart) Ohr, Wanamingo, MN, Mike (Krista) Proulx, Crookston, MN, Patty (Ed) Amiot, Crookston, Brad (Diane) Proulx, Roseville, MN, Barb (Tom) Rock, Keller, TX, Tom (Wanda) Proulx, Crookston, Colleen (John) Lunski, Grand Forks, ND, Chuck (Cindy) Proulx, Ham Lake, MN, Dan (Sherry) Proulx, Plymouth, MN, and Michelle (Randy) Kraft, East Grand Forks, MN; 30 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Paul also leaves 7 siblings, Priscilla Helgeson, Moorhead, MN, Earl (Peggy) Proulx, Crookston, Marie Chaput, Red Lake Falls, MN, Alma (Jack) Ferris, Silver Bay, MN, Edward (Char) Proulx, Billings, MT, George (Diana) Proulx, Red Lake Falls, and Daniel Proulx, Houston, TX; a sister-in-law, Jeanne Proulx of Waukesha, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emery and Frances; brothers, Noel Proulx and Edward L. Proulx; sister, Joan Proulx; brothers-in-law, Harvey Helgeson and Stu Chaput; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cyril and Bertha Wavra. May God bless Paul's memory.

The Funeral Mass for Paul Michael Proulx will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Very Rev. Bob Schreiner, presiding.

Visitation will be at the Cathedral on Monday from 4-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, and also for the hour prior to the funeral.

Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Crookston.

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