Paul LaDean Davis passed away peacefully in his sleep as Easter Sunday moved into his 75th birthday on April 2, 2018. He was born in Charles City, IA to Paul Riley and Nina Davis. His father was a Wesleyan minister in the Iowa - Minnesota district; and as such, Paul LaDean spent his childhood growing up in several area towns. He eventually moved to Rochester where he graduated from John Marshall High School. From there, he went to Miltonvale College in Kansas and received a Bachelor's degree in Theology. Upon graduation, he married Gloria Shelley, moved back to the Rochester area, and pastored the South Troy church for several years. Paul went on to receive his Master's Degrees in Theology from Wheaton College (IL) and Grace Theological Seminary (IN), and eventually taught at Marion College (IN), now Indiana Wesleyan University.

Moving back to Minnesota (Plainview) in 1978, Paul took on the pastorate at Hilltop Fellowship in Millville, supplementing his income with full-time work in Rochester at Crenlo, Inc. as both a Human Resources Manager, as well as head of security. Paul was known as a uniquely gifted preacher, outdone only by his exuberance in youth ministry and social gatherings. He presided over many weddings during his ministry career, a particular delight and gift of his.
In 1988, Paul moved to a farm on the Root River just south of Chatfield where they bred and raised Straight Egyptian Arabians, including future National Champion, Thee Elixir.
In 1996, Paul married Mary Jo Schaefer, a cardiac surgical tech at St. Mary's. They enjoyed more than twenty years of horses, dogs, trail rides, travels, Vikings games, movies, cans of Mountain Dew, large bowls of popcorn, and epic Fourth of July gatherings on the farm.
In late 1997, Paul suffered a traumatic brain injury that had a permanent impact on his short-term memory, as well as his balance. This ultimately led to his retirement from Crenlo but also opened the door to working at Ability Building Center, where he was able to work with fellow brain injury patients. He took great joy and delight in coming alongside these individuals.
Paul LaDean is survived by his wife Mary Jo of Wykoff, children Paul Samuel (Christine) Davis of Wheaton, IL and Shelley (Brent) Hodge of Kasson, as well as 5 grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his father, his mother, his step-mother Bessie, and his step-brother John.
A memorial celebration is being planned for June 23rd on his beloved farm. The family welcomes stories and letters about Paul, as the outpouring of your notes about his impact on lives has been a testimony and blessing to his family in this time. We will compile and share those stories.
Dad, we've spell-checked and grammar checked this at least ten times over. Hopefully, it meets with your approval.