Paul Willer

Paul Franklin Willer, 91, passed away of natural causes July 7, 2025 in Oakdale, Minnesota.

Paul was born and resided in Fort Wayne, Indiana and later moved to Sodus, Michigan. Paul earned degrees from Purdue University and the University of St. Francis and dedicated his career to teaching English before he transitioned to quality control work at Bendix (now Bosch) in Saint Joseph, Michigan.

An avid railroad enthusiast, Paul had a passion for Midwest electric railroads and was a longtime member of the Chicago-area Central Electric Railfan Association (CERA). His enthusiasm for trains brought him great joy and connected him with other railroad enthusiasts.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, sons Charles and Lynn, and is survived by his brother David, daughter Dianne Willer-Sly (Wesley Sly), daughter-in-law Kate Willer, grandchildren Elizabeth, Katrina, Katy (Ravi Talagalage don), Taylor (Lauren Mancewicz), and great-granddaughters Meara and Hazel.

A memorial service will be held at Oak Meadows Senior Living in Oakdale, Minnesota, date TBD, with burial at Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Memorials to CERA in Chicago. More information at Simple Traditions by Bradshaw. The family thanks Oak Meadows Senior Living and HealthPartners Community Senior Care and Hospice.