Paul Robert Girod

Paul was born October 26th, 1947, on a bright sunny day, in Minneapolis, MN. His proud parents Pastor Robert William Girod and Helen Johanna King Girod journeyed back home to Baileys Harbor, WI on the Lake Michigan side of the Door Peninsula in a snowstorm! The Girod’s lived in the upper lighthouse of the two Range Lights. The 2 light beams lined up to show ships the safe harbor. Paul’s Dad was both lighthouse keeper and Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran church for 5 years. Then God called the Girod’s to a two rural church parish near Antigo, WI.

Paul graduated from Antigo High School, Carthage College, and UW-Stevens Point. He taught science at JR Gerritts Middle School and served as library media center coordinator at Kimberly High School. Paul referred to himself as an Educator and enjoyed working with students and staff for 51 years with the Kimberly School District. 

A KHS a student had a vision to start a car club. When this student asked Mr. G, the wheels started rolling. The first goal was to have a car show, and the 2nd to take a field trip to the Chicago Car show. The first car show had 12 cars and the May 2024 KHS car show had 77 cars registered and over 100 showing! Bringing together cars that kids work on, and classes of other vehicles helps bring generational unity. Graduates continue to return and help with photography. Attendees this year included a 4 day old son of a KHS graduate involved with car club. The Mama said this is our son’s first car show!!! A great addition and 3rd focus is the weekly car club meeting at Kimberly Service. Students get hands on experience working on vehicles. Mr. Johnston and Mr. Hagmann mentor members, guide, and teach practical vehicle maintenance skills.

As a charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, in Combined Locks, WI Paul was a part of visioning, church counsel, spiritual counsel and the Donut Hole Gang men’s Bible study. His Radio voice was welcomed by many when he read God’s Word during worship services. He added insights & connections between scripture passages. He also was a narrator for choir cantatas. Paul initiated the CROP (Christian Rural Overseas Project) Hunger Walk in Appleton. It was a community event with many local church walkers getting pledges of monetary gifts. The CROP was a fun community event and was profitable in the goal of ending hunger at home and around the world.

Touring lighthouses, attending Christian music concerts, traveling to the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY, snowmobiling, attending snowmobile races, going to the Indy 500, Milwaukee Mile races, Road America races, Wisconsin International Raceway races were enjoyable. He attended the annual Iola Car Show with his good friend, David, this was the highlight of the year. 35 years ago Paul married Kristin Bergendorf at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Combined Locks.

Paul’s favorite Bible verse is John 3:17. Many are familiar with John 3:16. You are encouraged to check out the next verse, John 3:17 and read the entire 3rd chapter of John. The book of John is in the 2nd part of the Bible, the New Testament, the historical truth about Jesus coming to our planet because He loves you. Jesus tells how to be saved from sin in John 3. Being born of the Spirit and having a personal relationship with Christ Jesus is God’s plan for all of us. Paul had the best life here on earth filled with blessings, trouble, challenges, God’s help, guidance, joy, and hope. On September 9th, 2024 Paul was called home to his Savior and Lord and passed on to life eternal!!!

The Resurrection to Eternal Life Service to celebrate Paul will be at 11AM, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 601 S. Washington St., in Combined Locks. The visitation will be held from 4 to 7PM, on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel, 1592 Oneida St., Menasha, and again on Tuesday at the church from 10AM until the time of the service.

 A gathering for burial at the Polar Cemetery located on Hwy S will be held on Friday, September 20th at 1:30PM. The church bell will toll to the Glory of God because death was defeated when Jesus was resurrected! In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or the Kimberly High School Car Club are appreciated.