Obituary of Paul John Lampi

Paul John Lampi, Sr passed away peacefully Sunday March 1st in his home surrounded by his family.

Paul John Lampi, Senior, was born to John Evert Lampi and Hilda Maria Lampi on April 26, 1925 at St. Lukes Hospital and baptized into the Christian Faith at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Duluth.

The family lived in a succession of two homes they owned in downtown Duluth which was like a little Finland in that immigration age.

Paul was early captivated by learning and eagerly followed this course to the end of his life. His studies, intrusive and copious, might have led to the ministry but diverged to a companion.

Paul’s early learning was fulfilled at the Liberty, Jefferson, Washington and Central High Schools.

Paul’s extended education was then fulfilled at UMD, where he grew up in tandem with that institution’s early years. Paul’s progression there was divided by a military service but then completed with three degrees: B.A., B.S., and M.A. over a period of years. His diligence and drive earned him a virtual “A” in all these fields of study.

At the same time, he worked to supplement the family income at various local establishments. These include Park Hill Cemetery, Economy Supplies (automotive), Riverside Shipyards, Crane Plumbing supplies, Ed Lee Foods, as well as varied voluntary, civic and religious outreach.

During his earlier years, he also fulfilled his military obligations: Basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington State, First Armored Division Fort Hood Texas; Fort Slocum New York, which was the Armed Force Information School, where he served his longest period of one and a half years. This school coordinated studies for soldiers continuing personal careers. At this base, he also edited a news bulletin which was teletyped to all U.S. military bases daily. At the Korean War’s armistice, his military career ended.

During his service in the military, his new wife, Irene, accompanied him on his stations having married him when he joined up. A farm girl, she was used to simplicity and their happiness was complete.

Their first son, Paul John Jr, was born in a tiny apartment where they lived and planned their future. A second son, Peter, was born after they returned home to Duluth.

Here he completed his university work and commenced his teaching career at Denfeld H.S., which was his final position in public schools.

At Denfeld, he taught over a dozen courses in their expanded curriculum in social studies as well as some English courses, and also was the Student Council advisor, which allowed the student body for the first time, a degree of input into select particular student concerns.

Throughout these years, Irene and Paul and their sons rejuvenated themselves by working on their two family farms, one near Duluth, and the other in northern Minnesota.

During this time they also participated in a variety of professional, folk and special interest organizations rounding out their personalities.

Paul’s wife, Irene, balanced this with her own gifts, which encompassed a wide field in the arts, transforming rugged granite into a mountain village.

Throughout his life, Paul strove to ally himself, formally and informally with the like-minded who advocated for a national direction consistent with national honor.

“May these bonds never sever as we stand at the Last Judgement.”

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you for the support from all the wonderful staff and volunteers at St. Luke’s Hospice. Also, thank you to all the family and friends who sacrificed so much of their time to allow Paul to stay in his home.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Irene.

He is survived by sons, John Paul (Cheryl) Lampi, Jr. and Peter Michael (Elizabeth) Lampi; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Family of God Lutheran Church, where Paul and Irene worshipped.

Gathering of family and friends from 12 noon until the 1:00 p.m. memorial service Monday, March 16th in Family of God Lutheran Church, 4097 Martin Road, Duluth.