Paul Bernard Gotmer passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on April 29th, 2025. He was 76. He was born in Worthington, Minnesota, on July 22, 1948, to Bernard and Hazel (Farris) Gotmer.

Paul grew up on the family farm in Fulda, Minnesota, and had dreamed of being a cowboy in his youth. After he graduated from Fulda High School with honors, He attended Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he completed a Bachelor of Art in Humanities.

After graduating from college, Paul spent two years exploring and experiencing the whole African continent. Emigrating back to the USA, the wanderlust continued until he settled down on the family dairy farm in Minnesota. There, he met his future wife. He and Kimberly Hopper were united in marriage on February 7, 1976, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They went on to build a large family of seven children.

Early in their marriage, Paul and the family moved around Minnesota, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado before finally buying a farm and settling in Springbrook, Wisconsin. Paul worked in construction, ranching, the oil industry, logging, and farmed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Later in life, he picked up skills in computer programming and accounting while attending LCO College . He also tutored many students there. Working for Ventures in various ways enriched his life.

Paul was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He held many positions and callings there. He was their pianist for many years. He had a strong testimony of his Lord and Savior. He also enjoyed the arts, philosophy, raising animals, and playing various games, be it cards, chess, or video games. He regularly served his community by using his chainsaw skills. His biggest accomplishment , which brought him the most joy, was his family.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Kimberly; children Bernard (Victoria), Jane (Raymond), Brigham, Joseph (Amanda), Samuel (Bridgitte); Joy (Chase), and Faith (Ryan); several grandchildren Soren, Andrew, Roland, Marian, Collin, Brennan, Ahren, Parker, Walker, Raymond, Mallory, Holley, Jackson, Ava, Olivia, Ivy, Nikita, Lillian, Kimber, Kimberly, Waverly, and another on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mary Gotmer- Cassel and a brother, Alfred Gotmer. In Lieu of Flowers, the family is asking for donations to AA. Paul celebrated many years of sobriety at the time of his passing and helped others find strength in AA meetings.

A celebration of life will be held by family at 11:00 AM on July 19th at the VFW in Springbrook WI.

Last Update: Jun 02, 2025 9:17 am CDT