Paul Talford McGuire, 84

Paul Talford McGuire was born July 16, 1928, in Northfield, Minnesota, to Talford (TR) and Frances (Ferstler) McGuire.  He attended Rosary School (now St. Dominic’s) and graduated from Northfield High School in 1946.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Army of Occupation in Japan.  Paul married Marlys Edmonds of Northfield on October 27, 1949 and enrolled at St. Olaf College, graduating in 1954 with a degree in economics.  He and Marlys moved to Winona, where Paul began his career in social work with Winona County Social Services, then to Minneapolis in 1957.  Paul worked for Hennepin County Social Services for 30 years, retiring in 1987.  Paul and Marlys returned to Northfield in 1993.

Paul enjoyed spending time with family, particularly at the family cabin on Lake Mazaska, and was a great grandpa to his  grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was a fan of sports, particularly the Twins, the Gophers, and Notre Dame, Jeopardy, Johnny Cash, and beagles.  In retirement, Paul was a regular at Thursday morning coffee at the VFW and lunch at the Northfield Senior Center.

Paul was a member of the American Legion and was very involved as a member, a post commander, and an all-state commander of the VFW.  He was a member of the Last Man’s Club at the VFW, along with his father and brothers, and spent the third Saturday of May every year with the group.  Paul was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Veteran’s Memorial in Riverside Park, and took part in the annual Memorial Day service.  This year, a bell will ring as his name is called.

Paul was a kind and gentle man with simple interests, a patriot devoted to his family.  He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include 4 sons and their wives: John and Ann of Rochester, David and Mary of Dundas, Steve and Hiroko of Inuyama, Japan, James of Minneapolis; 8 grandchildren: Kathryn (Paul Kolodge), Robert, Jennifer (Jason Schwartz), Paul (Maty Carney-Ubl), Caleb (Jolene), Izumi, Kei, Hikaru; 5 great-grandchildren: Madeline, Megan, Brianna, Alyssa, Kate; his brother, John McGuire and wife Carol Brown of Adrian, Missouri;  special friend Joanne Rone of Northfield; his sister-in-law, Margaret McGuire of Fridley; nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife in 2000, his parents and his brother Robert.

Paul passed away with his family by his side on Friday evening, March 22, 2013, at Three Links Care Center in Northfield, at the age of 84.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield with Fr. Dennis Dempsey officiating.  Music will be provided by Lorilee Malecha.  Interment with Military Honors will be in Calvary Cemetery, Northfield.  Casket bearers will be Robert McGuire, Paul McGuire, Caleb McGuire, Paul Kolodge, Jason Schwartz, and Maty Carney-Ubl.  Visitation will be 4-7PM Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield.  Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the funeral.

Memorials are preferred to the St. Dominic Catholic Church or the Northfield VFW.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com