Paul Wiese

REDFIELD, S.D. — Funeral services for Paul Wiese, 58, Redfield, S.D., formerly of Wausa, will be 10:30 a.m., March 25, at Thabor Lutheran Church, Wausa. Rev. Carl Sirotzki will officiate, with burial in Lutheran Cemetery, Wausa.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

Brockhaus Funeral Home, Wausa, is in charge of arrangements.

Paul died Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Community Memorial Hospital, Redfield.

Paul William Wiese was born May 20, 1960, to William “Bill” and Geraldine Wiese, Wausa. Paul was a lifelong member of Thabor Lutheran Church, Wausa, where he was baptized and confirmed.

He attended Bloomfield Community Schools for elementary and high school, receiving his Certificate of Completion May 22, 1977.  After high school, Paul lived in Yankton, S.D., where he attended Yankton Vocational Rehabilitation Services. He then moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., to continue his vocational rehabilitation.

In September 1991, Paul transferred to the South Dakota Developmental Center, Redfield, which became his home for 28 years. In Redfield, Paul had a community of friends and a second family in the staff, with whom he enjoyed teasing and laughing.  Paul loved helping to get the mail, and looked forward to getting cards from family,and magazines and newspapers to read.  Paul delighted in having visitors and going for his weekly trip to Casey’s for a “big pop” and a crunch bar to savor with his movie. He also liked going to the park for picnics and riding around in the car to check out the scenery, especially where he could see farms and irrigation systems. Paul’s room was decorated with pictures his dad had taken.  

Paul had a heart of gold. He always had a big smile and a bear hug for his family and friends, often telling them he loved them. He was very caring, and even though he would sometimes get upset, Paul’s apologies were always genuine.  Throughout his life, Paul was very curious. He asked a lot of questions, whether it was about a new shirt you were wearing, where you got it, and how much it cost; or when he was a little boy, taking things apart to see how they worked.

Paul participated in the Special Olympics in South Dakota, including at the Corn Palace. He loved participating in events with his families — both his Wausa family and his Redfield family. Paul didn’t want to miss out on anything!

Paul died after a brief illness in Redfield.

He is survived by his sister, Paula Wiese Strom; niece, Emily Strom (David) Winner and great-nephew, Folken Winner; nephew, Adam Strom (Lacey); and great niece, Jocelyn Strom; step mom, Doris Greeno Wiese; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Paul will also be greatly missed by his Redfield family, including Pam and Mary, who were with him many years and thought of him as a brother.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.