Michael (Mike) Wilfred Paumen

Michael (Mike) Wilfred Paumen of Lake Crystal, MN, received his heavenly wings on January 30, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Mike was born on September 8, 1945, in St. Cloud, MN, to Wilfred J. and Hazel V. (Gagnon) Paumen.  

Mike attended catholic school from 1951 to 1959.  He then attended Maple Lake High School from 1959 to 1963.  He was active in saddle club throughout his school years.  After high school, he joined the Air Force and served for 18 1/2 years, from November 1964 to May 1983.

In 1971, Mike married Rosetta Lamb, and they went on to have two children, Scott and Gini.  They later divorced in the 1980s.

With the help of his close friend Karen, and attending AA, Mike obtained sobriety on April 16, 1989, after 14 years of trying.

In 1989, Mike met Beth Henrichs and her daughter Jeannie.  Mike and Beth were united in marriage on February 14, 1992.  

Mike enjoyed camping, walking, dancing, word puzzles, and watching movies.  He also enjoyed playing the accordion for many years, playing for his family and friends.  He was a member of VFW Post 950 and the American Legion Post 11.  He also worked for many years at Crystal Valley Co-op Energy Department.

Mike is survived by his wife Beth of Lake Crystal; his children, Scott, Gini (Mike) Hendrix, and Jeannie (Josh) Boerger; his grandchildren, A.J. (McKenzie) Hendrix (who, following in is grandfather's footsteps, joined the Air Force), Johnathon Hendrix, Natalie Boerger, and Whitney Boerger; siblings, Frank (Patricia) Paumen, Ed (Nan) Paumen, Charles (Carol) Paumen, Judy (Gene) Post, and Kathy Fagerness; and many nieces and nephews.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents and many aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, starting at 11am, at Zion Lutheran Church, Lake Crystal.