Ben J. Paul was born December 16, 1927 in Emmons County, Linton, ND to Max and Armilea (Bichler) Paul. He was raised on the farm, along with two brothers and three sisters, and went to country school through 8th grade. He stayed on the farm until he went into the Army for two years, and was stationed in the Philippines at the end of WW2.

After serving, he moved to Bismarck, and then on to Fargo, where he worked for University Motors for many years.

In 1953 he married Lois Ann Smith and they had one son, Kim. In 1962 he married Mary Ann Koons and they had twin sons, Donald Scott and David Stuart.

Ben passed away on July 5, 2018, at age 90, close to home in Detroit Lakes, MN, and he lived on his own up until his final month. He declined rapidly, and died peacefully surrounded by family in his last days.

He is survived by his 3 sons; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 3 sisters, Clem Hinz, Phyllis Mastel, and Patty Paul; and sister-in-law, Veronica Paul.

Ben’s favorite flower colors are yellow, white and jewel tones.