Obituary of Paul Wesley Essen

Paul Wesley Essen, 84, triumphantly entered heaven and was embraced by his Savior, Jesus, on Monday, December 5, 2011. Paul was born May 10, 1927 in Two Harbors, MN, to Paul and Esther (Larson) Essen. He attended Two Harbors High School, where he played both basketball and football. He served in the US Army from July 1945 to November 1946. After the service, he worked in real estate and banking in his home town. He was the President of Commercial State Bank in Two Harbors for many years. Paul was married to Marcella Jane (Spawn) Essen for 23 years. In the late 1960s, Jesus changed Paul's life and he moved the family to Ft. Collins, CO. He eventually moved to Florida where he met his 2nd wife, Jeanne (Brandon) Essen. They were married for over 31 years. Paul worked for Gulf Life and then Columbian Life Insurance Company until he retired at age 79. He resided in Crestview, FL, until 2011, when he moved to Newton, IA, to be closer to his grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Esther Essen, and his daughter, Diana Duffin. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Essen, of Crestview, FL; sister, Marilyn Reitan of Two Harbors, MN; sons Paul (Laura) Essen of Newton, IA, and Marty (Deb) Essen of Victor, MT; five grandchildren--Thomas Duffin, Sean Essen, Christopher Essen, Kiley Essen and Ryan Essen; several cousins and many, many friends. Paul wished to acknowledge his "Good Samaritans" in Crestview, FL. He was so grateful for their support and love when he needed it most. Jesus was his life and he spent his last 40+ years proclaiming the joy of knowing Jesus. Services will be held in Two Harbors, MN, on May 26, 2012 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with interment at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be sent in Paul's name to his sons at 2036 S. 60th Ave. E., Newton, IA 50208.