Paul Frank Belisle

Paul Frank Belisle, 60, of Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, passed unexpectedly. He was
preceded in death by his parents Andy Sr., and Shirley Belisle (Pierzinski), many aunts
and uncles, as well as his business partners, Sheena and Gerald “Jerry “Peterson. He
is survived and will be deeply missed by his sister Monica (Michael Petring), brothers
Ted, Andy (Shelly), Chris (Becky), and Pierre, and his nieces and nephews Jennifer,
Kelly, Justin, Blair, Dylan, Katie, Juliauna, and Pierre II; his great niece and little helper,
Audra; great nephew Bryson; and his friends, who have stuck with him through thick
and thin.

Paul was born on January 10, 1963 to Andy and Shirley Belisle. He was a preemie. He
was a scrappy tike. He enjoyed cub scouts, wrestling, and shop class in school. He
graduated from Somerset Senior High School in 1981. He later graduated from VoTech
9-16 with a culinary certificate.

Paul started his work in the food industry at the Terrace in Somerset and progressively
moved on to positions of greater responsibility - most notably, to the Dock Café in
Stillwater, and to his position as co-owner of the Valley House in Houlton, Wisconsin.
After they sold the Valley House, Paul had the flexibility to care for his aging mother.
One of his favorite activities while at her house was gardening. His quest for knowledge
was impressive. He would research various items on the internet (YouTube) and then
try them out, whether it was how to plant raised beds or different ways to make pickles.
Paul was a hard worker and a tough and fair boss. He made an impression on one
young man, who took the time to write him this note:

Dear Paul,
I write to you today in the hopes of sending you some gratitude. Growing up
without a father around is tough for any kid, but my brother & I were fortunate
enough to still grow up alongside a positive male role model. (I’m talking about
you, Paul!) You taught me many things about how to cook & clean, but much
more importantly, you taught me how to be a man. You taught me to respect
women, how to stand up for myself, and how to be an all-around good person.
I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for your guidance. You really
picked up the ball my father had dropped, even if you didn’t realize it.
So thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so proud of you.
Let’sgrab a burger sometime.

Paul saved this young man’s note. It meant so much to him. Accompanying the note
was the young man’s drawing of an owl. The saying on the drawing was “Wise Ole
Paul.” Even though he was frugal, conservative, and opinionated, the above sentiment
is a testament of how he wanted to be seen by others.

Paul wanted more for his nieces and nephews than what he had. He wanted them to
know the value of hard work and that life was not free. He encouraged them to get their
degrees in college if that was their path. He wanted them to work for an organization
that had good benefits and paid well. He would say, “Don’t be dumb like me and go
straight to work and work 80 hours a week to make a living. Be smart.”
Paul would appreciate your love and support, and he would encourage you to move
on...power through it (PTI), one of his favorite sayings.

The family would like to invite all to attend a celebration of Paul’s life at Bradshaw
Funeral Home, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, Minnesota on Friday October 20th.
There will be visitation from 1-2 p.m., the service at 2 p.m., followed by a luncheon.
Family and friends will proceed to St. Anne's Cemetery for a graveside internment at
5pm.

Should you desire to provide a memorial, consider Ruby’s Pantry in New Richmond,
Boy Scouts of America, or having a tree planted in his name. To order memorial trees in
memory of Paul Frank Belisle.