Paul Alan Mitzelfelt, 64

Paul Alan Mitzelfelt, born March 21, 1960, passed away peacefully Aug. 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and beloved dog, Bailey. Paul was born to Donald and Virginia Mitzelfelt. His family loved camping and fishing, developing an early passion for sports. A standout athlete, Paul played football and baseball throughout his school years, earning the title of “most athletic” in ninth grade. Paul met Robin in 1974 while he was in ninth grade. The couple married in 1982 and later had their union blessed by the Catholic church in 1992 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Together, they raised two sons, Paul Jr. and Donnie, who were the pride of his life. 

Right out of high school, he began working in the electrical field with his father. Paul worked in several states, including California, Idaho, Oregon, North Carolina and Alaska, but his favorite place to work was a small island in the South Pacific called Wake Island. His brilliance as an electrician was matched by his dedication to helping others with any electrical problem. Everyone knew they could always call Paul to give advice on an electrical issue. Paul retired in 2021 after 43 years on the job. His passion, strong work ethic and love for his job were passed down to his sons.

His sons were the light of his life, and he loved them more than anything. He filled their lives with many camping and fishing trips, but their favorite trip was to Alaska, where they fished for salmon and halibut. 

He was a devoted father, never missing a game when his sons played little league baseball, football or wrestling. He coached them and many young kids over his lifetime. Having their dad there during those games really helped Paul Jr. and Donnie to thrive in anything they set their mind on, whether it be working or having fun. 

Paul was a very kind- and good-hearted man who loved children and was a father figure to many, taking his son's friends under his wing. He was one of the most generous persons anyone could know. If you needed his last dollar or the shirt off his back, he would give it to you. Paul enjoyed golfing, and many crazy stories were told of his golfing adventures. Not sure if he loved golfing or just being with his family and friends. Paul was an animal lover, especially dogs. There wasn’t a dog he met who didn’t instantly love him. After rescuing his dog, Bailey, from the shelter, she was faithfully by his side every day. He filled her life with love and snacks.

Paul faced a battle with lung cancer starting in 2016, showing the same courage and determination in every aspect of his life. He fought through treatment and continued to work, take care of his family and provide love for everyone around him. He was always ready to go fishing. His son's favorite saying was, “Do you want to die in your chair or die on the trail.” That saying kept him going. 

Paul loved his precious grandchildren, Maddie and Parker. He loved to read to them and tell scary stories before bed.

Paul is preceded in death by his dad, Donald, and mom Virginia, sister Judy, and niece Amy. 

His spirit lives on in his loving wife, Robin; his sons, Paul Jr. and Donnie; and his wife, Katie; two amazing grandchildren, Maddie and Parker; his sister Susan in Texas; his brother, Donald, and his wife, Beth, in Arizona; his sister, Melanie, in California; his nieces and nephews; and the San Diego Prayer Warriors Frank, Jay, Ron, Allen and his beloved dog Bailey. 

Paul will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, strength and commitment to the family will live on. 

Services will be Oct. 5, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Rosary is at 10:30 a.m., and the memorial Mass is at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow.

Visit Paul’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.