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Paul James Grathwol
02-20-2025

Paul James Grathwol, age 62, of Sioux Falls, SD died peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer on February 20, 2025. He was born September 13, 1962 in Clinton, IA. He was the son of James G. and Virgina (Schwartz) Grathwol. Paul lived in Duluth MN, Burnsville MN and finally in Brookings, SD where he graduated with the class of 1981. He attended Canby Vocational Institute where he met his wife Nadine.

Paul and Nadine (McKernan) were united in marriage on March 3, 1984 in Milbank, SD.

Paul and Nadine moved to Sioux Falls, SD in 1988 and Paul spent his career in various sales positions, his most recent being with Dave’s Flooring America. Paul and Nadine welcomed two daughters into their family which Paul enjoyed being witness to all of their different activities. In his younger years Paul enjoyed playing baseball, softball, hockey and golf, most of which he also enjoyed watching on tv. He enjoyed cheering for the MN Twins, St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, KC Chiefs, MN Wild, and Chicago Blackhawks throughout their various seasons. Paul enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed his daddy/daughter trips he got to take with his youngest daughter. His pride and joy was his family and the time he got to spend with them and especially his 3 grandchildren. Paul was also best known for his cooking, wide array of dad jokes, and sense of humor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nadine of Sioux Falls, SD; two daughters: Crystal (Sam) Smith, Ottis, Eleanor and Walter of Blair, NE and Jessica Grathwol of Omaha, NE; Siblings: Ann Murray (Mike Grenwalt) of Lewellen, NE; mother in law Sandy McKernan of Milbank, SD. Brothers in law Mike (Holly) McKernan of Twin Brooks SD, Dennis (Cathy) McKernan of Mesa AZ, Lyle (Darla) McKernan of Rapid City, SD. Sisters in law Diane (Bruce) Kneeland of Summit SD, Cheryl (Scott) Meyer of Milbank SD and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Virgina Grathwol and his father in law Gene McKernan.

Visitation will begin at 5 PM, Thursday, February 27 at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 28, 10:30 AM at St. Lambert Church with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Live Stream Link:

https://www.youtube.com/@stlambertparish4964