Paul W. Pryor
Paul W. Pryor passed away peacefully at age 92 in Redwood Falls. He is survived by his wife Marvel, children Joseph (Laura, Andrew), Anne, Michael (Mary) Patrick, and Matthew (Jill, Madeline, Mariel).
Paul was born in Redwood Falls, the son of Robert Wayne Pryor and Lucy Marie (Gits) Pryor. He graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1948.
After serving with the United States Air Force for four years, he graduated from St. John’s University (SJU), with degrees in Economics and Business Administration and a minor in Philosophy, using the GI bill. He played the trombone in the SJU marching band and orchestra.
Paul served in the Korean War as Staff Sergeant US Air Force Intelligence, serving two years in Tokyo Japan.
He met Marvel in her senior year of college on a blind date. They married in 1958 and moved to Fergus Falls, MN, where she taught 5th grade and Paul served as the Finance Manager for Firestone. They moved to Redwood Falls in 1959.
Paul started his career as the City Clerk/Treasurer for the City of Redwood Falls, and was instrumental in the development of the Sunnyside Heights Division, adding 40 houses a year to the community.
He joined the Redwood Falls Savings and Loan, now the HomeTown Bank, at the urging of Ed Johnson, in 1966, where he served as President/CEO and Director until his retirement in 2002.
Paul believed that “everyone deserved a home and a good job,”. He spent his career helping to provide those to the citizens of Redwood Falls, his beloved hometown, and the surrounding area.
Paul was active in many community and development organizations including the Corporate Development Association, where he collaborated with community leaders to develop Anderson Farms into Control Data (now Daktronics) and the industrial park.
As a member of the Citizen’s Development Corporation, he partnered with leaders to develop Northwood Terrace.
He served as the Chair of the Hospital Board for 10 years, committed to ensuring the best healthcare and innovative services for our community.
Paul was President of the Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Chair and Board member. He loved meeting people at the popular pancake days.
As a member of the Redwood Falls Housing and Redevelopment Authority, he was proud of the work they did to create the first low-income housing development in Redwood Falls which is called Lakeside Manor.
He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Robert Milton Home (REM Minnesota), a member of the Library Board, and the Treasurer for the Veteran’s Memorial at the Athletic Field. Paul was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW.
A devoted Catholic, he was a member of the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church Board, charter member of the Church Parish Council and Men’s Club. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Catherine’s Finance and Building committees, securing the lot for the new church, working with community leaders. He loved serving as an usher for more than 50 years.
Paul was honored to be recognized for the WCCO Good Neighbor Award and the Redwood Area Schools Hall of Fame.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, 900 East Flynn Street, Redwood Falls, Minnesota.
The visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 to 11:30 am.
Following Mass, a luncheon will be held at the church. Following the luncheon, the burial will be held at the St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery, Redwood Falls, MN, with military honors.
Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Services of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com. A live stream broadcast can be viewed at: https://www.lowafc.org/st–catherine.
Donations are preferred to the Redwood Area Food Shelf, 231 East 2nd St. Redwood Falls, MN 56283, or donors’ choice. Special thanks for the compassionate care from the Staff at CentraCare Redwood Hospital.
In Paul Pryor’s memory, a new picnic pavilion will be built at Memorial Athletic Complex, near the Aquatic Center, funded by his children, who have lived, and played in this area for over 60 years.
