Paul A. Mitzelfelt

Paul Alan Mitzelfelt, born March 21, 1960, passed away peacefully on August 22nd, 2024, surrounded by this loving family and his beloved dog Bailey. Paul was the 4th of 5 children born to Donald and Virginia Mitzelfelt. He spent his childhood in a family that 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 9th grade. In that same year, Paul met Robin, who would become the love of his life. 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. Over his impressive career, 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 help others with any electrical problem. Everyone knew they could always call Paul to give advice on an electrical issue, sometimes over the phone if he could not be hands on. Paul retired in 2021 after 43 years on the job. His passion, strong work ethic, and love for his job was passed down to his sons that they continue to strive toward every day. 

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 which included trips across Idaho, Wisconsin, Montana but their favorite trips were 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 that loved children and was a father figure to many, taking his sons friends under his wing and helping them develop into strong young men as well. He always made sure that everyone felt love when they came into his home and life. He was one of the most generous people anyone knew and if you needed his last dollar or the shirt off his back he would give it to you without any hesitation, even if it meant he went without. The love he had for his family and community knew no bounds and he was always there to help. 

Paul enjoyed golfing with friends, 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, having many in his life. 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 everyday she could be. He filled her life with love and attention and all the snacks she could eat. 

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 and take care of his family and provide love for everyone around him. He was always ready to go fishing. His sons favorite saying was “do you want to die in you 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, he got snuggles that way. 

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

His spirit lives on in his loving wife Robin, and his sons Paul Jr. and Donnie and his wife Katie and two amazing grandchildren Maddie and Parker, and his sister Susan in TX, his brother Donald and his wife Beth in AZ, his sister Melanie in CA and his many family members and friends, and his beloved dog Bailey. 

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

Services will be on October 5, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E Haycraft Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID Rosary 10:30 A.M. and the Memorial Mass 11:00 A.M. with a Reception to follow.

Services on October 5, 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E Haycraft Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 

Rosary 10:30 A.M.

Memorial Mass 11:00 A.M.

Reception to follow