Paul Steven Etzell

Dr. Paul S. Etzell, an oncologist, and devoted family man, passed away on February 28, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 85. Born on July 21, 1940, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Paul was the third of five children born to George and Ione Etzell. His childhood in Clarissa, Minnesota-where his father ran the Clarissa Independent and his mother was active in community service-instilled in him both a communicator's clarity and a healer's heart. Paul followed his calling to the University of Minnesota, where he earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees. It was during these years that he met Mary Anne Schilling, who would become his lifelong partner and wife. Together they shared 62 years of loving marriage and raised 3 children. Paul's medical career was marked by excellence and service. After graduating from medical school he spent a year as an intern at Hennepin County Medical Center. He then served three years in the US Army in Germany. When he returned to the US he completed his specialized training in Internal Medicine and Hematology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Upon completing training, Paul spent three years practicing internal medicine in St Cloud, Minnesota. He then moved to Fargo, North Dakota where he practiced oncology and hematology for nearly 21 years. He was a founder and first medical director of the Roger Maris Cancer Center, the first cancer center in the region. In the final chapter of his career, he moved on to Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was instrumental in establishing the Lake Region Cancer Center, ensuring that patients in rural areas had access to the best possible care closer to home. Paul was known for his kindness and compassion in caring for his patients and their families. He devoted many hours to supporting them, doing everything in his power to make their experience with cancer as manageable and comforting as possible. He even made house calls. Paul didn't just practice medicine, he lived out his calling as both a physical and emotional healer. When he wasn't in the clinic, Paul spent time with his family, was an avid gardening assistant to Mary Anne and enjoyed golfing and photography. Even though he had a demanding career, he made sure to attend all his kids' events and cheer them on. He also delivered more than his share of newspapers as he helped his kids in their endeavors. He enjoyed time at the lake near Brainerd where, in his younger years, he would perform water skiing tricks with his sister. Later in life, he could be found pontooning and finding joy in watching his children and grandchildren enjoy the lake. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ione, and his eldest brother, Peter. His legacy lives on through his wife, Mary Anne; his children, Joan (Grace), Tina Litchy (Mark), and Steve (Robyn); and his grandchildren, Alex Etzell, Matthew Litchy, Bryn Etzell, and Grace Litchy. He is also survived by his siblings, Gretchen, Mary, and Martha. Paul will be remembered for his compassion and optimism ("It's gonna clear"), and as a man who loved his family above all else. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation or the Mayo Clinic. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 10th at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 155 County Rd 24, Wayzata, MN. Reception lunch to follow.

Tributes

Paul Steven Etzell

July 21, 1940 - February 28, 2026

Tributes

Paul Steven Etzell

July 21, 1940 - February 28, 2026

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