Paul Eugene Morreim, 102

Published 7:40 am Friday, September 1, 2017

Paul Eugene Morreim, 102, of Northfield, Minnesota, a former Austin, Minnesota, chiropractor, died Saturday Aug. 26.

Paul Eugene Morreim, 102

Paul Morreim was born May 14, 1915, the grandson of Thosten Morreim, whose homestead deed in Freeborn County was signed in 1862 by Abraham Lincoln. He carried the resilience of his forebears. One of the proudest events of his early life was being awarded his Eagle Scout badge by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1932. A 1937 graduate of St. Olaf College, he went on to Lincoln Chiropractic College and then established a practice in Austin, where he remained for 66 years.

He loved serving the people of southeastern Minnesota, whose aches and pains brought them to his office. Holistic before the term was coined, he believed in the body’s ability to heal itself with proper rest and nutrition and common sense. He took no over-the-counter medication ever, to which he credited his longevity. Along with carrots for lunch every day.

Paul did nothing halfway. He loved the automobile, especially driven at a high rate of speed. He played his piano almost until he died. He enjoyed photography, history, his boat. He adored Florence, his wife of 52 years, and Janet his wife of 12 years. His children and grand-children he loved and supported with generous praise, and he established education trusts for each of his “great-grands.” He was deeply grateful for the loving community of Northfield, especially his friends and neighbors at the VOC, where he spent the last 10 years of his life.

Paul grabbed the brass ring. He lived life abundantly and well, with decency, kindness and generosity. He would not like this obituary, but he wouldn’t disagree with a word in it.

He is survived by children, Paul (Linda) Morreim, Heidi (Frazier) Eales, and Liz (Haavi) Morreim; granddaughters, Kate Eales (Ethan Henerey), Sarah Stanton, Liv (Tenner) Guillaume, and Marit (Peter) Hughes; and great-grandchildren, Gus, Berit, Brynn, Drew, Leah, Isla, Noe, Cody, Lola and Edie.

He was preceded in death by wives Florence Haavik and Janet Schmidt.

Celebration of life to be held at Village on the Cannon, 301 West Seventh St., Northfield, Minnesota, 55057) at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15.

Memorials, if desired, should go to Saint Olaf College or donor’s choice. Arrangements by Benson and Langehough Funeral Home, Northfield (www.northfieldfuneral.com).