Paul Arthur Tjelde was born February 12, 1952, in Libby, MT to Carol (Kujawa) and Leif Tjelde. The oldest of five siblings, he was a true farm boy, and it was this legacy that taught him the value of hard work. After graduating from Alexander, ND High School in 1970, he attended college at UND in Williston and Grand Forks.

Paul and Patti met on Spring Break in 1972. Even though they were over a thousand miles apart while attending college, Paul would drive all night in his 1970 Torino just to spend the weekend with her.

On February 11, 1978, he married Patti Petersen. Their first home together was located north of Cartwright on the Yellowstone River bottoms near the confluence on his family’s farm. In 1980, they moved to Sidney into a new house he built with his father-in-law. His final home was north of Sidney where he lived for 31 years. Paul was proud to be Dad to his loving daughters, Carrie and Sarah. He was a remarkable father and role model, always putting his family first, even more than any of us realized.

A gifted person, he used his artistic skills to build and create unique wood furniture. If Paul’s hands were too idle, he would just put up another building or he would “trim the trim!” Mom’s famous words, “If you don’t want it, don’t say it.” If we did, Dad would not hesitate to go buy it or, more likely, build it!

Recently he remodeled and restored his family cabin on Lake Sakakawea. He loved the peace and serenity of this beautiful place. He cherished the family time working on his endless list of projects. Many weekends were spent together remodeling, building, fixing, and barbequing.

Blessed with unending patience, he taught us all the value of this virtue, especially when handling animals. He traveled thousands of miles with his daughter and granddaughter barrel racing and enjoyed many family vacations, including Deadwood and Medora. His love of classic cars (especially his 1970 Torino) gave him hours of enjoyment doing restoration. Paul led a very full and active life. He never sat for long and recently began gardening and preserving food.

After farming for many years, he purchased Lee’s Tire Center. He loved mechanical work and built a successful business. Over the last 22 years, Paul made a huge impact on the community and many of his customers turned into lasting friendships.

Paul was baptized into the Lord’s church and regularly attended the Church of Christ. He said beautiful prayers and loved his church family.

He found true love in his family, spending time with them was a priority. He was a strong leader, and his guidance will be missed. He taught his girls many mechanical and building skills.

Paul peacefully passed away on Wednesday October 9, 2024, at the Sidney Health Center in Sidney, MT with family by his side.

He is survived by his wife Patti, his daughters Carrie (Jim) Faulhaber and Sarah (Miles) Netzer, and his granddaughter Olivia. He felt blessed to have Patti, Sarah, and Olivia working with him daily at the shop. Also surviving Paul are his mother Carol, his brothers Dale (Elaine) Tjelde and Lee (LaShell) Tjelde, his sisters Carla (Dave) Faulkner and Ann Renville, his brother-in-law Richard Petersen, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his dad, Leif Tjelde, in-laws Robert & Phyllis Petersen, and brother-in-law Robert Petersen.

So, we must say goodbye for a while. It is comforting to know he is at home waiting for us. I will miss the beautiful life we shared, the laughter and your smile. You are in my heart forever. I love you, Patti.

Psalm 91:11- He will give his angels guard over you and guide you in all your ways.

Memorial Contribution