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Paul Kenneth Judsen, age 87, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026 at his home surrounded by loving family.
He was born August 7, 1938 in Chicago, was adopted by Nils A. and Clara M. (Ekle) Judsen. Paul grew up in Three Rivers and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1956.
On November 30, 1961 he married Sandra Franklin, whom he met while working at the “Snack Cottage” at Corey Lake. Paul and Sandy built a life together centered around family, hard work, and community.
He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for more than six years as a tank gunner. He was activated twice during his service and was honorably discharged as an E-5 Specialist (SP5) in 1967.
Paul was a lifelong entrepreneur whose many business ventures became well known in the Three Rivers area. Over the years he owned or operated The Point, A&W, Hilltop Restaurant, The Rainbow Restaurant, PJ’s, Cliff’s Pizza, Pablo’s Burro, Dimmick’s Shell, and Warsaw Chemical, where he was honored as Salesman of the Year twice.
Paul devoted much of his life to serving his community through the Three Rivers Lions Club, where he had just entered his 59th year of membership. He was instrumental in the building of the Lions Service Center, held many local offices and district committee roles, chaired the Ox Roast for 45 years, and helped establish the club’s holiday Nut Sales and Rose Day fundraisers. Among his many honors were Lion of the Year, the Melvin Jones Fellowship, and the Bruce C. Snook Citizen of the Year award. He was also especially proud of recruiting more than 50 new members to the club over the years.
Paul and Sandy were active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he served on the property, finance, stewardship, and endowment committees. Paul was also a member of the American Legion and the Elks.
In his free time, Paul enjoyed fishing, splitting wood, and sitting on his deck enjoying the peaceful view of the St Joseph River. He also loved entertaining the neighborhood in his man-cave.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandy Judsen; sons, Steve (Kelly) Judsen, Tim (Jamie) Judsen, and Knute Judsen; grandchildren, Josh (Casey), Libby, and Aidan Judsen; great-grandchildren, Bradley and Liam Judsen; and a special cousin, Elaine Breseman.
His family will receive friends Thursday, March 12, 2026 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 with Pastor Vicky Blough officiating.
Donations in Paul’s memory may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Three Rivers, Three Rivers Lions Club or the Three Rivers Elks. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
