Paul Meisel, 55, Sawyer, ND, died on Monday, May 12, 2014 in a Minot hospital.

Paul was born on August 19, 1958 in Valley City, ND to George and Madge (Dubourt) Meisel. He spent his first year being doted on by the school children at Green School in Valley City where George was a teacher and Madge was the cook. He moved to Williston at the age of one where he spent the rest of his childhood. He graduated from WHS in 1976. He then graduated from University of Mary in Bismarck. He worked in the social services field for many years. He started that career at the Dakota Boys Ranch and then worked at Social Services as a counselor. He later focused on his true love as a freelance photographer showing his many skills at capturing the beauty in lightning, northern lights, storm clouds, winter and the prairie. He also found joy in taking portraits. His passion was Ham radio and SKYWARN where he helped keep people safe as a storm spotter.

Paul is survived by his mother, Madge Meisel, Williston; sisters, Marge (Bill) Kunik, Lakeville, MN, Kathie Schlemper, Belle, MO, Anne Meisel, Pick City; brother, Joe Meisel, Williston; nephews, Matt Schlemper, Sidney, MT, Jonathan Schlemper, Belle, MO and Lewis Kunik, Madison, WI; nieces, Jessie Schlemper, Springfield, MO, Katie Kunik, Bloomington, MN, and Erinn Kunik, Tanzania, Africa; uncles: Carl Meisel, Bob Meisel, Martin Meisel, Jim (Carolyn) Meisel, Pat Dubourt, Chuck Dubourt and aunts: Mary Hansen, Emily Meisel, Polly West, Laddie Oster, Polly (Dennis) Kegler, Marcello Dubourt.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, George Meisel and brother-in-law, Dave Schlemper.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 21 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot. Interment: Hillside Memory Gardens, Williston at a later date.
Memorials preferred to Souris Valley Amateur Radio Club and the Humane Society.
www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com