Paul James Birgin

Paul J. Birgin, age 84, of Rochester, MN died peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. Paul James Birgin was born March 9, 1937 in Austin, MN the son of Paul Christopher and Selena Ardell (Peterson) Birgin. He was a graduate of Blooming Prairie High School and attended Mankato State University. He was united in marriage to Patricia Betlach on February 6, 1960 in Blooming Prairie, MN. They were blessed with 45 years of marriage until her passing on November 16, 2005. Paul served in the Army Reserves and worked a lifelong career with IBM. On July 25, 2009 he married Elaine (Huse) Hokanson in Owatonna, MN. They resided in Rochester, MN and wintered in Florida. Paul enjoyed golfing, reading, traveling and buying new and old cars. He loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. He was an active member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife, Elaine of Rochester, MN; four children, Scott (Shelly) Birgin of Champlin, MN, Mark (Ann) Birgin of Kasson, MN, Debbie Birgin of Lino Lakes, MN, Theresa (Chris) Lucas of Bemidji, MN; 10 grandchildren, Matthew (Samantha) Birgin, Derek (Kelsey) Birgin, Alisha and Rebekah Birgin, Sarah and Megan Heider, Alexander, Parker, Owen and Leah Lucas; 3 great grandchildren, Emerson and Camden Birgin, Stella Birgin; 2 step daughters, Kirstin (Alan) Doud and Gabrielle (Caleb) Hodson; 3 step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Patricia; infant son, Thomas; sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Larry Konu. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1315 12th Ave, NW, Rochester, MN with Reverend Russell Scepaniak officiating. The Mass will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/-oRdCtKG288. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow the mass. Interment will follow at St. Columbanus Catholic Cemetery, Blooming Prairie, MN. Memorials are preferred to Mayo Hospice or donor's choice. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Birgin family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com