Reverend Paul K. Discher

Rev. Paul Kenneth Discher (July 19, 1936 - June 18, 2018) Paul passed away peacefully on June 18, 2018 after a short stay at The Homestead in Rochester, MN. He was born July 19, 1936 to Rev. Walter and Florence (Schmidt) Discher in Whittemore, IA. He was baptized, confirmed and married by his father. The family moved to Clarinda, IA where Paul attended public school. His high school and junior college years were spent at Concordia College, Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from Concordia Lutheran Seminary, St. Louis, MO. in 1961. He served as a vicar in Flint, MI from 1959 to 1960. Paul married Mildred (Gust) Discher on August 7, 1960 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Clarinda, IA. They were later divorced. He married Sonja (Hedrick) Discher on May 26, 1980 at Coal Ridge Church in Knoxville, IA. He served parishes in Greenville, TX, Sulphur Springs, TX, Marengo, IA and Marshalltown, IA. He retired from the ministry in 1977 and pursued a new career in social work at the Department of Human Services in Marshalltown, IA where he retired in 2000. Paul and Sonja spent their retirement years in Dundas, MN and later moved to Bloomington, MN. He loved his family, playing baseball and basketball, reading, Bible study, camping, and picnicking. During his basketball career, due to his skill at long-range shooting, he was nicknamed 'Swisher Discher' by his teammates. Later he was inducted in the Hall of Fame at Concordia College, Milwaukee, WI. His was a familiar face in the crowd at the many ball games and events of his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sonja, Rochester, MN; daughter, Deb (Rick) Peterson of Mantorville, MN; daughter Ann Discher of Rochester, MN; son John (Tracy) Discher of Burnsville, MN; son Bob Discher of Burnsville, MN; step-daughter Amy (Jeff) Graves of Des Moines, IA; step-son Phil (Mojgan) Hedrick of San Diego, CA; grandchildren James, Craig, Jack, Jordan, Nick; step-grandchildren Kayla (Alex), Nicole, Andrew; brothers in law, Don (Lynnette) Shetterly Victor (Pamela) Shetterly; sisters in law Teresa (David) Van Zante, LaDonna Discher, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Norman. Paul was a man of deep faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior. His memory will be cherished. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Marshalltown, IA. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Marshalltown. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester MN 55901. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com