Paul Gillund

Minot

Paul Gillund, 57, of Minot, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Nelson Carlson Lake, where he loved to fish and kayak.

Paul Eric Gillund was born on September 24, 1968, in Crosby, ND, to parents Ruth and Ernest Gillund. He grew up on the family farm in Wildrose and graduated from Wildrose High School in 1986 where he played basketball.

Following high school, Paul attended college in Bottineau to play basketball and finished his degree in Minot, where he earned a BA in Business Administration Management. He began his career working at Rent All in Minot. He later joined SRT Communications in Minot, where he worked for 19 years. He married Eileen Dolan on October 15, 1994 in Crosby, ND. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Josie and Carson. When Josie married Zach, Paul wholeheartedly welcomed him into the family. Zach became another son to Paul immediately.

Two of Paul’s biggest passions were hunting and fishing, which he passed on to his children. Creating lifelong memories, Paul, Josie, and Carson spent many days together outdoors hunting on the family land in Wildrose and Crosby. The family always had a fishing boat, where many wonderful memories were created. Paul and Eileen spent lots of time outdoors kayaking and hiking. The two were also avid travelers –

taking many vacations with family and friends. The entire family enjoyed golfing together in the summers with mixed results each outing.

Reading was something Paul did in his spare time; he read outdoors and hunting stories. His favorite author was Teddy Roosevelt. He also loved attending Josie and Carson’s sporting events and other activities. Rarely did he miss an event no matter the location; his children were his pride and joy.

In the summer of 2024, one of Paul’s ultimate adventures began. Being a grandpa to Josie’s son, Calvin, truly was the biggest blessing in his life. Paul was thrilled to be welcoming another grandson to the family in May.

Giving back to his community, Paul volunteered his time as a board member of Souris Valley United Way and Minot Sertoma Club. Paul also belonged to Bread of Life Lutheran Church.

Paul fought a hard, long battle with depression. This battle led to his untimely departure from us. He will be remembered most for being a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend.

Paul is survived by his loving family which includes: his wife, Eileen Dolan Gillund; daughter, Josie (Zach) Johnson and their son Calvin; son, Carson Gillund; brother, Gary (Ardis) Gillund; aunts and uncles, Dale (Ilene) Howard, Darlene Oien, Gloria (Larry) Sorenson, Rose Howard; mother-in-law, Marlys Dolan; brother-in-law, Brad (Jacquie) Dolan; sisters-in-law, Mary (Mike) Ehrmantraut, Sheila (Aaron) Dolan, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ruth Gillund; father-in-law, Erling Dolan, many aunts and uncles, and a nephew.

Memorials are preferred to Souris Valley United Way, Minot Sertoma Club, or Bread of Life Lutheran Church.

A visitation will be held at the Thomas Family Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at Bread of Life Lutheran Church in Minot on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. A link to a livestream of the service will be available on the funeral home website.

(Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot)

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 23, 2026.