Paul Below

Paul Carl Below, age 90 of Watertown, SD, was called home to be with the angels on August 9, 2024, at his residence. He was born on the Florence, SD family farm on February 16, 1934, to Albert and Elsie (Kaaz) Below. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1953, where he met his wife Daisy on the 1st day of school in 9th grade. They were married in Watertown in 1954 and moved to a house on Lake Kampeska to start their family. In 1960, they moved to a house they built on Sioux Conifer Rd., where he lived until his passing.  

Paul began his career at Watertown Monument Works at the age of 16, where he worked for the next 57 years, training first as a stone cutter and moving through all phases of the business before moving into management in the mid-1960’s. Upon his retirement he received an Executive Proclamation from South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds, designating December 20, 2006, “Paul Below Day” in South Dakota for his 57 years of hard work, perseverance, dedication to duty and service to the state and community. 

Paul was recognized for his service to the Codington County Historical Society, Izaack Walton League, SD Walleyes Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, as a long-time Horse 4-H Leader, Treasurer of Lake Township, Senior Warden and member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Watertown and, in later years, as warden and member of Christ Episcopal Church in Milbank. He enjoyed raising horses, working in his yard, camping, walleye fishing and hunting deer, antelope, waterfowl and pheasants.   

Paul is survived by his three sons: Paul (Cathy) Below of Poulsbo, WA, Scott (Kristen) Below of Greenville, NC, and Aaron Below of Watertown; three granddaughters: Kara (Below) Compliment, Chelsea (Below) Winters and Isabelle Below; one great-grandson: Charlie Compliment and his siblings, Margaret (Below) Dovalgo of WA, Carl Below of Eugene, OR, and Don Below of Florence, SD. He was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy (Below) Leone and wife Evelyn (Daisy) Below.

A private family burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant, Arlington, Lake Preston, Oldham

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