Paul Joseph Maras, son of John G. Maras and Anna (Wieskus) Maras, was born July 3, 1929 in Jackson County. Paul was 5 years old when the family moved to a farm north of Windom. He attended Willow Creek Country School District 78 in Dale Township, later graduating from Windom High School in 1947. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. He was a member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Jeffers, where he served as a lector, until the church closing. Paul was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. Paul farmed with his father for several years, until 1954, when he entered the US Army with basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. Paul married Geraldine Marie Rose Pawlitschek on April 27, 1954 at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Jeffers. They lived in El Paso, Texas for 2 years where Paul was stationed at Fort Bliss. Honorably discharged he returned to a farm in Dale Township. He enjoyed buying and feeding cattle. He attended Veteran's Ag School for three years. In 1956, Paul attended the Reisch American School of Auctioneering in Mason City, IA. He spent 13 years auctioneering at the Walnut Grove Sales Pavilion and many years at other auction barns and sales. From 1973-1985, Paul served as a supervisor on the Dale Township board. In 1985, he was elected supervisor of the Cottonwood County Soil and Water Conservation District, serving for 12 years. He was a member of the MN Ditch Viewers for 9 years, and a board member of the Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area for 5 years. Paul served on the Farmer's Coop Oil board in Jeffers and the ASC Committee. Paul was very sports minded and played fast pitch softball, as a pitcher for 25 years for Delft and Windom, playing in two State Softball Tournaments. Paul credited his interest in sports to his country schoolteacher, Lucille Reese, who was a huge sports enthusiast and encouraged him and other family members by scheduling games with other schools. Paul was a self-made carpenter, building most of their own home, and many other buildings and projects. His hobbies were gardening, bowling, and belonging to two different 500 card clubs for 33 years. He bought a 1929 Model A Ford and drove it in parades. As a history buff, he and Gerry like to travel and did so for many years. Paul was a lifetime member of the Cottonwood County Historical Society because of always enjoying history. He loved to trap and hunt. A true nature lover, he and his family planted hundreds of trees and bushes, providing habitat for wildlife. Paul enjoyed going to Northern Minnesota the most. His main concern was always his family. In retirement, Paul helped build his own cabin and enjoyed family and friends there. He enjoyed riding in the combine with his grandson during harvest and learning about the latest technology. He loved it when any of the grandchildren came and he could tell stories and jokes. His favorite season was Christmas. He always reminded his wife of the first time they went to midnight Mass, then out to the farm to celebrate with his mom and dad and 11 siblings and their significant others. Having a great respect for his parents and his life growing up on the farm, he wrote a book of stories to give to his children. He said, "Once I'm gone, the stories will be gone." He will always be remembered for the exceptional patience, great sense of humor and determination in life. Paul experienced many health problems. He spent one week in 2019 at the Veteran's Hospital in Sioux Falls, then entered the Good Samaritan Society in Windom, until May 1, 2021, when he was taken to Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, where he passed away on May 11. Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Gerry, of 67 years; 4 sons: Paul Maras and Jeff Maras of Windom, Matt (Daphney) Maras of Albert Lea, Wayne (Cheri) Maras of Windom; 3 daughters, Anna (Will) Johnston of Camdenton, MO; Beth (Gary) Kalash of Windom and Belle (Duane) Harder of Bingham Lake; 14 grandchildren, Jessica (Van) Carmody, Michelle Maras, Nicole (Andy) Skarphol, Rachel (Steven) Moya, Jeffrey Maras, Andrew (Brittany)Buboltz, Mariah Maras, Cierra Maras, Tristyn Maras, Tyler Maras, Jessica Ludewig, Darby (Paige) Harder, Derek Harder, and Drake Harder; and 20 great-grandchildren, Elle & Dix; Maurissa, Sommer & Seth; Sydney, William & Thea; Liv & Steven; Theodore & Max; Eden; Savannah & Priscilla; Ashley, Ben & Nora; Westin & Makenzie; two sisters, Rose Schwalbach of Windom and Kathleen (Henry) Grothaus of Oakdale; one brother, Ed (Pat) Maras of Urbandale, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers: Ray, John, Isadore, Daniel, and Joe; 3 sisters: Gladys Wiens, Arlene Bartosh and Helen Haugen; and 1 grandson, Matt Kalash. Blessed be the memory of Paul Maras.