Father William Joseph Paron, age 78, of Waconia passed away Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 18, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Community (41 East 1st St. in Waconia. Archbishop Bernard Hebda presiding. Concelebrants of the Mass are Father Stan Mader, Father Martin Shallbetter and Deacon Joseph Paron. Visitation held from 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass at the church. Interment Catholic Cemetery in Shakopee. No lunch will be served.
Live stream will be available at: www.facebook.com/SJChurchWaconia.
William Joseph Paron was born August 31, 1943 in Hector, MN, the eldest son of Alphonse and Connie (Dellwo) Paron. He was baptized at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector. He received his First Holy Communion in 1950. William attended St. Hubert’s Grade School in Chanhassen and St. Mark’s Catholic School in Shakopee. He went on to complete 6 years at the St. Paul Nazareth Hall and 6 years at the St. Paul Major Seminary and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1965. William was ordained a Sub-Deacon in March of 1968 and in May a Transitional Deacon. He continued his studies and on May 24, 1969 was ordained a Catholic Priest at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, MN.
Bill pursued his life with perseverance and dedication. His early years were spent in Stewart, Cologne, Chanhassen and eventually Shakopee. He had many fond memories and adventures with siblings and friends. In high school, when not immersed in his studies, Bill was a diligent worker. He worked as a carpenter’s apprentice for his neighbor, with his father on the Milwaukee Railroad in Hopkins, MN and in carpentry with his 2 delightful uncles. Bill especially cherished the time working with his father. He instilled in Bill a strong work ethic, leading by example, never flaunting his position as a foreman.
In the later years of grade school, William discovered he might have a vocation to priesthood. In 1957, he began the life long journey, entering the Nazareth Hall Preparatory Seminary in St. Paul. He had immense gratitude to his parents and family for their loving support during these “years of discovery”. There he received a solid education and a strong foundation in the faith. He also got a chance to play varsity baseball, hockey and form many friendships.
The day after his ordination, Bill offered his first Mass at his home Parish of St. Mark’s in Shakopee. In 1969, he started working as a priest at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Roseville and less than 3 months later was transferred to Holy Name Parish in south Minneapolis, where he remained until 1974. Bill was then assigned to Epiphany Catholic Church in Coon Rapids, where his involvement in the organizational aspects of parish life deepened. He was given the responsibility of being the pastor’s representative on the Parish Council, the School Board, the CCD Board, the Finance Board, the Youth Board and the Liturgy Board. On June 15, 1982, Bill received his first pastorate at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague and proudly served for 16 years. In 1998, he received his final reassignment into a smaller rural-like parish, Church of St. Nicholas in Carver. He fondly remembered those years as less stressful and less busy, leading him into retirement.
When not at work Bill loved time with his family and hobbies. He was especially captivated with trains, both model and life size. In 1988, he purchased a Milwaukee Road motor car, a putt-putt. His brother, Frank, did the same shortly after and they shared this passion for many years. Bill treasured the many motor car trips and memories.
In his retirement (2008) Father Bill pursued his family history/genealogy, which brought him on travels throughout the US and Canada, often by rail. He served with the Knights of Columbus in Waconia and assisted in priestly roles of liturgies and penance services. He heartily served in many parishes throughout the Minnesota west metro area. He loved sharing the sacraments with God’s people especially in the Eucharist, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. In his book he wrote “Needless to say, priesthood has been most kind to me. The older I get the more I recognized God’s hand in my life. How kind, generous and loving he has been to me in letting me serve him as one of his priests. I experience his presence and closeness daily, especially at his Eucharistic Table. How incredibly blessed I have been.”
Father Bill was preceded in death by his parents Alphonse and Connie (Paron) Samstad; brother Frank Paron; nephew Joshua Paron.
Father Bill is survived by his: brother Peter (Susan) Paron; sister Mary (Nick) Schreifels; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Fr. William J. Paron Endowment Fund (a designated endowment fund of the Catholic Community Foundation in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis).
Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia. 952-442-2121 www.johnsonfh.com
Father William Joseph Paron, 78
