Date of Death: March 2, 2026
Service Details
His family will receive friends Thursday, March 12, 2026 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Vicky Blough officiating.
Obituary Notice
Paul Kenneth Judsen, 87, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026 at his home surrounded by loving family.
He was born August 7, 1938 in Chicago, was adopted by Nils A. and Clara M. (Ekle) Judsen. Paul grew up in Three Rivers and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1956.
On November 30, 1961 he married Sandra Franklin, whom he met while working at the “Snack Cottage” at Corey Lake. Paul and Sandy built a life together centered around family, hard work, and community.
He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for more than six years as a tank gunner. He was activated twice during his service and was honorably discharged as an E-5 Specialist (SP5) in 1967.
Paul was a lifelong entrepreneur whose many business ventures became well known in the Three Rivers area. Over the years he owned or operated The Point, A&W, Hilltop Restaurant, The Rainbow Restaurant, PJ’s, Cliff’s Pizza, Pablo’s Burro, Dimmick’s Shell, and Warsaw Chemical, where he was honored as Salesman of the Year twice.
Paul devoted much of his life to serving his community through the Three Rivers Lions Club, where he had just entered his 59th year of membership. He was instrumental in the building of the Lions Service Center, held many local offices and district committee roles, chaired the Ox Roast for 45 years, and helped establish the club’s holiday Nut Sales and Rose Day fundraisers. Among his many honors were Lion of the Year, the Melvin Jones Fellowship, and the Bruce C. Snook Citizen of the Year award. He was also especially proud of recruiting more than 50 new members to the club over the years.
Paul and Sandy were active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he served on the property, finance, stewardship, and endowment committees. Paul was also a member of the American Legion and the Elks.
In his free time, Paul enjoyed fishing, splitting wood, and sitting on his deck enjoying the peaceful view of the St Joseph River. He also loved entertaining the neighborhood in his man-cave.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandy Judsen; sons, Steve (Kelly) Judsen, Tim (Jamie) Judsen, and Knute Judsen; grandchildren, Josh (Casey), Libby, and Aidan Judsen; great-grandchildren, Bradley and Liam Judsen; and a special cousin, Elaine Breseman.
Additional Information
Donations in Paul’s memory may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Three Rivers, Three Rivers Lions Club or the Three Rivers Elks. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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Paul was a neighbor when we were kids. Had lots of fun playing outdoors. Until dark. Memories❤️❤️❤️
Sandy, Cuddles and I send our sincere sympathy to the Judson family. I have many stories that I could tell everyone about Paul, Art and myself Christmas shopping for you girls. Hope you liked the gifts! Cuddles still has the long underwear and wool shirt, she never opened. Sorry that we missed the service but when your our age its easy to forget important events, Especially when you don’t get the newspaper until Fridays and you still forget to read it.
We send our love.
I respectfully referred to Paul as “Mayor” of our neighborhood. A natural leader and good person to know and visit with. His presence will be missed in our community because he was involved in so much. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Judsen family.
Wishing much peace for the entire family. I know my parents throught highly of Paul and the whole family.
So sorry to hear of his passing. A true leader in both St. John and with the Lions Club. Prayers go out to Sandy and his family. He will be missed.
So Sorry for your loss.
Our prayers are with you & your family Sandy. May his legacy be carried on. He will be missed!
May all of the Judsen family find comfort in the knowledge of a life well lived and given to service. Peace on this journey of grief.
Dear Sandy and family
So sad for the loss of our friend Paul. He was an icon of our community known to so many for each of his ownerships and friendship. When we first moved here Paul and Sandy were the first to welcome us to the neighborhood. Once that happened Paul put a ladder over the fence and that started a forever friendship that included each of us! Our boys were best friends, Sandy and I became good friends and of course the two gentlemen ran the neighborhood. So many memories we share to this day. I loved Paul and he continues to be in the hunting and fishing stories yet today. I can just imagine a big meeting going on in Heaven planning that next adventure. RIP my friend. In the words of Maury Schwartz, “ Death ends a life; but, not a relationship.”
Hugs and Prayers
We are so sorry for your family loss, may Paul’s legacy continue to grow through every single one of you! What a great man!
With Hugs and prayers
Kathleen and Terry Kutz❤️
Sandy, Steve, Tim, Knute:
Sorry about your loss. He was a great guy and am glad I knew him for many years from a young kid well into adult hood.
Whenever I would see him out making deliveries around town, he would always ask how our family was. The lions club is going to miss his him greatly. Prayers to you and the family.
Sandy, Steve, Tim and Knute-
So sorry about Paul. Best memories of my life are all of us growing up as neighbors- from grade school to high school. Paul and Joe and the hunting movies from Canada. Paul and his “whistle” at night for us to know we better get home. Teaching us all to work in the restaurants as young kids. Paul was a giant in statue and character. We were all blessed by him and he leaves a huge shadow.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all..
I grew up at St. John’s with the Judsen family. Prayers for the family and respects to Mr. Judsen, whom I’ve seen giving back to the community all my life. His service and example won’t be forgotten.
Sandy and Family, Jeff and I send our thoughts and prayers to you all during this time of such loss and sorrow. So many cherished memories to hold in your hearts of Paul as husband, father, grandfather, friend and member of his Three Rivers community. May you be comforted in God’s grace.
I met Paul and Sandy at A&W when I worked for them. Years later, Knute and my son attended school together. I’ve always admired this family. Sandy, my heart goes out to you. Knute, Tim, and Steve, my thoughts are with you. Your father was a remarkable man. Sending love and prayers to all of you and your loved ones.
Chick and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family, Sandy. Paul was a special guy and we both enjoyed his witty stories at our reunion get-togethers. I hope it is some small comfort to know that many among us will miss him too. Sally
Ray and I send our condolences. We hope good memories will bless you.
Lion Paul taught me so much about what it meant to be a Lion. It was he and PDG George Cole who mentored me in my early Lion years. He was very dedicated to the Three Rivers Community and loved serving his community. He will be truly missed by the Three Rivers Lions Club!
What a legend! Paul lived a full life ! God bless you Sandy and your family.
Sandy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these times ahead. Please reflect on the happy times to help get you through the days ahead. We will miss Paul at our Lions events.
Jeff and Julie Mayuiers
Very sorry for your family’s loss I enjoyed Paul he was a great guy My thoughts and prayers are with your family
Sandy, I am so sorry. It is difficult losing such a huge piece of your life. Losing a husband and father is such an adjustment. Prayers for you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family
So very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I always admired Paul and first knew him when he owned PJ’s
Steve, Tim, Knute…… you guys were sure blessed with a great father!! Rest in pease Paul.
I’m truly sorry to hear of Paul’s passing.
Always enjoyed talking with him when he would make a delivery to the dealership. My deepest condolences to the family.
God bless you all . He will be missed. Sorry for your loss.🙏🙏😥
Sandy and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. As part of the neighbors visiting Paiul’s man cave we have many good memories and stories to tell. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
man/cabe
So sorry for Paul’s family he lead a great life and my prayers are with you all.
So very sorry for your families loss
Sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all….
Very sorry to hear of your recent loss. I certainly remember the Judsen family from his neighborhood growing up, as well as St John’s Lutheran Church. I know you will cherish your many memories.
To the entire Judsen family,
I’m sending my heartfelt condolences to all of you. I didn’t know Paul, but from everything I’ve heard, he was a genuinely great guy who will be deeply missed.