Pastor Paul Schmeling

Wis. Reverend Dies After Fall From Ladder
Reporting
Liz Collin
RIVER FALLS, Minn. (WCCO) ―


For 18 years, Schmeling drew people in to Faith Lutheran. For the past few weeks he was busy preparing for a family celebration at the church. He was going to marry his daughter there in June.

For 18 years, Schmeling drew people in to Faith Lutheran. For the past few weeks he was busy preparing for a family celebration at the church. He was going to marry his daughter there in June.

A Wisconsin community is remembering a pastor who lost his life falling from a ladder. The Rev. Paul Schmeling died on Monday while trimming a tree in River Falls in the parsonage of Faith Lutheran Church.

Schmeling was married for 33 years. Beth says faith is getting her family through such a difficult time.

"We have blessing upon blessing and that's exactly what I'm thinking about with this whole thing," Beth said.

For 18 years, Schmeling drew people in to Faith Lutheran. For the past few weeks he was busy preparing for a family celebration at the church. He was going to marry his daughter there in June.

On Memorial Day, he was working in the church's yard to get it ready for the wedding. Schmeling was trimming a tree branch on a ladder when he fell 8 feet and hit his head. He never regained consciousness.

"It breaks my heart that I have to go on without him but I know where he is. I know that I'll see him someday," his wife said.

Together, Beth and Paul Schmeling raised four children in River Falls. Their children are learning how much their father's life meant to so many.

Andy Schmeling says they have heard from people around the country who will be at their father's funeral on Saturday.

"People we haven't seen in 20 years were calling and writing and saying they're going to be here," Andy said.

Visitations are scheduled for 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Saturday. There will be a special service for children of the church on Friday night as well.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Faith Lutheran at 545 Apollo Road in River Falls.