Paul R. Jerome

Paul Richard Jerome died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Friday January 10th, leaving us all with the perfect example of how life should be lived, enjoyed, and celebrated.

Paul Richard was born to William “Bill” and Aurelie (Moore) Jerome on April 22nd, 1959 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake, ND. He was the youngest of nine children. Paul was a light to his family and treasured by all. Many sought to become his “number one.”

Throughout his life, Paul spent time living at home as well as under the care of his brothers and sisters. He graduated from Pleasant Hill High School, Marshalltown, Iowa, in 1980, and went on to work in the family beer business in both Dickinson and Devils Lake, ND. Paul could be found riding his trike to work at Jerome Wholesale Monday through Thursday, but saved his energy and got a ride to work on Fridays, when he had to work for his mother, because he always said that was his “hardest” day of work.

Paul was a kind, fun-loving, and spirited man, who taught the importance of relishing life through his many passions. Paul was a proud participant in Special Olympics, competing in swimming, basketball, and bowling. He would never miss an opportunity to show you his ribbons and medals when returning from a competition. Paul was a lover of Subway, Star Trek, Mountain Dew, the movie theater, “winning” at Steal Pile, and pulling pranks; but, above all, Paul loved family parties. Simply put, Paul was the life of the party. If music was playing, you could find Paul conducting the band, on the dance floor or with the microphone in his hand. It is often joked that Paul was the inventor of karaoke.

To walk with Paul, was to be the witness of a constant chorus of “hellos” and well wishes as Paul was loved by many and a friend to all. Like many born with down syndrome, Paul was born with the innate ability to love fiercely and celebrate all of life’s many wonderful moments. To know Paul was to know love.

The Jerome Family would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the many wonderful caregivers and helpers that tended to Paul daily. Your endless service, support, and encouragement, assisted Paul in living his best life; and for that we are forever grateful.

Paul will be dearly missed by his sister Gail Phares of Raleigh, NC; brother Art (Mary Beth) Jerome of Dickinson, ND; brother Mike (Marty) Jerome of Audubon, MN; sister Sheila Hannesson of Audubon, MN; brother Chuck (Sherry) Jerome of Devils Lake, ND; sister Trudy (Jeff) Gallagher of Larchwood, IA; brother Pete (Pam) Jerome of Devils Lake, ND; many nieces, nephews, and cousins and Rob Stowe roommate and friend for over 30 years.

Preceded in death by his beloved parents William and Aurelie Jerome, brother Billy Jerome, and brothers-in-law Les Hannesson and Bob Phares.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Devils Lake, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial for Paul will be held on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Scripture Service and Time of Sharing at 7:00 p.m. with Paul’s brother-in-law Deacon Jeff Gallagher officiating. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass.