Paul John Dold

To whom much is given, much is expected

Obituary

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Paul John Dold, who passed away September 9, 2026, at Sanford Vermillion Medical Center.

Paul was born October 7, 1947, to Frank and Elly Vivian (Pedersen) Dold of Howard, SD where he spent his formative years. As a boy, Paul participated in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, sang in the church choir and served as an altar boy. In high school, he set several records in track, was selected to attend South Dakota Boys State as a junior, and as a 5th grader showed an early gift for entertaining others at the high school’s production of "Life with Father." 

From childhood well into adulthood, Paul spent countless hours at his father's Dold Implement Company, learning lifelong skills from his dad, the mechanics, and customers. From farm equipment to cars, computers, electrical systems, and plumbing -- you name it -- Paul could usually figure out how to fix it! When someone needed a hand or found themselves in a bind, Paul was quick to offer help. A natural problem-solver and people lover, Paul was generous with his time, knowledge, and abilities. He made friends easily, loved meeting and talking with people, and genuinely enjoyed people from all walks of life. 

Following graduation from Saint Agatha High School in 1965, Paul attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. He was a founding member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, graduated from the School of Business in 1969 and earned his Juris Doctor in 1972. It was at USD that Paul met Sheryl Samuelson. They married in 1970 and went on to have three daughters. Paul and Sheryl began their life together in Centerville, where Sheryl taught high school music and Paul served briefly as Justice of the Peace.

Having previously enrolled in ROTC, Paul left for military training at Fort Benning, Georgia following law school, leaving behind his new wife and baby daughter. Paul was promoted to First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army while completing his military obligation. 

After returning to South Dakota, Paul practiced law briefly in Aberdeen before establishing his own practice in Howard, where he served clients throughout the area for many years. He also served as Miner County State's Attorney and as president of the South Dakota State's Attorneys Association. 

But there was always much more to Paul than his profession. His inquisitiveness and love of new challenges led him to explore a wide variety of interests. He and his brother Tom shared a love of flying, an enthusiasm first sparked by their Uncle Tom Pedersen. Both earned their private pilot's licenses and, in their younger years, often put them to practical use helping Dold Implement provide faster service to farmers beyond the immediate area. 

Like his brother Tom, Paul had a beautiful voice and a deep love of music. He played guitar and loved singing, especially at Mass and at family Christmas gatherings. And he loved to dance -- one of many joys he passed along to his daughters. 

A nature lover and adventurer at heart, Paul enjoyed the outdoors and bringing others along for the ride. Summers meant boating and water skiing on South Dakota's lakes and rivers; winters brought snow skiing and snowmobiling in the Black Hills. 

Paul also had a quieter, creative side. He enjoyed photography, capturing family and friends as well as the simple beauty he found in nature. A skilled carpenter, Paul made countless repairs and improvements to his beloved 1920s Craftsman home and lent his woodworking talents to commercial projects. 

Paul eventually established a peaceful life back in Vermillion, where he used his many skills, helped many people, and enjoyed many friends. 

After a debilitating stroke in 2010, Paul spent the final 16 years of his life at Sanford Vermillion Care Center, eventually becoming its longest-residing resident. Over those years, the staff and fellow residents became a second family, and the affection and respect between Paul and those who cared for and lived alongside him ran deep. The stroke changed much about Paul's life, but it did not take away the qualities that made him Paul. He loved life. He loved people. And he was adamant that he had no intention of leaving this world before his time. Through the challenges of those years, he retained his grace, his humor, his infectious charm, and his ability to connect with those around him -- always ready with a smile, an enthusiastic “Hey!” or a fist bump. 

Paul's absence leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of those who love him. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, curiosity and generosity and an enduring love of life, family, and community. He will be remembered not simply for the remarkable number of things he could do, but for how freely he shared his gifts, how readily he showed up when someone needed him, and how much fun he had bringing others along for the adventure. 

Paul is survived by his three daughters, Melissa Salkin (Jay), Alison Dold (Chris), and Paula Dold, and his granddaughter, Kylie Salkin (Jon), all of California. 

He is also survived by his four sisters, Francine Dold of Howard; Lorraine Dold (Tom) of Derby, Kansas; Mary Dold (Scott) of Sioux Falls; and Dolores Dold of Howard; and his sister-in-law, Bobbie Dold of Howard. 

Paul is further survived by his nephews, Godson Patrick Reynoldson, Stacy Bockorny (Melissa), Chad Bockorny, Godson Anthony Dold (Jess), and Andrew Dold; nieces Anna Krcil (Ryan) and Alexa Grode (Mitch); three great-nieces and six great-nephews; special friend, Pam Jacobsen; and former wife, Sheryl Wirt. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Vivian Dold; his only brother, Thomas; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

In honor of Paul, our family invites you to make a donation (below) in his memory to support the Sanford Vermillion Care Center in gratitude for their many years of care.

Gallery

Memory wall

September 28, 2026

My Dear Precious Brother Paul …

I spent as much time as I could with Paul in the last almost 17 years since his massive
stroke January 10, 2010, 5 months before our mother passed. What I witnessed since
then is a human being full of unrelenting grace! He was genuinely loved by many and
the most common comment by others was, and still is, “He is a good man,” along with
more superfluous comments.

Before all that, he was my “big little brother,” two years younger, whom I really came to
appreciate as an adult … a man whose greatest joy was helping others.

With no prompting from me, when knowing I was leaving to wherever, he was checking
under my hood, telling me not to speed, and “Watch out for the deer.” Among many
instances, one very cold day after Christmas, I left Howard on my way back to Omaha
to discover my heater was not working and no auto repair places were open. I called
Paul from my … bag phone …(!) He met me at a gas station in Sioux Falls and worked
a long time in the freezing cold to solve the problem. He NEVER said “No.”

As kids, I learned, WITH Paul, about handling tools. We learned that you can’t build a
playhouse over the clothes line (!), and you can’t hammer nails into hard wood, but we
kept trying anyway!!!

While dealing with a myriad of issues with my first laptop, I learned, from Paul,
everything one never wants to have to know about computers!

He was always extremely thorough on legal advice to me and loved by many clients.

He knew he had a guardian angel.

HE WAS A GOOD MAN and I know the pilot in him is flying high.

Rest in Joy, Dear Brother.

Love,

Francine

Francine Dold

September 24, 2026

Despite the eight years between us, Paul and I always seemed to connect somehow, enjoying each other‘s company. Like the time we took a ski trip to Vail. I’m not sure Vail was ever the same after that. Or like the summer, we put a rebuilt engine in my 68 Ford Mustang down at the shop. Me, handing him the tools as needed, and learning from him along the way. She ran like a top after that! Paul was generous with his time, always willing to help. He was often looking out for the other guy. I will always love my big brother Paul. The last time I saw him, he was able to give me a very quiet “I love you”. For that I will always be thankful. May God grant you rest and peace. I love you, Paul! Your little sis, Dolores

Dolores Dold

September 24, 2026

I had the chance to talk with Mr. Dold before his stroke, and I met him again years later. He was incredibly charming, and I can see so much of that charisma in Paula. I'm so grateful I got to spend time with him and the rest of the family before the world fell apart in 2020. He will be deeply missed, but the family carries on his legacy, along with Uncle Tom. Rest in Power

Jasen Perri

September 24, 2026

I never had the pleasure of meeting Paul in person, but knowing the 3 amazing daughters he had, he must have been a very special person. Rest in peace, Paul.

Kiran Singh

September 23, 2026

I have vivid memories of family gatherings in Paul’s home in Howard. I remember Paul letting me drive his boat and snowmobiles and how as a kid he always treated me with kindness. I loved how Paul sang and how he might give me a sly wink and a smirk. In my eyes he was cool beyond explanation. Even when he was no longer able to express himself - it was still clear how much he enjoyed spending time with his family and my daughters- and they felt his love despite his limitations to express in words. He was a good uncle and friend. I’m going to miss him very much. Love you Buudy.

Stacy Bockorny

September 23, 2026

Paul was a friend and a classmate throughout twelve years at St. Agatha grade and high school. . After graduation, we went separate ways but on my sporadic visits to Howard we would meet up and have wide ranging conversations. He was a bright and congenial fellow and I’m sad to hear of his passing. My condolence to his family and friends.

Gene Colling

Service

Donate