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 Care 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 and earned his undergraduate degree in 1969 and 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 young 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. 

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