Paul Dana Kess, 73, of Ely, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home, after a brief illness, on July 29, 2026. Paul was a cherished husband, brother, dad, granddad, and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Paul was born on May 8, 1953 in Winton, Minnesota to parents Merna (Maki) and Roy Kess. Paul married Laurie (Carlson) Kess on July 31, 1976. Paul attended school in Ely, and graduated as class Salutatorian from Memorial High School in 1971. Paul continued his education at Vermilion Community College in Ely, and graduated with degrees in psychology and political science from Concordia, Moorhead, Minnesota. He later returned to school to earn an elementary education degree and then a Masters in Education. Paul's career was at Vermilion Community College, where he was a respected and loved instructor in the field of developmental education. His specialty was engaging and preparing students for the academic challenges of college. He was patient, cheerful and encouraging as he helped students feel confident and able to achieve success in college-level work in reading, math, and time management.

Paul was an active Education Minnesota Union Member and leader on the Vermilion campus. Paul served many years on the Ely City Council, and cared deeply for his community and its well-being. This service was near and dear to his heart, and civil debate over differences, and communal problem solving brought him pride, as he believed that the ability to do this is what American democracy is about.

Things that Paul loved: Laurie, his partner of fifty years, Burntside Lake in all weather, his family and the sauna.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Randall Kess, Douglas Kess; and a sister-in-law, Becky Kess.

Paul is survived by his wife, Laurie; brothers, David (Sally Koski), Donald, Peter Kess (Nina VanGelder); a daughter, Dana Kess (Patrick Bishop); his sons, Sam Kess (Allison Vasquez), Brian Kess (Kyle Dupree); grandchildren, Iva, Jaisean, Julius, Samaya, Toulla, Iver, Senja, Cypher; nieces, Kim Be Elliot, Kim Yuun Anderson; a sister-in-law, Karen Spackman; and a niece, Elizabeth Senja Spackman.

A Funeral Service will be held at Ely Presbyterian Church, 226 E Harvey St. Ely, MN. 55731, starting at 1pm on Saturday, August 1, 2026. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

Paul's family thanks all of the nurses, aides, doctors who have cared for him these last months. Essential Hospice Virginia, and all of our friends who have contributed help in many ways through Paul's illness.

In lieu of flowers or plants, plant a tree or contribute to the Ely Food Shelf or the Minnesota North Vermilion Campus Foundation.