Paul David Fitch, age 55, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away Monday, March 10, 2025, at his home following a courageous battle with glioblastoma.

Born on October 8, 1969, in Cloquet, MN, Paul was the beloved son of David and Jan Fitch. He graduated from Cloquet High School in 1988, where he was a drummer in the school band and member of the swimming team. Following his graduation from high school, Paul attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth, focusing on business and accounting. On October 26, 1996, he was united in marriage to his soulmate Shannon Blesener in Cloquet, MN, marking the beginning of a beautiful adventure together. The couple initially resided in the Twin Cities where Paul worked in the restaurant industry. In 2004, he and Shannon relocated to Grand Rapids, MN, a community they love dearly and where he embarked on a fulfilling career in the mining industry. He worked for Magnetation and later served in leadership at Hibbing Taconite where he had fierce love for his team and coworkers. Paul enjoyed time on the water with his father, family and friends.  In particular, moonlight evenings on Leech Lake, Lake Pokegama out of Fishing Springs Campground, Saganaga Lake at the end of the Gunflint Trail, and Lake Superior/Isle Royale were his favorite.    He loved traveling as a family to small music venues to see his favorite band NeedToBreathe, with his favorite city being Nashville.   He was known for leading the Fitch clan in spirited radio sing alongs on these road trips.  As a proud father, he loved following his sons at their swim meets and in the Grand Rapids HS marching band as 3rd generation Fitch drummers.   He was a marvelous cook, cribbage player, and outdoorsman.  Paul found great joy in relationships and friendships.  He made everyone feel important and leaves a legacy of profound kindness and loyalty.  He was a gentle giant, with the biggest heart, the best bear hugs, and an endearing wit, wisdom and sense of humor.  These gifts will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Alva Farnham Fitch and Ramona Dorothea (Brockmeyer) Fitch; and maternal grandparents, Edwin Andrist Johnson and Lillian Ovidia (Ohnstead) Johnson.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Shannon; three sons, David Charles Fitch (Carlee Bladl) of Duluth, MN, Alex Paul Fitch of New Brighton, MN, and Michael Kenrick Fitch (Abby VanDien) of St. Louis Park, MN; his parents, David Brian Fitch and Janice Ruth (Johnson) Fitch; his sister, Christine Michele (Daniel) O'Hotto of Savage, MN; his mother-in-law, Kay (Charles) Johnson of Cloquet, MN; his brother-in-law, Erik (Sherri) Blesener of Cloquet, MN; numerous extended family and treasured friends, and his two special dogs, Pancake and Tennessee.

A special thank-you to the wonderful teams at St. Croix Hospice.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM at the church.  Rev. Michael Carlson will officiate.  Inurnment will be in the Zion Lutheran Church Columbarium in Cloquet, MN at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Paul Fitch Memorial Mining and Engineering Scholarship, C/O the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, 350 NW 1st Ave.-Suite E, Grand Rapids, MN  55744.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.