Paul Lovestrand, age 53, died at his home in Northfield on December 1st. Paul began work at Carleton as a baker with Sodexho in 2000, and continued here as Lead Baker with Bon Appétit until his death. Paul greeted everyone with a smile and conversation while he worked and was well-liked and respected by all.
Paul loved baking and was very creative. He was an “early-adapter” in finding solutions for gluten intolerance, including developing a delicious vegan bread recipe. He was an avid bike rider in rain, snow, or sunshine. He loved being with his family and often relaxed with a round of golf.
Service information and a more complete obituary will be forthcoming. Arrangements are being made through Bierman Funeral Home.
Comments
I will agree always a bright smile on his face, always positive. Prayers to his family and the Bon Appetit staff.
I chatted with Paul many times over the last 20 years and I shall miss our brief, yet pleasant conversations. Prayers go out to Paul’s family and coworkers.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Paul when I worked as a student baker my freshman year. Paul always made me feel welcome and took the extra time to get to know me. He always checked in with me to see how I was adjusting to Carleton and continued to support me as I grew at Carleton. I will miss our conversations, Paul.
Paul - you are missed dearly! You were the most wonderful neighbor and human being, shoveling half my sidewalk when it snowed for the millionth time that day; allowing our dog to sniff you because she got scared from your big jacket and hat after you had gotten home with your bike from campus in the frigid winter. How many times did she get into your shop to say "hello" to your cats and you? I loved your gluten-free treats in the LDC, and your breads were so delicious, German bakers would have loved to get the recipe. We were looking forward to finding you on a Northfield patio, raising a glass to the wonderful weather. We will raise a glass to you tonight!
If you met Paul's gaze, you knew his kindness. The LDC dining hall was my dining hall so I saw him often and he always spoke with me, if only to ask me how I was doing. I had met him at a Cajun dancing event and since, we exchanged a few words and news about other dance events. I am so sad for our community and his family. He will be sorely missed.
Paul welcomed and trained me as a student worker at Burton in my first year Carleton. He was so kind, positive, and hard-working. Even when it was early in the morning I enjoyed heading down to the bakery to turn out cookies and muffins while sharing in his energy -- he had often been baking since midnight. My thoughts are with Paul's family and friends.
I only got to work with Paul a handful of times, but I still remember his kindness. He clearly cared about each and every Carleton student and took time to get to know them. I know that all of the students who worked in the dining hall with Paul will miss him. Paul's friends and family are in our thoughts
Paul had an amazing personality every morning I would come in to work he would greet you with a smile and ask you how your day is he was so fun to be around. He was a positive co-worker always happy, talked about how he wanted to travel go skiing this year so it better snow, he told me. Truly amazing person, Baker, friend who will be missed by so many of us at LDC. I will miss the morning hellos and lunch goodbyes. Friend!!! Family and friends in my thoughts
Paul was such a kind and vital person! So sad to hear of his passing. He radiated compassion for others and took pride in his work. I was always struck by how even a brief conversation with Paul left me feeling good, and with a fondness for him. We were in a book group together and I learned that he was a voracious reader and loved to discuss books and ideas. Fun to see him riding his bike around town in all weather. A great Carleton staff person and a friend who lived well and contributed quietly and effectively to his communities.
My workday in the bakery always started with a cheerful greeting from Paul. He was a self-proclaimed introvert, but he was friendly with everyone and always showed an interest in what you had to say. I enjoyed talking with him about music and art and nature. He was easy going and nice to be around. And of course, he was a talented baker. He could churn out beautiful breads without so much as peeking at a recipe. I will miss his positivity and kindness. My heart breaks for his family. Paul was a great guy, and gone too soon.
I was lucky enough to work with Paul in the bakery for three years. He was so friendly and funny and such a great baker. He genuinely cared about me, the other staff, and the people he fed. I will always be impressed at how he could knead two pizza doughs at once, and his bread was out of this world. Beyond sad, and blessed to have known him as a friend.
My heart is with Karen, Paul's wife and his daughters and all of their family. Such a hard time. May they find all the support they need, and may the wonderful memories sustain them.
Paul was a good man i worked with him for 20 years he smiled all the time i shall miss him god bless him
Paul thank you for all that you have done for everyone at carlton east bakery and everyone else that works with you all the time we are family just like your own family all of us from carlton east crew and forget nick pavek your diehard Minnesota wild fans of all time we all think you are eating alot bread that you mad from carlton east bakery with mike and James with peanut butter and jelly i hope you are laughing about this bakery joke miss you Paul lovestrand and family from paula vold and nick pavek and Tyler and our jobcoach casey goooooooooooooooooo wildddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd Stanley cup here we come 2021 Stanley cup champions 2021 ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yeahhhhhhhh
Paul lovestrand and family Paul just wondering if you are baking bread and etc. In heaven or in your house with your whole family and Mike your lifetime partner in crime helping you i have a joke for you paul and family and carlton east crew what do you get when baked bread that you made in the bakery and the Minnesota wild fans have in commun everyone gets hungry and the Minnesota wild also for alot of wins and the Minnesota wild 2021 Stanley cup champions 2021 ohhhhh yeahhhhhhhh go wild 2021