Paul Edward Vickberg

Paul Edward Vickberg, 91, of Afton, MN died Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN after a brief illness.

Though many family members remained uncertain of his birthdate because he steadfastly refused to celebrate it, he was born on June 10, 1935 to Nels and Svea Vickberg in Batavia, IL, the oldest of four siblings. Paul filled a number of important roles over his life including graduate of Virginia High School in Virginia, MN, a student at the University of Minnesota during which time he met his wife of 64 years while playing piano at a local bar, his time in the Army where he entertained his commanding officers with his boogie piano, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, research engineering tech at 3M, alligator tamer, prodigious New Orleans rhythm and blues pianist, riverboat captain, dog rescuer and companion, questioner of the world, and lifelong breaker of rules.

Paul lived an above-average life in nearly every way: his height, his lifespan, his intelligence, his ability to root for both the Twins and Vikings, and most importantly, the love he inspired in his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson John Henry, brother-in-law Mike Johnson and his lifelong friend Jack Grande.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Marilee Vickberg; three children, Mark (Jeanette) Vickberg, Lori (Brian) Vickberg, and Robin (Jack) Mahoney; eight grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren; his brothers Joe (Karen) Vickberg and Tim (Judy) Vickberg and sister Nancy Johnson.

The world is a less irreverent, musical, defiant, curious, and loving place without him, though his family and friends endeavor to carry his spirit onward.

Memorial services will be held at O’Connell Family Funeral Home (520 11th St, Hudson, WI) on Friday, August 28th with visitation from 11:00am-2:00pm and a service at 2:00pm. Burial will immediately follow at Lakeview Cemetery (450 Queenan Ave N, Lakeland, MN).

Memorials are suggested to Northern Lights Greyhound Adoption in Coon Rapids, MN.

Services are entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725.