Paul John Kerwin

Paul J. Kerwin

May 27, 1936 - March 16, 2026

Paul Kerwin, of St. Paul, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at age 89. Born on May 27,1936 to Elizabeth (Busy) and Paul F. Kerwin. Paul graduated from Cretin High School in 1954 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree as part of the engineering co-op program of the University of St. Thomas and the University of Notre Dame. He later received his MBA from the University of Minnesota.

Paul was married to Barbara (Tauer) Kerwin for 68 years. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, travel, and giving back to the community. He worked his entire career at 3M as a chemical engineer focusing on product development. He particularly enjoyed traveling to colleges across the country to recruit the next generation of scientists. In his last role at 3M, he traveled around the world as a technical trainer and shared stories about those visits for many years.

Paul lived a life of community involvement and generosity. At St. Pascal’s, he served on numerous committees, was a lector, and sang in the choir and an adult guitar group. He mentored young professionals through Junior Achievement and served on the board of the Merrick Community Center. As chair of the Derham Hall High School Board, he helped shepherd the merger of Cretin High School with Derham Hall in 1987.

Paul loved to travel. Whether it was driving cross country with his wife and children in a station wagon in his “traveling pants” or enjoying tours throughout Europe, he was always planning his next adventure. In retirement, he and Barb spent the coldest months of winter in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

He was an ardent sports fan and was happiest watching a Twins or Vikings game. He and Barb could be found at many sports events, him with a bag of popcorn, and her with a book in hand. He was a diehard supporter of his nephew Johnny Tauer’s Tommies men’s basketball team, catching every game he could whether it was in person, on TV or on the radio. He also loved playing golf, bridge and cribbage with family and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elizabeth Kerwin, CSJ, brother-in-law Eric Lloyd, and sister-in-law Carol Ann Tauer.

Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara, his children Mary Partington (Michael), Kathy Hahn (Steve), Trish Scorpio (Ralph) and Sheila Kerwin (Lisa). He loved his 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, his sisters Helen Magneson (Bob) and Stevie Lloyd, his brother-in-law John Tauer and his wife Michele (Landy), nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Paul’s family thanks the staff at Heart to Home in Mendota Heights and Our Lady of Peace Hospice for their loving care for Paul.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, March 24 at 11 a.m. at the Church of St. Pascal Baylon, 1757 Conway Street. A visitation at the church will be held at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to the Cretin High School Class of 1954 Scholarship Fund or the Lift Garage.

Livestream of service link: https://youtube.com/live/n77RanyZaZM

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