Reverend Paul Edward Thierfelder, 70, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026. Paul was born on March 5, 1956, in Milwaukee to Frederick and Ananda (Sandsmark) Thierfelder. He attended St. Matthew’s Lutheran School in Appleton, graduated from Northwestern Preparatory School in Watertown in 1974, earned his bachelor's degree from Northwestern College in 1978, and graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon in 1982. Paul dedicated his life to serving others through ministry, counseling, teaching, and friendship. He served as pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Springfield, Missouri, and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Burlington, Iowa. In 1988, he became the founding pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Green Bay, where he served for ten years. Later, he was Development Director, religion teacher, and Latin instructor at Shoreland Lutheran High School. He also served as a vacancy pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kewaunee, WI, and at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay. Following his gift and passion for counseling, Paul went back to graduate school and earned a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and counseling and was certified as an AODA counselor. Christian counseling was really his greatest passion. Paul married Susan Lynn Thusius on April 24, 1981, in Madison, WI. He is survived by his wife, his three children, Matthew of Sturgeon Bay, Mark of Arizona, and Sara (John) Bacon of Sturgeon Bay, and his grandchildren, Henry and Sofie Bacon. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Thierfelder (Dave Danford) of Omaha, Nebraska, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pastor Frederick and Ananda Thierfelder of Appleton, WI, and by his parents-in-law, Dexter and Patricia Thusius of Madison, WI. While Paul devoted much of his life to caring for others, some of his greatest joys were found with family. He loved camping, boating, kayaking, hiking, biking, and spending time near the water. Peninsula State Park was one of his favorite places, and evenings at Northern Sky Theater were among his favorite traditions. Whether sharing an outdoor adventure, offering encouragement, or simply spending time with those he loved, Paul found joy in relationships and made others feel valued. Near the end of his life, Paul reflected with gratitude on God's blessings: "I was so grateful to have been blessed by God in so many ways, from my childhood to my very last days. I intended my life and my ministry to be centered on Christ and what he has done and not what I have done. Whatever good things happened in my ministry took place because of the Lord working through me. Whatever I enjoyed in my life came to me because of God's goodness." Paul’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (in the Oasis Room) in Sturgeon Bay from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. A memorial service will follow in the church sanctuary starting at 1:00 pm. Forbes Funeral Home is serving the family. Memorials may be directed to Door CANcer Inc. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Pete & Jelaine Horton Skilled Nursing Facility for the kindness, dignity, and compassionate care they provided Paul. They also wish to thank Unity Hospice, especially nurse Katie Lautenbach, whose compassion, comfort, and support brought peace to Paul and strength to his family during a difficult time.