Gayle Paul

Gayle Jane Paul, 78, Wing, entered into eternal peace, surrounded by the love of her family, on July 1, 2026 at CHI St Alexius, Bismarck.

Gayle was born March 24, 1948 to Elmer and Ardith Wilhelm of Arthur, immediately bringing joy and laughter into the world. As the oldest of six children, she nurtured by nature. Her innate nurturing created a genuine heart full of love and kindness, always seeing the goodness in others.

Gayle was no stranger to hard work. Whether it be helping care for her 5 siblings, cleaning for a Johnson family barn dance, putting in countless miles on the road, or spending hours upon hours playing in the dirt by picking weeds in her flower beds, her hands were always busy.

After graduating from Interstate Business College in Fargo, she worked for the NDSU Mathematics Department. This secured her love for NDSU Bison, formed friendships that exist to this day, and sparked a career working with numbers. She was a meticulous bookkeeper, whether for personal accounts, business accounts, or as the auditor for the City of Wing. If there was a penny unaccounted for, she would not stop until she found it. As the tires grew bald and the winters grew longer with age, she retired from Lewis and Clark Regional Development Council in Bismarck.

One day in November 1968, she took a chance on a blind date. She would fly from Fargo to Bismarck on weekends to visit this special man. Taking this chance resulted in a 57 year storybook marriage to the love of her life, Burnell Paul. Gayle and Burnell settled in Wing after their marriage on April 25, 1969. Together, they built a life of unconditional love, dedication, perseverance, and joyful laughter for their two children, Jenell and Barret. The world can only be so lucky to experience the kind of love they shared.

Family was her greatest treasure. There was nothing in the world she enjoyed more than spending time with her family. She was a humble, gracious woman who relished in the simple things, whether it be keeping Burnell company as he grilled steaks to perfection, hopping in the car for an impromptu road trip, or a planned annual “sister’s trip”, she cherished it all.

When life handed her struggles, obstacles, and challenges, her response was to put her head down, dig her heels in, and say “you just do what you have to do”, without complaint.

Adjusting to her new community, she joined the Wing Homemakers, where she was a member for over 55 years. She loved being a member of this exceptional group of ladies. She enjoyed the monthly meetings, especially the Christmas parties, giving back to her community, and forming lasting friendships.

Gayle loved to keep a welcoming home. She had a knack for decorating like a Better Homes and Gardens cover spread, the door was always open to visits, and the coffee was always on. When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, Gayle could be found in her flower beds or baking a chocolate cake with the best cooked frosting on the planet. Her joy was found in the simple things- flowers, foliage, and feeding her finches, affectionately known as her “little pigs”.

Her legacy of devotion, love, patience, and the ability to find beauty in the simple things lives on in her husband, daughter, and those who love her.

Gayle is survived by her devoted husband Burnell, and daughter Jenell (Nazir) Robinson, Wing; sisters Linda (Otto) Uhde, Bismarck; Vicki Knopp, Wing; Shelly (Daryl) Eckholm, Wing; sisters-in-law Elaine Heidt, Burnsville, MN; Lu Wilhelm, Williston; brother-in-law Byron (Ginger) Paul, Bismarck; along with many nieces and nephews who she cherished dearly.

Heaven rejoiced as she joined her beloved son, Barret; parents Elmer and Ardith; brother Jerry Wilhelm; sister Jan Boisjolie; brothers-in-law Bruce Boisjolie and Dallas Heidt.

Gayle’s life will be celebrated with a visitation at Bismarck Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 7, 5-7pm, with a Prayer Service at 7pm. A Memorial Service will be held at 11am, Wednesday, July 8, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Wing. Burial will follow at Wing Cemetery.

Let your soul be free, knowing your job on Earth is done. Your memories may have faded but your love never did. We will miss your presence until we meet again. You always were, and will always be, our forever Queen. With all the love there is to give- Dad and J.