Paul died on January 23rd, 2022, during a Sunday morning church service while singing and worshiping God. Paul was born in Denver on August 9, 1944.
Paul grew up in Edgewater, Colorado, the third of six children. The family’s strong work ethic bore into Paul the ability and desire to work hard. As a young child Paul’s keen interest in building was evident as he constructed fences and chicken coops and worked on other carpentry projects. He attended Bethlehem Lutheran School where he met his future wife Susan in the 8th grade. After graduation, he packed up his belongings, and took a solo train ride to Concordia University where he excelled on the football team.
During his junior year of college, Paul and Susan were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where they had earlier met, while he continued his education at the University of Northern Colorado. Their son Eric was born in Lakewood in 1966, soon followed by two daughters, Heidi and Leslee. Paul spent fifteen years selling books for Charles Scribner’s Sons traveling extensively around the western states. His work in publishing contributed to his love of books throughout life. Family life was busy as Paul fostered relationships with grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. He spent many memorable times outdoors with his family fishing, skiing, hiking, camping and backpacking. For many years Paul and his family had a tradition where they would ski into the remote cabin built by Paul and his brothers.
As Paul’s sales publishing career and personal life evolved, he shifted to pursue his love of building and became a top salesman of log homes. In these years he enjoyed being able to help customers throughout Colorado attain their dream log home. After the three children graduated college, Paul formulated plans to build his own log home west of Boulder, a project which, for a number of years, became his full-time job and passion. During this time Paul’s faith came to fruition. He pursued Bible study through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and attended church in Boulder with Susan. He shortly became a leader, continuing this for almost 20 years where his faith blossomed and became a priority. At the time of his death, Paul and Susan had lived in the log home that Paul built for close to thirty years.
As Paul’s children were married and started their families, Paul and Susan dedicated their time to their grandchildren. They attended many events, including school plays, band concerts, soccer games in Carbondale, grandparents days in Denver, baseball and football games in Arvada, even trips across the country. Shortly after retirement, Susan and Paul were presented with the opportunity to provide a home for their great niece Natalie. Paul never hesitated in making and keeping this commitment to raising Natalie. A favorite time each week over the last 12 years for Natalie and Paul has been the drive to Denver to participate in BSF each Monday evening. Paul’s presence in Natalie’s life as a parental figure, and his dedication to raising her from age 6 to 18, was a significant and satisfying part of his later life. Though he had always been interested in books and reading, towards the end of his life he became an even more voracious reader, primarily focusing on books that enlarged his knowledge of God.
Paul was a firm believer in showing his love through actions. He wanted to share his faith in God with everyone around him, and could be known to energetically talk with strangers about God while studying the Bible many mornings in McDonalds. He wanted to know those around him, and was always interested in meeting and talking to people. Never did he cease to provide for those he loved, from renovating kitchens to chopping wood to providing transportation. His work ethic was a physical quality, and his physical presence and strength was formidable.
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all— how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32.
Paul is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susan Taylor Rewinkel of Nederland; son, Eric Rewinkel (Rie) of Carbondale; daughter Heidi White (Lew) of Arvada; daughter Leslee of Denver; great niece Natalie Taylor of Nederland; grandchildren Nicholas, Raeanna, Christian, Cody, Caleb, Cory, Jordan, Jessica, Bekah, and Thomas; seven great grandchildren; sister Joyce Record (Mel) of Trenton, Nebraska, Mary Kirby of Windsor, brother John (Christy) of Denver. Paul was preceded in death by his parents Merwyn and Joan of Lakewood; sister Joan Goldsmith of Loveland, and brother Arthur of Grand County. Paul also had many nieces and nephews and cousins whom he loved and enjoyed spending time with.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations in Paul’s memory may be made to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship to support ministry to young campus ministers and students. Please visit: https://donate.intervarsity.org/ donate#47767.
