Paul Atwood Stepan, 70, a lifelong resident of Tower, died on Monday November 24, 2025, at home with family by his side.  He was born on July 4, 1955, to John and Marion (Atwood) Stepan in Soudan, Minnesota.  He graduated from Tower-Soudan High School and went on to get his associate’s degree.  On September 11, 1976, he was united in marriage to the love of his life Robin Surla.

Paul’s family and friends will fondly remember him as a jack of all trades.  He retired from LTV Steel. After retirement he worked for Kolstad-Olson Drilling, was a school bus driver for ISD 2142, taught motorcycle safety courses, and worked for Northwoods True Value.  Paul enjoyed plowing snow, working with his skid steer, working on cars, building things, and was a gun enthusiast. He especially cherished time spent with grandchildren, family, and friends-particularly having a good conversation with members of the Liar’s club.

Paul is survived by his wife of 49 years, Robin; Children: Sean (Erin) Stepan of Hermantown and Rachael (Tyler) Tuominen of Rockford; Grandchildren: Alyssa, Samuel, Anabelle, and Spencer; Sister: Jeanne (Terry) Driscoll.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Siblings: John, Edward, Steven as well as his niece Shannon.

Memorials are preferred to the Wounded Warrior Project or the NRA.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday December 1, 2025, at Bauman’s Vermilion Funeral Home in Tower. A Gathering time for Family and Friends will begin one hour prior to the service. Casual attire is preferred.

Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share condolences online, please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.