Gloria Joyce Pautz

Gloria Joyce Pautz went to be with the Lord on March 30th, 2025 in her Prior Lake farm home, being held by her husband and surrounded with the love of her family.

Gloria was born February 26, 1959 in Wadena, Minnesota to Rev. Karl and Marion Stroming. Her four siblings are Carl Randy (Linda) Stroming, Diann “DeeDee” (Duane) Tweeten, Tim (Chris) Stroming, and Ted (Corinna) Stroming. Gloria was a faithful servant of the Lord who proclaimed Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Gloria enjoyed a beautiful childhood in northern Minnesota. She spent her early childhood in Fort William, Canada, but the majority of her life was in Prior Lake, MN. The Stroming family’s faith walk with Jesus was shaped during these formative years at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake. She graduated from Prior Lake High School in 1977.

Gloria attended Concordia University in St. Paul, MN, obtaining a Bachelor of Education Degree with a focus on Elementary Education and Teaching and a Minor in Earth Science. She enjoyed college life and established some lifelong friends.

July 4th, 1981, Gloria married the love of her life David Robert Pautz and they spent 43 amazing years together. Gloria and Dave raised three sons, David (Naomi), born July 21, 1982, Darren (Traci), born November 10, 1983, and Daniel (Anna), born November 4, 1985. Together they navigated life as Gloria taught in the school system and David worked in the lumber yard. They moved to the Pautz farm site and raised a variety of animals. Gloria used her love for children and gift for teaching to manage her in-home day care. In 1999, the Lord led them together to found, manage and steward a family business, All About Erosion Control Inc.

Gloria will be remembered for her love of organizing and hosting events. Some of the highlights were cousin camp, 4th of July celebrations with epic firework displays on the lake, and countless family gatherings. She also loved music and was gifted at playing the guitar. She relished the title of “Grandma” and took the time to develop a close relationship with each of the 12 grandchildren and spoiled them any chance she could get. (Aiden, Quintin, Elias, Brody, Saul, Kennedy, Lorelei, Hailey, Eden, Jack, Jude, Delanie).

Gloria marveled at God’s beautiful creation and cherished many outdoor activities. She spent time gardening, bird watching, enjoying her home on Stocking Lake, long walks on Florida’s beaches looking for shells, and hunting. David and Gloria became world travelers and had adventures throughout Europe, Okinawa, and Africa.

Gloria and David shared their love for each other through their incredible generosity and kindness. They formed their family, relationships, and business, directed by their faith and led by their passion for Jesus.

The battle of lung cancer was difficult to navigate during the past eight months. Gloria faithfully would say that she had total peace. Her steadfastness and trust in the Lord was a testament to those who visited her. She is safe in her heavenly home, and we rejoice in the promise of the resurrection.

For the last few months of her life, she received love and support from numerous family and friends. Additionally, the entire Ecumen hospice team provided outstanding in-home care. The Pautz family is grateful for the prayers, love and care toward Gloria during her final stage of life.

In addition to her immediate family, she will be dearly missed by her in-laws (Marlin and Juanita Pautz), brother and sister in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on April 11th, 2025 at Prior Lake Baptist Church at 11 A.M. With a visitation beforehand at 9 A.M. and a lunch reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to:

Alpha’s Women Center 

https://www.miraclemachinemn.com/donate

Praetorian Project

https://praetorianproject.org/give/