Paul “Lumpy” Lambrecht, of Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 8, 2018 at the age of 53.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM and again on Friday, September 14, 2018 from 9:00 – 10:15 AM. Both will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 First Street West) in Jordan.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church (215 Main Street East) in New Prague. Paul will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan, and his Godchildren will act as pallbearers.
On June 23, 1965 Donald & Carol Lambrecht celebrated the birth of their son, Paul Michael Lambrecht. Paul was the sixth of nine children. As a boy, Lumpy worked hard on the family farm milking cows and bailing hay. Lumpy always looked out for his family and was ready with encouraging words for those he loved.
Sports were always an important part of Paul’s life. In high school, Lumpy played basketball and baseball. He also enjoyed playing baseball for the St. Benedict Saints and later the over 35 Belle Plaine Grey Tigers team. Both of these teams allowed him to compete with his brothers who were so important to him.
He graduated from Jordan High School in 1984. After graduating, Lumpy began dating Emily Moriarty. This was destined to be since Emily had been visiting the Lambrecht farm for years, hanging out with Paul’s sister Vickie. Vickie would be the one to call Emily to ask her if she would be interested in going on a date with Paul.
Emily and Paul quickly fell in love. They exchanged wedding vows on November 18, 1989. Paul & Emily had a wonderful marriage. They were rarely apart, and truly loved being together. Early in their marriage, they spent a lot of time with nieces and nephews while they waited patiently for God to bless them with their own children. Paul was a wonderful uncle and loved spending time with children.
Paul was able to turn his love of children into a career. He worked as a para- in EBD at the Carver-Scott Educational Co-Op for over 20 years. He loved the work, but eventually realized he wanted to be in front of the classroom. Lumpy went back to school to earn his teaching license and later earned his master’s degree. Lumpy poured his heart and soul into his work. He truly cared for his students and had a positive impact on so many lives.
Lumpy was also able to inspire many of the girls he coached over the years. Lumpy began coaching Jordan Jaguars Basketball in 1991. Lumpy lead teams to the State Tournament three times, finishing in 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th place. But Lumpy never took credit for any of these victories. He wanted all the glory to go to his team. He was always building others up and encouraging his players. During his decade as head coach, Lumpy had a huge impact on so many girls. After resigning in Jordan, Paul dedicated his time to his own children’s activities. He coached Zach’s New Prague Trojan baseball and basketball teams from t-ball all the way to seventh grade. In early 2017, Emily surprised Paul by applying for the Bloomington Jefferson Head Basketball Coaching position. He was down in Rochester, learning the news that he had a brain tumor when he was offered the position. He honestly told the athletic director the news, only to be told it didn’t matter. He was who they had been looking for. With renewed excitement, Paul returned to the place he felt most comfortable. He was able to bring two of his best friends (and past coaching partners) with him. He again became a Jaguar, only this time he was a Bloomington Jefferson Jaguar.
After impacting the lives of so many children in the community and years of praying for kids of their own, Paul & Emily’s prayers were answered. Paul was such a proud father; Zach, Teagan & Evy were the light of his life. Paul taught his kids to “ be kinder than necessary ” and that “ the most important thing you’ll ever wear is your expression .” In the end he promised he would always be with them; whether during sporting events or quietly reminiscing by the garden they loved.
In his free time, Lumpy enjoyed being at home with his family, woodworking, gardening and being outdoors. Lumpy had many interests, but above all, he loved Christmas. He was always filled with Christmas cheer, and listened to Christmas carols year-round.
Four years ago, Lumpy began his long battle with cancer. Through it all, hundreds of family and friends were by his side, lifting him up with their love and support. Lumpy did so much good in his life, and his legacy will live on in all the people he touched with his kindness.
Paul will be remembered always by his wife, Emily; children, Zach, Teagan & Evy; mother, Carol; siblings, Sharon (Rick) Carlson, Jim (Jodie) Lambrecht, Laureen (Jay) Picha, Gordy (Penny) Lambrecht, Tom (Lois) Lambrecht, Dawn Lambrecht, Vickie (Jerry) Novak, John (Sheila) Lambrecht; mother-in-law, Florence Moriarty & beloved relatives from Emily’s side of the family; many nieces & nephews; other loving relatives and friends. Paul was greeted in Heaven by his father, Donald Lambrecht and father-in-law, Patrick Moriarty.
