The Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Paavola

The Reverend Doctor Daniel E. Paavola, of Cedar Grove, passed away Monday evening, March 2, 2026, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee following a motorcycle accident. He was 69 years old.

Daniel was born in Wadena, MN, on August 3, 1956, the son of Edwin and Linda (nee Nikkari) Paavola. He attended local schools and graduated from New York Mills High School before continuing his education. Dan majored in English at Minnesota State University and earned Master's degrees at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, and Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ, before earning his PhD from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

Dan was united in marriage with Holly Orvedahl in Moorhead, MN, on August 25, 1979. The couple lived in Fort Wayne, IN, and Princeton, NJ, while Dan earned his Master's degrees, before moving to Butternut, WI, where he served as pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. In 1996, he received a call to be a Professor of Theology at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon. He accepted the call, and the family moved to Cedar Grove, WI. He retired from Concordia in 2024.

Dan was currently the pastor at River of Life Lutheran Church in Saukville, where he had served for a year and a half, while also serving on the staff at First Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cedarburg.

Outside of the pulpit and classroom, Dan loved riding motorcycles and had an impressive collection, including a Honda Africa Twin, BMW R60/5, Honda VFR, and a Yamaha FJR. He was the second owner of a 1917 Ford Model T, which he lovingly restored and continued to drive. An avid reader and history scholar, Dan also enjoyed woodworking, often utilizing his skills to build furniture for family members. He had the distinction of running 26 marathons, including the Boston Marathon four times. Dan was an excellent storyteller, frequently using this talent to inspire and reach others. He enjoyed writing and authored several books and publications.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Holly Paavola, and their children: Christy Paavola of Alexandria, VA, Stephen (Sarah) Paavola of Mooresville, NC, and Nicole (Daniel) Janda of Denver, CO. Dan also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Gabriella and Vincent Paavola of North Carolina, as well as his sister Becky (Brian) Schultz of Little Canada, MN. Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Linda Paavola.

Funeral Services will begin promptly at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at First Immanuel Lutheran Church (W67N622 Evergreen Boulevard, Cedarburg, WI 53012), and will be livestreamed to River of Life Lutheran Church in Saukville. The family will receive visitors at First Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 7th, from 10:00 AM until 1:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to River of Life Lutheran Church in Saukville and The Lutheran Hour.

Dan’s memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy will be celebrated by all who had the honor of knowing him.

The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.