Paul John DeMarce was born on November 26, 1930 in Benson, Minnesota, the son of John Oliver and Vianna Veronica (Lynch) DeMarce. He was baptized on December 7, 1930 by Father Shea and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. He graduated from Benson High School and then attended college at St. John's University. Paul served his country in the National Guard from 1973 to 1990. On April 12, 1958, Paul was united in marriage to Margaret Alice Burke at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, Minnesota. This union was blessed with six children and seven grandchildren. Together they were able to share in 54 years of marriage. They made their home in Benson. Paul belonged to the American Legion and Knights of Columbus and volunteered his time with the Benson Fire Department. He owned and operated the DeMarce Theatre. He also owned the Coast to Coast store with his brother, Larry. Later, he managed the Benson and Clontarf Liquor Stores, and served as a Mess Sergeant at Camp Ripley. During his retirement, he drove school bus for District #777 for many years. Among the things Paul enjoyed were hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, sports, and spending time with his family and dogs. He attained the age of 81 years, 9 months, and 12 days. Paul is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Benson; two sons: Jack DeMarce of Benson and Timothy DeMarce of Park Rapids; four daughters: Alice (Erich) DeMarce-Pugh of Maple Grove, Nora (Bill) Simpson of Park Rapids, Viann DeMarce of Emigrant, MT, and Jane DeMarce of St. Paul; seven grandchildren: Chris, Kevin, and Kacie Pugh, and Eryn, Jill, Jeni, and Sara Simpson; two sisters: Joan DeMarce of St. Paul, and Mary Lou (John) Morrow of Grand Rapids, Michigan; sister-in-law, Vonnie Connolly of Lakeville; several nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives. Preceding him in death are his parents, John and Vianna; sister, Ann Connolly; brother, Larry (Laurie) DeMarce; and brother-in-law, Tom Connolly.In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Swift County Hospice, Swift County Benson Hospital, the St. Francis Catholic Church Building Fund, and the Benson Dog Park.
