Paul Vesterstein

Paul Vesterstein, “The Count” passed away January 15, 2025 at the age of 96. He was in good spirits, health, still sharp and in fact played bridge the day before.

Paul was born in Otepaa, Estonia on June 17, 1928 the youngest of 5 children of Ernst and Agnes. During WWII he volunteered into the Estonian National Guard to fight the Russian Army. Many of the kids were 14 and 15 years old. He was part of an anti-aircraft unit. During the fall of 1944, they were forced to retreat and their escape route led them to Leipzig, Germany where they were found by American troops and he began his life as a displaced person in Augsburg, Germany with 2,000 other Estonian refugees awaiting sponsorship. They could not go back to their homeland as it was under Russian control.

In 1949 Paul was sponsored by the YMCA of Duluth. He left with a small suitcase and 28 cents in his pocket. He started as a counter clerk and worked as a counselor and swimming instructor at YMCA Camp Miller.

In 1950, Paul was encouraged by his friends George Hovland, Bill Fayling and others to attend UMD. He graduated in March, 1953 with a physical education major and health education minor. He won many NAII and NIC skiing championships and was the UMD Chess Champion in 1952. As a result, he was named to “Who’s Who” in American Universities and Colleges. He continued to work at the YMCA as the Physical Education Director, Program Director and acting General Secretary.

In 1960 he served as an official at the Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley.

After his YMCA work Paul founded Continental Ski Shop and was the Midwest Manager for some 35 ski companies. In 1976 Continental Ski Shop was named “Retailer of the Year”. He organized trips to Snowmass and Vail for over 40 years. He was actively involved in promoting skiing in the area along with George Hovland, Wes Neustel, Ivan Iverson and others. Paul was a big part of making Spirit Mountain a reality and took the first run on the mountain in 1974.

Estonia gained their independence from the Soviet Union in 1989. In September 1990, Paul hosted a 3 day Estonian World Council meeting at which 12 leaders were in attendance to discuss ways to regain full independence in a peaceful, non-violent, legal way. In 1991, he arranged for the newly elected president, Mr. Ruutel, to visit Duluth and UMD.

Paul loved his homeland of Estonia and was proud of it. He gave back to those who impacted his life. He, along with Earl Rogers and other Rotarians organized student trips to his native Estonia. They also sponsored interns from Estonia to come to Duluth in the summers to learn how to navigate business in a western environment. He supported business ventures in Estonia, including the Estonian Piano Co. and ski exports. “Paul, his wartime service defending Estonia and his immigration to America, were inspirations for Judge Mark Munger’s novel, Sukalaiset: The Kindred.”

He was always supportive of UMD as well. He served on the Board of Directors of the UMD Alumni Association and served one term as president. Paul was UMD’s 1993 Commencement Speaker.

He was actively involved in many businesses including; Fitger’s, Chester Terrace and in many organizations including the Duluth Rotary Club, Club member in the YMCA, and Optimist Club.

He lived a good, full life and was a great dad; supportive and encouraging always. He is going to be missed by his family. 

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Joy Vesterstein. He is survived by his children, Scott (Ruth Manseau), Kirk, Marc, Lisa, Karl (Darcy); and grandchildren, Matti, Kaitlyn (Pauline Olson)  and Sydney. 

Paul’s Celebration of Life will be February 26, from 2-5 pm at Northland Country Club, 3901 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55804.