Paul Frederick Augustad
November 26, 1968 ~ January 1, 2025
Paul F. Augustad, 56, Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the Royal C. Johnson Veteran’s Memorial Hospital in Sioux Falls, of Huntington’s Disease (HD).
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 6 at the Ransom Church of Sioux Falls located at 700 N. Main, from 5-6:30 p.m., with a Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Paul’s name to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America – South Dakota Chapter.
Paul Frederick Augustad was born on November 26, 1968 (Thanksgiving Day), in Sioux Falls, SD to Fred and Jacqueline “Jackie” (Fods) Augustad. Paul graduated from Chester High School in 1987 where he excelled in athletics, especially football. Friends said that he was so strong and determined that no one wanted to play against him. Following high school, he took his football talents to Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.
After college, Paul worked in the Sioux Falls area before moving to the Twin Cities where he joined the plumbing union and used his talents in new construction homes and commercial projects.
Paul met Debbie Stadley in 1998, and they were married on October 20, 2001. They lived in Rogers, MN, until 2007 when they moved to Sioux Falls.
He joined the Army National Guard Company B 153rd Engineering Battalion in 1986. Paul had 2 “MOS” – “Military Occupational Security” positions and was certified in 62 Echo Heavy equipment and 12 Bravo Demolition. After 20 years he retired with the rank of Sergeant.
Paul’s favorite thing about being in the guards was he was in the best physical shape of his life as he always received high scores on his PT (Physical training) tests. The National Guard also gave him the opportunity to travel to Germany twice; Panama twice; and Iraq. Paul was very proud to have had the opportunity to serve in Iraq from 2003-2005. He wanted to serve a second rotation there but was sadly diagnosed with HD in 2006.
Paul always wished that he had a child to pass on the military tradition. He felt it was a great opportunity to learn new skills and to serve our country. Paul was incredibly proud of his niece, Ellie, joining the Air Guard in Sioux Falls.
Paul was a fearless warrior. A gentle giant. He loved people. He loved his family, friends, neighbors and HE LOVED HARD! His nieces and nephews were like his own. He would have adopted them all if he could. He was physically and mentally tough. He fought through HD with grace and dignity.
He was a storyteller and would tell the best stories. He would have everyone on the edge of their lawn chair at the campfires. He may have been an instigator at times and always able to get out of his predicament. He wasn’t afraid to try something that probably shouldn’t be attempted. Paul was a talented athlete – basketball, football, baseball, track, snow skiing, water skiing, and air chair – there was not a sport or activity that Paul didn’t try and excel in. HE PLAYED HARD!
He was humble, kindhearted, silly and his infectious smile would touch your heart and make you smile back.
Paul’s strength, humor and resilience touched so many hearts at the Sioux Falls VA. A special thank you to the Community Living Center (CLC) team. The love and care that the team gave Paul during his HD journey is unprecedented. Paul would tease and joke with the team (even though it was hard for him to get his words out). They always knew if Paul had a secret or a surprise. Paul would laugh so hard that he would grin big and have tears in his eyes. They would have to stop and say “Paully, breathe – don’t laugh at us so hard!”
Paul’s brain and other tissues were donated to Harvard University as part of the HD Legacy program. This will foster cutting edge HD drug discovery research.
Paul is survived by his wife, Debbie; sisters, Sonja (Kent) Boen, Amy (Tom) Sebert, and Nichole Anderson; brother, Todd (Renae) Augustad; nieces and nephews, Tara Augustad, Alex (Jillian) Augustad, Paul Matthew (Kallen) Augustad, Austin (Peyton) Boen, Andy Gordon, Ellie Anderson, Bennett Sebert, Molly Anderson, Olivia Sebert, Callie Gordon, Jack Sebert and Oscar Anderson; great nephews, Oliver Augustad, Jack Augustad, and Paolo O’Louglen; and a great niece, Sophia Augustad. He will also be missed by his beloved goldendoodle, Pyper Jayne.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Jackie; brother, Cliffy; and a sister, Kim.
I knew Augie well, we were assigned to the same unit from 1986 to 2001. It’s hard for someone to not know Augie. We even shared the same CLC staff and doctors, and they all knew him well..
Knowing Augie in the guards was almost challenging. Paul worked hard but he played hard as well. There wasn’t a single mission assigned to him that he didn’t excel in. He was a natural leader where everyone would follow and he always knew what he was capable of doing however he seemed to want to remain in the position he was assigned, because he knew he could do more.
After I retired from the guards I lost contact with many of the unit members. I trailed them when they left for the Middle East, while they were there and when they came back. I was able to meet and work with them in Fort Carson, CO.
I spent time with Augie in the CLC, both as patient and as visitor. I won’t forget about that time together playing Bingo and talking. Augie wasn’t able too speak but his facial expressions were enough to get his message across to me.
I’m glad that Augie’s suffering has passed he was a true champion to the end. The people that he touched will never forget him, he was truly a one of a kind legend.
We are so sorry for your loss! Our hearts broke as you shred, Sonja, in bible class on Sunday. May God comfort you in His very special way! We are praying along with your family for a cure for HD.
So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy to all of the family.
Sorry for your loss of Paul and my sympathy to the family.