Paula Dyer, 80 of Algona formerly of Armstrong, passed away Friday, August 2, 2024, peacefully at her home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Algona. Burial will take place at Armstrong Grove Cemetery in Armstrong. Services have been entrusted with Lentz Funeral Home of Algona. www.lentzfuneralhome.com
Paula Ann (Gaarde) Dyer, daughter of Arnold and Emma (Lauritzen) Gaarde, was born on May 3, 1944, in Estherville, Iowa. She attended Armstrong Schools and graduated with the Armstrong High School class of 1962. After graduation, Paula attended Iowa State University
(Go Cyclones!) in Ames where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. She eventually returned to Armstrong and taught middle school math for many years. Paula retired from teaching in 2000 after 30+ years of teaching and coaching. On July 31, 1987, Paula was united in marriage with John E. Dyer at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Paula and John purchased Country Greens Golf Course in Armstrong in 1996. The couple ran the golf course for 25 years and then retired to their home in Algona in 2020.
Paula enjoyed basketball, from watching her grandchildren play to coaching in the State Tournament, she didn’t miss many chances to be in a gym. For many years, Paula also enjoyed spending time at her family’s cottage on Big Spirit. From sunrises to sunsets and bonfires, many great memories were made with family and friends. Paula’s greatest love though, was her family. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she rarely missed an opportunity to attend events that her grandchild participated in. Most importantly, Paula has a friend in Jesus. She is a true believer and used that to put her positive spin on life. Her personality, attitude, smile, and impact on those around her will be deeply missed.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 37 years: John of Algona; children: Jared (Erica) Cecil of Algona and Peter (Amy) Cecil of West Linn, Oregon; grandchildren: Jason (Brianna) Cecil of Lynchburg, Virginia, Jackson Cecil of Algona and Emma Cecil of Algona, Ainsley (Jack) Ammon of Newberg Oregon, Shealyn Cecil of West Linn Oregon; sister: Cheryl Opsal of Mankato, Minnesota; sister-in-law: Bonnie Gaarde of Phoenix, Arizona and numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Arnold and Emma Gaarde; brother: Arnie Gaarde and brother-in-law: Lyndon Opsal.
