Birth date: Dec 23, 1946 Death date: Sep 14, 2025
Taken too soon from family and friends, Paula Kreilkamp Assaf departed this world on September 14, 2025. She was born on December 23, 1946, in Rochester, Minnesota, the third of eight children of Dr. Bernard L. Kreilkamp and Rene Read Obituary
My favorite memory of Paula was listening to her beautiful voice when she served as a lector for the Easter Vigil. I did not know her at the time. We went on to become members of a faith sharing group, the Saturday Disciples, and her friendship and deep faith helped sustain me through many difficult times. David and she are true prayer warriors and two of the most beautiful people I have ever known. She was deeply loved. She will be deeply missed.
Mary Ruli
On behalf of the Turk Family from STM in Baton Rouge, we extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Assaf Family upon Ms. Paula’s passing. We pray you all find peace and comfort through the love and support of family, friends, and our Lord’s promise of eternal life with Him.
My mother and I knew Ms. Paula very well through her hard work, dedication, and endless stewardship in STM’s parish. She shared her God-given gifts so unselfishly, and she touched so many lives! As a young teen, I participated in the folk choir and volunteered with Vacation Bible School for several years under her leadership. Those were some of my best experiences! I also had the pleasure of babysitting David, Bernard, and Meagan, and my mother thoroughly enjoyed teaching them in 5th grade as well.
Until we meet again, Ms. Paula, keep on singing!🎶
The only consolation, Paula, is that Mary was there to greet you. All my love, old buddy. Your Irish Twin, Kath
As my sister-in-law, I met Paula 48 years ago; she sang at our wedding and her voice was then and is now angelic. She and her husband were our choice to be god-parents to our first-born son, Andrew. Over the years she has been a steadfast friend and sister, always there with a word of encouragement and a reminder that Jesus never allows us to walk alone, ever. My wife, Paula's sister died this month 10 years ago and in the aftermath of her illness and death - Paula was there. When I was so broken and lost and in tears - Paula was there with a listening ear, a tender and loving word and always a prayer. Last year in late August I went to visit Paula and David (he recovering from pancreatic cancer surgery and treatment); I was accompanied by my new wife, herself a widow. We had a wonderful time - daily Mass, good conversations, lovely meals at some of their favorite restaurants and song and prayer. She was so welcoming to Deborah, I treasure that memory as little did I know that about a year later Paula would make her way home to join the heavenly choir with her sister Mary, her mom Renee and her Dad as well as many others. I know that Paula is working hard on the other side, that said she is new in heaven so we need to talk to her and give her some jobs to do that only she in the Spirit can do. My heart goes out to David and all the children as you grieve and mourn the loss of a Mother, a Wife, and spiritual companion and a friend. You are all in my prayers.
I met Paula at MQP where she volunteered in the PSR program and brought her beautiful voice and guitar to the children weekly. Paula was a blessing to all. She will be missed. David and family you remain in our prayers.
In the short time I knew Paula I found her to be a pleasant,charming lady, full of faith. My condolences to David and the family.
Larry Fertitta
Mary Queen of Peace Church
