Paul G. Woutat

Former Grand Forks, ND lawyer, Paul G. Woutat died peacefully on Saturday, June 24th in St. Paul, MN where he lived since 2002.     Woutat was born September 7, 1937 to Dr. Philip and Helen (McIntosh) Woutat at Grand Forks.  He attended Grand Forks Public Schools and graduated from UND in 1959. Woutat graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1962. Upon graduation he returned to Grand Forks where he was a trust officer at First National Bank until he joined the law firm of Stokes, Vaaler, Gillig, and Warcup.  He continued the practice of law as a partner in the firm in the courts of Minnesota, North Dakota, and the Federal Courts until he retired.  His last years practicing law were dedicated to asbestos litigation.    Woutat was an arbitrator on the National Panel of the American Arbitrator Association during his retirement. He was active in local Grand Forks affairs. Woutat was the President of the combined Grand Forks-East Grand Forks United Way, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Hospital (now Altru Health System), Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Medical Center Rehabilitation Hospital (now a part of Altru Health System), Chairman of the Agassiz Area-wide Health Planning Council, and a past member of the Grand Forks Home Rule Charier Committee.  Professionally, he was a member of the State and local bar association, past member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Defense Research Institute, and was listed in “The Best Lawyers in America.”     While living in Grand Forks, he was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and later St. Agnes Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN. His retirement years included part-time arbitration work, singing in the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale, helping his children with various home projects, and thoroughly enjoying his grandchildren.     He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Gail (Peterka) Woutat, and their children: daughter Julie (Michael) Strommen of Hastings, MN, son John (Karla) Woutat of Bismarck, ND, and daughter Paula (Enrique) Torrano of Hopkins, MN; and six grandchildren, Tanner and Jace Woutat; Christian, Abigail, and Mary Strommen; and Emilio Torrano. Woutat was preceded in death by his parents.    Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Wednesday, June 28th, 10:00 a.m., Marian Chapel, Cerenity Marian Senior Care, 200 Earl Street, St. Paul, MN 55106, with arrangements by Mueller-Bies Funeral Homes.  Rosary will be said prior to mass. Private internment at Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND arranged by Norman Funeral Home.