Paul Hitchcock

Paul Richard Hitchcock, 50, died Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Centra Care hospital in St. Cloud, MN after a courageous three-week battle with cancer. To say his family and friends are in shock is truly an understatement.

Paul was born August 9, 1975, in Fergus Falls, MN, to Richard Dale Hitchcock and Joyce Carol (Stardig) Hitchcock. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1993.

Paul spent many years in the banking industry and was most recently employed in the hospitality industry, working at Capital Vacations and the Commander Bar and Restaurant in Breezy Point, MN. Paul moved to Breezy Point in 2021 where he became part of a community of people he treasured and considered family.

Paul was that person who lit up every room without even trying. He gave the best hugs, the kind that made you feel instantly better, and he had a gift for making everyone smile. Paul himself was always smiling, usually laughing, and often teasing (a trait he learned from his dad).

He loved live music, especially country music at WeFest where he camped for many years with a group of close friends. He enjoyed craft beer, ice fishing, and golfing with his buddies, where the laughs and camaraderie were just as important as the score. A loyal Minnesota sports fan, Paul cheered loud, hoped big, and was true to his teams through all the highs and lows. (if you are a Minnesota sports fan, you understand)

A talented singer, Paul connected with people through music and shared moments, not just words. You would often find him sharing a song on stage with the band or singing karaoke. Some friends were even lucky enough to have him officiate or sing at their weddings. It was his honor to support them in this way.

Paul was also a beloved and fun uncle; He was known for making his nieces and nephews laugh and showing up with big energy and even bigger bear hugs! He had a way of making everyone feel special, whether you were family, a longtime friend, or someone he had just met.

He will be remembered for his laugh, his kindness, his music, and the light he brought into so many lives. Things won't feel quite the same without him-yet they will always be better because he was here.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Dick Hitchcock; brother-in-law, Blake Johnson; nephew, Brendan Peter Johnson; and his grandparents.

He is survived by his mother, Joyce Hitchcock; sisters, Teri (Greg) Krutsinger, Janelle Johnson, and Andrea Hitchcock; nieces, Kendra (Joe) Olsen and Caitlyn Nygaard; nephews, Austin (Abby) Nygaard and Reece Johnson; great niece, Sofia Olsen; great nephews, Brendan and Devin Olsen and Marcus and Holden Nygaard; aunt, Pat Roehl; former wife, Shannon Hitchcock, and many cousins and dear friends.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls. The visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Reverend Christopher Lieske

Interment: Trinity-Faith Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com