Paul R. Pickering

Paul R. Pickering, originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and later a proud Minnesota resident, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, in his home, surrounded by love. A man who never seemed to slow down, he leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, hard work, and memories that will be retold for generations usually with a grin and a sarcastic comment, just the way he liked it.

He was a devoted husband and shared 30 wonderful years with the love of his life Holly (McDonough) Pickering, building a partnership filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. He was a proud father to two children. His daughter Kaitlyn Herbert and her husband Shane Herbert blessed him with four grandchildren, three here on earth (Jackson, Charlotte, and Callahan) and one now in heaven (Maddox). His son Jake Dickison and his girlfriend Maddie Carlander held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by Kaitlyn and Jake’s older brother, Mitch Dickison, his wife Katie Dickison, and their two children (Elena and Wyatt), all of whom he considered family in every sense of the word. 

Some of his most treasured moments were the quiet ones, spending time at home with his wife and their beloved dog, Charlie. Whether they were watching football, playing cards, or simply hanging out with their kids, those everyday moments meant everything to him. 

He is deeply loved by his parents Bob and Ann (Heisler) Pickering, who survive him, as well as his sister Amy Hillesheim (Chris) and her three children (Abby, Ryan and Ben). He will be joyfully reunited in heaven with his mother-in-law, Charlotte McDonough, his grandchild, and his friends who have passed before him. No doubt swapping stories and sharing laughs once again. 

A lifelong Hawkeye fan, he never missed an opportunity to cheer on Iowa. No matter the season, he could be found fishing with friends on their annual trips, proving that cold weather was never a good enough excuse to stay home. He also had a deep love for his three-wheelers and was a dedicated member of the Canby Ave ATC Club, where he made lasting memories and friendships. 

As the proud owner of Vogelsberg Trucking, he poured his heart into his work and truly loved working. Often joking that retirement just wasn’t in his vocabulary. Still, his favorite moments were spent with family and friends, sitting around telling old stories. He especially loved telling them, and his face would light up every time he had an audience. 

He was fun, sarcastic, caring, and fiercely loyal. Those who knew him knew that if you were lucky enough to call him a friend, you were truly blessed. 

Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the love he gave so freely.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick, 7525 Dodd Road, Faribault, with Fr. Timothy Sandquist, officiating. Interment will be in the St. Patrick Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N., Faribault, and on Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church.