Thomas "Paul" Kjerulff

Thomas “Paul” Kjerulff, 64, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 with his loving wife by his side.

Paul was born in Lake Charles on August 18th, 1958 to James and Doris Kjerulff.  Growing up Paul was very involved in 4-H showing Angus cattle. After graduating in 1977 from Lagrange High School, Paul went on to do the plumbers apprenticeship program through Local 106 following in his grandpa, dad and brother’s footsteps.

Paul met his beautiful bride of 41 years, Marla, in 1981 and married shortly after on July 10, 1982.  After their marriage they began traveling for Paul’s job, going to New York, Missouri and eventually settling in Illinois. Being so far from their family in Louisiana, Paul and Marla met and made new friends that turned into family in Illinois. Paul and Marla called Illinois home for 18 years where they raised their 2 girls, Lauren and Lindsey.

Paul enjoyed taking his family on vacations including camping trips to State Parks, Las Vegas, Disney and South Carolina. One thing he always made time for was fishing, because a bad day fishing was better than a good day at work he would say.

After Paul’s kids were raised, him and Marla enjoyed traveling together especially to Tennessee. They enjoyed sightseeing, being in the mountains and exploring various antique stores, flea markets, garage sales and hardware stores. Another hobby of Paul’s was working at a local hardware store, Trahan’s Hardware, where he got to visit with some pretty amazing people and even became fond of his first cat, Tinkerbell.

Paul, was more affectionately known as PawPaw, and his world revolved around his wife, kids and grandkids. He was always cracking his corny dad jokes, trying to make us laugh, checking in with us daily, and riding around on four wheelers, golf carts and tractors. He loved sweet tea and could always be found with a gallon in the fridge and nearly a half gallon in hand. His family will truly miss him and so will the many friends he made along the way.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Marla Rosfeld Kjerulff of Lake Charles. His mother, Doris Kjerulff of Lake Charles, brothers Eddie Kjerulff of Lake Charles and Steve Kjerulff (Theresa) of Bell City. Daughters Lauren Brown (Justin Schelette) of Iowa and Lindsey Thibodeaux (Brad Landry) of Lake Charles. Grandchildren, Westin Brown, Makynlee Schelette and Case Landry.

The family wanted to give a special thanks to all the amazing doctors, nurses and staff at MD Anderson during his short time there.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel.  The Rev. Joshua Bigwood will officiate.  Visitation will begin on Monday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will resume on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service. Cremation will take place following the service.