Paul L. Rooney, of Eden Prairie, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Dec. 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born and raised in Glenwood, the fourth of six children to Delbert and Blanche (nee Pederson) Rooney.

Paul dedicated 37 years of his professional life to JCPenney, starting in the stockroom of his hometown Glenwood JCPenney when he was in high school. He graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1965 while beginning his professional career with JCPenney. That same year he married the love of his life, Annette (nee Putnam). He then went on to hold many managerial positions throughout the Midwest. This led to great moves across the states with his family, from Minneapolis to Iowa, St. Louis to Illinois, and back to Minnesota, making lifelong friendships along the way. Paul retired in 1998 as the manager of the Ridgedale JCPenney in Minnetonka. He was well-respected, a strong leader, fair and always true to his word, and a great listener, leaving an indelible mark on colleagues and customers alike.

A man who knew how to balance work and joy, he found great pleasure in life’s simple and grand moments alike. An avid golfer, he always enjoyed a fun round with Annette or with friends. Paul and Annette had many travel adventures after retirement, which often included golf excursions, some with colleagues, at pro-am tournaments, and even playing with Chi-Chi Rodriguez. Fishing trips with friends were also a favorite — and the source of many a great story.

His fondest memories included annual ski vacations to Colorado, watching his boys grow up to be excellent skiers, overtaking him on the slopes. And later in life, watching his grandson Tristan compete in snowboarding. Paul found peace and tranquility while working in his yard or just relaxing and reading a good book. He loved sitting and talking with Katie, Andy and Tristan; finding out about what they were up to and how things were going. He took his role as “Papa” seriously and was the best at it. His greatest legacy is the love he shared with his family and friends, his kindness and thoughtfulness, as well as his genuine interest in how you were.

Paul is survived by Annette, his loving wife of 59½ years; sons, Alan of Boise, Idaho, and Darren (Laurice) of St. Louis Park; grandchildren, Katherine Magill of Minneapolis, Andrew Magill of St. Paul and Tristan Rooney of Eau Claire, Wis.; brothers, Richard (Beverly), Darrell and Phillip (Theresa); and the many nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Paul.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Gary; and his younger sister, Jeanne Kuisle.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at 12 p.m., with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at the Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th & Hwy 100, Edina, MN. Interment will be held at a later date in Glenwood.

The family would like to thank the staff at Flagstone Care Center and the PNC/Methodist Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care given to Paul. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to a charity of your choosing.