Paul Henrik Elmstrand, age 27, was born in Cambridge, MN on December 29, 1996. He was the 5th child of Rodney and Sara Elmstrand. He grew up on the family farm in North Branch, MN and graduated in 2015 from Cambridge-Isanti High School. Paul attended University of Northwestern, St. Paul and graduated in 2018 with a criminal justice degree. He worked at Rod’s Berry Farm, Chisago County Parks Department, the MSP airport, and the Burnsville Police Department. Over the years he was active in 4-H, Joy Lutheran Church, cross-country running, Isanti County Explorers and ROC. Paul enjoyed hunting, showing cattle, The Office, trap shooting, camping, canoeing and being with people. He married his high school sweetheart, Cindy Castruita-Ontiveros in 2018. They were blessed with 2 precious children, María (2) and Mateo (5 months).
Paul first served the community of Burnsville as a Community Service Officer beginning in 2017. He was promoted to an officer in the Burnsville Police Department in 2019. Paul died on Sunday, February 18, 2024 doing the job he loved, serving his community.
Paul loved Jesus, his family, his community, and everyone he met. He served well and honorably.
Paul is survived by Cindy, his loving wife of 5½ years, two children, María and Mateo, his parents Rod and Sara Elmstrand, in-laws Norma and Carlos Castruita, siblings Becky Ruth (Erik) Johnson, Tricia (Pat) Cassidy, Mary Elmstrand, Erik (Carissa) Elmstrand, brothers-in-law, Carlos (Brianna Miller) Castruita, Erik (Gabby) Castruita, 10 nieces and nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and coworkers.
Paul is preceded in death by his grandparents: Henrik and Viola Elmstrand and Paul and Jill Olson.
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Mike Peterson
I’m so sorry
David m Siehndel
Pauls family! You have our deepest sympathy. I did not know Paul until sunday morning when I heard the sad news of this incident. Just makes no sense how or why this can happen! Again the family has our deepest sympathy! R.I.P. Paul.
Dave and Cheryl Prior Lake
Kenny Edberg
Cheryl and I are so sad to hear the depth of your son Paul we don’t know why God took him so young but he had a plan for him like he have planned for all of us
Deb Sagisser
We are so very sorry for your loss. May God surround you all with His peace during this time of grief.
Mark VonBank
My heartfelt prayers to the families and friends of Paul Elmstrand on your loss. He will be missed but never forgotten. I am so very sorry for your loss. With Heartfelt Prayers and God’s Peace and Love, Mark VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota.
Sue Holly
My heart breaks for his family especially his wife and children.
Dan Markusson
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers to the whole family during this time.
Heidi Yankovec
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I did not know Paul but am a neighbor to his parents. My heart and prayers go out to you all. I hope you can find some comfort in the love and memories you shared. Paul will be with you, through them, always.
Gretchen Fischer
Paul’s Family and Friends – I am a 26 year resident of Burnsville and have always been grateful for what our Law Enforcement do and the sacrifices that they and their family continually make. I am beyond heartbroken over this incident and my deepest sympathies to all of you in Paul’s earthly departure. Besides being a resident of Burnsville, I have another connection as well as I also graduated from UNW – St. Paul (1995). Prayers to all of you as you navigate these difficult days ahead. What an honorable and noble profession Paul belonged to!
Brenda Wheatley (Stenberg)
I am so sorry for your loss, my heart aches for your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jayne Frahm
My deepest sympathy to Paul’s family.
Terrence Cook
I was an officer in Apple Valley for 23 yrs, West St Paul for 6 yrs. I worked with many officers in B’ville… now all retired. When I saw the news of his death I thought I was having a nightmare and If I woke up it would go away. Nothing about this makes any sense. My wife and I weep for you Cindy and the babies that will not get to know him, and both families, Burnsville Public Safety. and everyone in the State that he so honorably served. He was EXACTLY the type of person we want in LE. RIP brother.
Bob & Linnea Steman
We are so very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you at this difficult time.
"jo" Joanne Musich
Your faith will sustain you in spite of the deep sadness at such a loss as your beloved son Paul.
May you be consoled by His love and mercy and your fond precious memories.
larry erickson
Sorry for your loss.
Paul is in my Family Tree related through the Stenberg clan.
Ancestors of: Page 1 of 2
Paul Henrik Elmstrand
1st Generation
1. Paul Henrik Elmstrand was born on Dec. 29, 1996 in Cambridge Medical Center, Cambridge, Isanti, Minnesota and died on Feb. 18, 2024 in Burnsville, Hennepin
County, Minnesota.
Other events in the life of Paul Henrik Elmstrand
Feb 2024
Father: 2. Rodney Alan Elmstrand was born on May 3, 1956 in Ramsey County, Minnesota.
Mother: 3. Sara Krister Olson [Elmstrand] was born on May 16, 1960 in Hawaii.
2nd Generation (Parents)
2. Rodney Alan Elmstrand was born on May 3, 1956 in Ramsey County, Minnesota. He married Sara Krister Olson [Elmstrand] JUL 0 1982 in Isanti County,
Minnesota.
Father: 4. Henrik Hjalmer Elmstrand was born on May 9, 1913 in Chisago County, Minnesota.
Mother: 5. Viola Ella Schmidt [Elmstrand] was born on Nov. 25, 1915 in Isanti County, Minnesota and died on Jun. 21, 2002 in Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota.
3. Sara Krister Olson [Elmstrand] was born on May 16, 1960 in Hawaii.
Contact me for a more complete ancestry file.
Joanna Karlsson
I came across the horrible news in Sweden. My cousins name are Elmstrand. My aunt was given the name Viola by my mother.
I don’t know if we are related.
My condolence to the familj.
Asif Ayyub Mohammed
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Paul Henrik Elmstrand. Paul’s dedication to his family, community, and service will forever be remembered. May his soul find peace, and may you find comfort in your memories of him during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you all.
Paul J Quin
Cindy,
Prayers be with you!
May you and your beautiful children be guided by your husband’s Heavenly presence always. Paul is with Christ and will work to provide comfort and safety as your Guardian Angel.
JoAnn Smykalski Christensen
Rod and Sara, I am so sorry for your loss. Rod, you were such an inspiration in IVCF at the University of Minnesota. I know your family will have the Lord on your side to get through this difficult time. JoAnn Smykalski AgEd /U of MN
Anissa Parsons
Dear Cindy & family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. My heart aches for your family. Paul will always be remembered. Know there are hundreds of thousands of people praying and holding you all close to our hearts. #truehero
Sending prayers for peace, strength, and comfort to you and your family,
Anissa Parsons
(wife of a St. Paul Police Officer)
Jacqueline M Heintz
I am very sorry for the loss of a HERO! I did not know him, but I support law enforcement & cannot believe to think what all of you are going through.
I thank him for his sacrifice- I thank you for allowing him to go out every day to protect us. May God protect and comfort you always. . May he rest in peace..
Ken and Sandy Wing
Paul grew up in our church, Joy Lutheran, and we’ve been active in Joy together for 25+ years. One of my earliest memories of Paul was when he was probably right around 2 years old. Someone had brought a small Fisher-Price farm set in and it was on the floor on the right front side of the church. Paul would quietly entertain himself, laying there on his belly, pushing the tractor around, and making the proper animal noises as he moved them around. He was such an adorable little guy.
Our comfort comes in knowing that Paul had a very strong faith. Someday we will be together again. Love and hugs to Paul’s wonderful family, and all the others grieving as well.
Thomas and Kathleen (Gieske) McFadden
Our condolences to Cindy and all of the family. Our prayers are with you. We have been remembering you in our prayers and you have been much on our minds. I was very happy to read about Paul and remember the family at Gieske gatherings. We will continue to hold you up in prayer.
Deacon Tom and Kathy McFadden.
Kathy Willette
My heart aches for your family. May God continue to hold you in the palm of his hand. We were honored to have Paul protect our Burnsville community. Prayers to your family and friends
Deb & Ken Gieske
We are profoundly sorry for your loss. We are continuing to pray for you at this difficult time. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace.
Bob Rubinyi
Dear Rod and Sara,
I was so very sad to read in the Extension retiree newsletter about the tragic loss of your son Paul. Reading about your son I get the picture of a such a kind and multitalented person with a strong commitment to his family, faith, and community. A real role model for all of us. Please know that your Extension colleagues are keeping the two of you, Cindy and Paul’s family in their thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. May Paul’s memory be an inspiration and comfort to all of you.