Paul Jevne Tatting, age 89, of Cambridge, MN, died unexpectedly September 11, 2025, at Cambridge Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 20th at Cambridge Lutheran Church. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Paul was born June 17, 1936, in Columbia Heights, MN, to Frederick and Frances Jevne Tatting. He grew up with a father who was a school principal and mother who was a school teacher, influences that likely led to Paul following his own career path in education. Many in the Cambridge-Isanti community recall him being their principal at Isanti Elementary School, a post he held for 22 years until he retired (for the first time) in 1998. He absolutely loved his job and even the challenges that went with it.
He married Alvera Elsie Hebeisen on April 10, 1960, in her hometown of Swanville, MN. She was no doubt the love of his life, and he cared for her up until his passing. They had celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last April.
Paul’s childhood revolved mainly in Columbia Heights. He fondly remembered the 1930s and ’40s when he waited for the next delivery of ice, covered in sawdust to keep it cool; watching the trolley go up Reservoir Boulevard to the water works; finding anything with iron and getting money for it; recalling the rationing of sugar and gasoline; and playing games like kick the can and pom pom pullaway.
His faith, music, and sports were his main interests throughout his life. His family was musical, starting with a father who played the violin and mother on the piano. Paul played the clarinet and piano quite well. He enjoyed his time as a longtime member of the Cambridge Lutheran Church Senior Choir. He also loved his time with the Cambridge-Isanti Grad Band and attending many concerts at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. In sports, baseball was his favorite in high school. He pitched and played the outfield and helped his team win the suburban championship. Later in life, he was instrumental in expanding the number of tennis courts at Cambridge-Isanti High School and petitioning the school to add Bluejacket tennis teams for both girls and boys. That ultimately happened.
Paul graduated from the University of Minnesota where his studies focused on elementary education. In 1959, he began teaching sixth grade at Mounds View School District. He discovered teaching school was fun working with the kids. By 1963, he and Alvera had three children Dawn, Paul, and Ann. His first principalship took place in Cokato, MN. The family moved back to the Cities in 1971 when Paul became an intern principal at his old school, Pike Lake. During his second stint at Mounds View, he served as principal, math department chairman for 12 elementary schools, district evaluator, and fifth grade teacher.
In 1976, Paul was hired as the principal at Isanti Elementary in the Cambridge-Isanti School District. Again the family had to move, but this time his youngest son, Jonathan, had joined the family. In his 22 years at Isanti Elementary, many changes took place. The reading curriculum stressed whole learning. Parents became more involved in policies. Special Education changed the most with the individualized education plan (IEP). To this day, community members will approach family and talk about the impact he had on their own educational careers and time spent as his student.
Paul retired from Cambridge-Isanti Schools in 1998, but he was not ready to completely retire. That summer he was asked if he would like to apply for the interim principalship at Grantsburg Middle School. He quicky said yes, and the position lasted two years. In the year 2000, he retired for the second time but still agreed to substitute teach as needed for Cambridge-Isanti Schools until 2019.
In his second retirement, he definitely enjoyed more time golfing at the Purple Hawk, fishing and hanging out with his long-time friends, and being the best husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather he could be. His family loved him very much, which makes this time most difficult. But he had a good life, touching so many people in positive ways. He definitely left his mark on the community he loved.
Paul is survived by his wife, Alvera; brother, Fred D. Tatting (Vicki); four children Dawn E. Crowe (Rob), Paul Jeffrey Tatting, Ann Smith (Steve), and Jonathan Tatting (Rachel); nephews Brian, Dieter and Troy; nieces Terri, Chris, Nena, Molly, Sarah, and Steph; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Warren Tatting and Bradley Tatting, and sister, Jean Tatting.
So sad I had him as a substitute teacher many times and seen him around town many times as well he will be missed we will miss you down here but praying you will have a glorious time in heaven which of course you will.
So sad to hear of Paul’s death. He was my principal for 20 years at IES. Paul was a very kind and caring man. Our sympathy goes out to Alvera & their family.
Barbara & Bill Smrekar
I feel fortunate and privileged to have known such a kind, thoughtful and compassionate person as Paul.
From high school onward his admirable qualities were apparent and just naturally a part of who he was — confident and sincere in his friendship and sympathy.
He was also humble, funny and intelligent!
Paul Tatting was such a gift to all of us that knew him, whether it was as a teacher, principal or a friend or family member. I agree that he used his gifts of enthusiasm, creativity, and humor to serve in so many capacities. Last time I chatted with him, Paul and I spoke again of how I had my four children at Isanti Elementary school for 20 consecutive years. (3 Rust and 1 Wing.) That’s what happens when your kids are all about 5 years apart!
Paul implemented so many positive things. He was one of the most sociable people I’ve ever known. It seemed he always had a positive word for everyone. My prayers go out for all his family and friends at this difficult time.
Sandy (Rust) Wing
Paul was so welcoming when I came to IMS in 1985. He and I worked together well, played a lot of tennis together and were involved in Isanti. Paul organized the parade for many years. He was so energetic, caring, dedicated to kids, and kind. We played a lot of golf together in our retirements. It is hard to believe I won’t see him at the driving range next week. Best wishes and love to Alvera and the whole family.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Paul’s passing and to discover that his funeral service was today. I so enjoyed working with him to improve facilities at Isanti Primary over many years and was always taken with his warm, compassionate nature. He truly cared for his coworkers and, most importantly, for his students. My sincere condolences to his entire family.
Paul was a delight to many! I know my heart always smiled when around him or thought of his work with the people he worked with and children he taught and mentored. Sending hugs to the family.