Paul grew up on a farm in Sheldon Iowa and was fortunate enough to grow up in a christian family. His parents taught him and his siblings how to respect themselves so they could respect others in return. Shortly after obtaining his associates degree in business marketing he set off to Sioux Falls but was unsure of his next steps. Paul stumbled across a small rural garden center south of Sioux Falls and applied for a temporary position. Little did he know this temporary position would turn into his life's work.
After 40 years of owning and operating Landscape Garden Center in Sioux Falls SD - Paul DeJong stepped down as an Owner once his health started declining - which was quickly diagnosed as Parkinson Disease in his late 50's.
In Paul's late 20's, he was also in a life threatening car accident that left his body completely broken and Paul had permanent damage that caused chronic pain and a limp.
Then again in his 40's, Paul was bit by a brown recluse spider on vacation in Mexico which quickly turned into Necrotizing fasciitis - a flesh eating disease - that almost took his life for a second time.
Even with these life threatening adversities - Paul has lived a life full of successes as a father of 3, husband, and business owner. With the time he has left here on earth - Paul plans to spread God's love through his words and actions of perseverance and hope. His positive attitude and 'kindest man I have ever met' legacy are undeniable.
Paul's friends and family will forever be proud of the way their dad handled all kinds of adversity with a smile on his face - grateful for each and everyday God gives him.
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