Paul E. Krogstad Remembered for Lifelong Passion for Fishing in Chamberlain
Paul Eric Krogstad of Chamberlain, South Dakota, died peacefully on September 21, 2026, at the age of 67 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to obituary records. Known for his dedication to angling and the outdoors, Krogstad built a life centered around South Dakota’s rivers and competitive walleye fishing.
Born in Sioux Falls on March 27, 1959, to Palmer Krogstad Jr. and Mildred “Milli” Brockhouse Krogstad, Paul moved to Mitchell following his father’s passing. There, he grew up after his mother married Dr. Floyd Gillis in 1969. He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1977 and subsequently attended Mitchell Vo-Tech.
### Career History and Life Along the River
Krogstad spent the majority of his professional career working for Nortel Networks. Following his tenure in telecommunications, he relocated to Chamberlain to live close to the river, where he took on local roles at St. Joseph’s Indian School and Chamberlain Wholesale, in addition to working as a fishing and hunting guide.
His enthusiasm for angling defined much of his personal identity. Krogstad competed in numerous fishing tournaments in pursuit of walleyes, a pursuit famously commemorated by his vehicle’s license plate reading “WALL I.” Beyond fishing, his interests included hunting, cooking, playing cribbage, and pool.
### Memorial Arrangements and Surviving Family
At Krogstad’s request, no traditional funeral service will be held. Family members announced plans for a Celebration of Life in the spring of 2027, with further details to be released at a later date.
The family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to Fishing For A Cure, Inc., located at 106 E. Beebe Street, Chamberlain, SD 57325, or via their official website, in honor of his dedication to the sport.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Palmer Krogstad and Milli Gillis, as well as his stepfather, Floyd Gillis. Survivors include his siblings Linda (Al) Hoefert of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Lana (Ron) Wiblemo of Camdenton, Missouri; half-brother Mike (Lila) Gillis of Yankton, South Dakota; stepbrothers Rick (Miggs) Gillis, John Gillis, and Floyd Gillis III, all of Kansas; and stepsister Sue Reaney of Minnesota. He is also survived by a special nephew, Chet (Nikki) Hoefert of Sioux Falls, along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and close friends, including Rick Schochenmaier, Dan Giles, Shawn Griffin, Steve Smith, and Tim Ellsworth.