‘Walking Encyclopedia of Knowledge’ Paul Wesenberg to Retire After 47 Years at Handyman’s Hardware in St. Cloud

(KNSI) — Paul Wesenberg is more than just a handy man to have around.

The general manager of Handyman’s Hardware in St. Cloud, Mark Held, describes him as a walking encyclopedia of knowledge.

“Not just the big stuff. But he knows all those little nuances. And you ask him a question. He goes, ‘Oh, yeah! I know where that is!’ and he runs and gets it. And it’s just remarkable to have had him here doing what he does.”

Wesenberg is closing the book on this chapter of his life Friday as he retires from the store after working there for 47 years, but there was one hoop store founder Stan Severson asked him to jump through to get the part. “This was the 70s. Long hair was in. Stan hired me. While sitting up in his office, he says, ‘I’d like to hire you. But before you come to work, you’ve got to get a haircut.'”

And he nailed it. “It’s still short to this day.”

He was given a part-time job to start while still a junior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. After graduating from St. Cloud Community and Technical College, he landed a full-time job in sales and was given a department to run, which he has — like a well-oiled machine.

Wesenberg won’t be bored in retirement. He has taken a part-time job with the City of St. Cloud’s Parks and Recreation Department and plans to enjoy the life he has built with Cindy, his wife of 44 years, their three daughters and 15 grandchildren, but he won’t forget the people who have kept him glued to the store.

“I’ve made so many friends. They come in here. I go out on sales calls to meet them. First, they’re your customers, and you get to know them as friends and their family. The wife hates to go out with me because I know everybody she says, but that’s the joy. That is the joy.”

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