Paul A. Lindholm, MD, the son of Hugo and Helen Ann (Refsell) Lindholm, was born on April 11, 1957, in Estherville, Iowa. He died on February 7, 2026, at his home in Dubuque, Iowa, at the age of 68.
Paul received his primary education in Estherville, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa College of Engineering for undergraduate education followed by the University of Iowa College of Medicine where he earned his medical degree in 1983. He continued his medical training at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics for residency, after which he practiced radiation oncology for many years in Wisconsin and Minnesota before returning to Iowa to join the Wendt Regional Cancer Center in Dubuque in 2020.
Paul’s interests were wide and varied. Early on he earned his pilot’s license and spent many hours flying around the Midwest and beyond. Ever the musician, he had a knack for picking up instruments and playing them with little training, though his first love was always the tenor saxophone. He developed a deep appreciation for the north shore of Lake Superior, eventually building a cabin up near the Gunflint Trail and spending many hours paddling through the Boundary Waters.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Kaleigh Lindholm, his sisters Ann Lindholm Petersen and Jane Lindholm (Steve Kempers), his nephew, Erik Palmberg, and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service for Dr. Lindholm will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2PM at Henry Olson Funeral Home in Estherville. A visitation for Paul will be held from Noon until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Wallingford Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Paul’s family requests memorials to the Friends of the Boundary Waters, friends-bwca.org.
Henry Olson Funeral Home of Estherville is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
