{a hard goodbye}

{scrapbook page by my Mother-in-law : 2004}

Evan and Great Grandpa :summer 2007}

{Liam and Great Grandpa : summer 2009}

{November 2010}

Last week Justin got a call that his 96 year old Grandfather was not doing well and the next day the call that he had passed. Justin flew up to Wisconsin to be with family as they laid him to rest and I VERY sadly stayed home being 37 weeks pregnant this week.

June 25, 1914- May 12, 2011

Here is some of his obituary:
Paul was a veteran of World War II having proudly served his country in the U. S. Army 12th Armored Division as a Tank Sargent in the 494th Headquarters Battalion where he earned the Bronze Star for his distinguished service. Paul was united in marriage to Ruth Butler on January 23, 1954 in Janesville. He retired as master carpenter from the UW- Madison Carpenter shop in 1980 at the age of 66 and in 2001 retired from Genesis Housing in Oregon at the age of 87 where he was the maintenance man. Paul was known for his service to community youth, co-founder of Boy Scout Troop 168 at St. John's Lutheran Church, ran the Pine Wood derby and coached Little League. Paul was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church as council member and usher. He was Past Commander of the American Legion Post 205 of Janesville. He worked with others to establish the Oregon-Brooklyn Habitat for Humanity which became the Madison Habitat for Humanity and built the first Habitat home in Brooklyn. Paul was an avid sportsman who at an early age successfully avoided the Washburn County game wardens. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ruth; his children, John (Jane), Grace (Mark) Thomsen, Eric (La Vonne), Edward (Melissa) and Kyle (Darlene); 16 grandchildren and four great-grandsons.

He was a WONDERFUL man, who lived a long life and will not be forgotten for his care and love for his country and his family.