Paul J. Kirklewski

Paul J. Kirklewski was a loving, generous family man, a man with a brilliant mind, skilled hands and enormous heart. He was talented in so many ways, with a love of learning, and especially teaching. Paul taught us all so much. He was a devoted son, brother, loving husband and wonderful father, and a man who taught us all to make the most of the time we are given. Paul most certainly did.

The year was 1947, and America - and the free world - was still reveling in its victory of World War II, as our soldiers had returned home to claim their spoils of success.

America

was beginning to recover from the hardships of war, with a renewed strength and hope. Here in this corner of the globe, the Kirklewski family was filled with a celebration all their own, with the birth of their first child.

Paul was born April 25, 1947, on a cool Friday in

Ashland, Wisconsin

, the eldest son of Ben and Jean (Walton) Kirklewski. He began his childhood in Ashland, a small but beautiful port city on the southern shores of Lake Superior, in the northern tip of

Wisconsin

. He would soon be joined by three brothers, filling their home with plenty of energy and laughter. His dad worked for the local paper mill, while his mother stayed at home to keep her boys in line (which was quite a full-time job).

When Paul was 11 years old, his dad was transferred to the company's mill in

Butler, Alabama

, so the family packed up and headed south. Butler was an even smaller town than

Ashland

, but Paul made the most of it. He always had such an open and inquisitive mind, and enjoyed every new experience. He had a great love for politics and history in high school, passions he would keep his whole life. He also ran on the track team for

Choctaw

County

High School

.

Right after he graduated from Choctaw, he began taking political science classes at

Livingston

University

, and went to work at the local paper mill with his dad, and later his brothers, too. But Paul knew there was more for him in the world than what Butler had to offer him, so needing a change, he headed out west, to care for an ailing grandmother and aunt in Phoenix, Arizona. He continued his studies in political science and history at

Phoenix

College

.

Life can be strange sometimes, the way one event leads to another, like dominos tumbling over, leading to one chance meeting. Maybe it wasn't fate or destiny that brought Paul into Totem Department Store in

Mesa, Arizona

one day, but to him, at least, it couldn't have been luckier. He happened to meet this incredibly beautiful young lady, working as a cashier, a woman named Carolynne Matuszewski, and it was love at first sight for Paul.

That chance meeting led to a year-long courtship - and a lifetime love affair - and the happy young couple was married June 9, 1973. Three years later, Paul and Carol moved north, to Portage, where he took a job, as a regional manager for the distributor of industrial valves and actuators. Eventually, he went to work for US Flow and he retired from the company in 2003

Together Paul and Carol were blessed with two wonderful children, daughter Leah and son David, and they were their father's pride and joy. He would do anything for those kids, and instilled his same love of learning and natural curiosity with them.

Paul was always there for his children. When Leah was building her own home, he was there checking the progress and making sure the builders were attending to every detail, and doing things the right way. He, of course, knew as well as they did.

When home computers first became available, Paul made sure he went out and bought one for his family, having the foresight to understand how important a role they would play in our futures. Because of his foresight, David developed a passion for computers at a very young age.

Paul had so many hobbies and talents. He loved to work on crossword puzzles, reading, play golf or go fishing. He also loved science fiction films, and being from

Wisconsin

, he of course loved a good Green Bay Packers game on TV. He and Carol built two homes together over the years and making home improvement another.

He also loved to read, with a true passion for history and politics, and would devour any book on either of those subjects. Paul had a natural aptitude for historical facts, and especially excelled at political history. He had an uncanny ability to remember the names of political figures and their biographies, from U.S. Presidents (and their cabinet members) to the local mayors here in

Portage

! He couldn't get enough.

He was a man of great faith, and a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church. But what Paul loved most, of course, was his family, who he would do anything for. He was a wonderful husband, father and teacher, a man who taught us all so much. He taught us that it's not how much time you are given, but what you do with the time you have that counts. Paul always made the most of his time, a life full of love and learning and proud moments. Yes, Paul was a great husband, father, brother, and friend to so many. He will be greatly missed.

Paul Kirklewski, age 58 of

Kalamazoo

, died February 5, 2006. He was born April 25, 1947 in

Ashland, Wisconsin

, the oldest son of Ben & Jean (Walton) Kirklewski. Paul retired from System Specialties in 2003, and he was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Learn more about Paul, view his life story film and visit with his family and friends Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane; 344-5600, where a Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church;

1628 East G Avenue

. Members of Paul's family include his wife Carolynne Kirklewski, his son David Kirklewski of Kalamazoo, his daughter Leah Kirklewski of Portage and her friend Kevin Rocco of Marshall, his brothers Bruce & Percy Kirklewski of Georgia, Tom & Linda Kirklewski of Alabama, Ben & Gretchen of North Dakota, his mother-in-law Veronica Matuszewski of Portage, his sister-in-laws Dolores & Jimmy Cosby of Kalamazoo, Virginia & Bill Wallace of Kalamazoo, his brother-in-law Gerald & Cindy Matuszewski of Arizona, his niece Michelle & Jason Emig and their son Michael and many nieces and nephews. Please archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial donation to the Kirklewski children's education.