Norbert F. Paul

Norbert F Paul Sr, passed away on December10, 2022, at his home with family. He was born on June 14, 1933, to Frank and Eveyln (Hoffman) Paul.

Norb grew up in the Algoma/Kodan area on the family farm. After graduating from High School, he started working at Bay Ship Building and Dry Dock while still working on the family farm. He went to work for Lee Bretl Trucking in 1957 and discovered his love of trucking. He married Virginia on April 15, 1961. Since it was tax day, he was frequently reminded he should be able to remember their anniversary.

He eventually went to work for Milt Bouche Trucking in 1964. While he enjoyed his time working for Milt, he was looking for something more, so Virg encouraged him to apply at Schneider Transport. The rest as they say is history. He began his career with Schneider Transport in 1969 and never looked back until he retired in 1995. However, he got a little bored being retired so he started working for Ebert Enterprises in a job that combined his love of trucking and farming by hauling silage and running farm equipment. The lure of the road called him and he worked a variety of trucking jobs with Packer City International moving trucks locally and into the surrounding states, along with some longer over the road trips with Lubenow until finally retiring a second time in 2009 at the age of 76 from Smith & Schartner of Sturgeon Bay.

Even though he was on the road for work, Norb still loved to travel. He would frequently recount trips he and Virg were able to take to Hawaii, Alaska and various stops throughout the US visiting family and friends.

His greater love was Nascar. He could quote stats from his favorite drivers and results of all the races. He went to several races in person and as he got older he would record all the events so he could watch them on his terms– “commercial free” lol. He enjoyed tractor pulls and would scout the local papers seeing where the next one was going to be held.

Norb loved playing cards and he taught his granddaughters how to play so he’d have playing partners. He was always willing to tell you how you “coulda played that better” if he lost or recount the plays that were crucial to “his win”.

Norb loved to putter outside and in his “shop”. Virg used to find projects for him to work on to keep him out of her kitchen. Norb had a knack for fixing things.

Norb became an amazing caregiver when Virg was ill, learning how to give medications, do laundry and clean house. He was the reason she could remain at home.

Norb could be found nearly every Tuesday and Thursday morning meeting with his fellow “breakfast club buddies” at the village Kitchen. You never knew what conversations you might hear when that group got together. While he seemed like a relaxed fellow- you best stay away from the TV remote because he had his programs all set up- from Molly B, the Porter Waggoner show, Marty Stuart Show and Polka Polka Polka. It was such a tradition, that his granddaughters could sing the words to various commercials & show theme songs.

He is survived by: two children: Lori Hayes in Madison, WI and Norbert Paul in Algoma, WI; 3 granddaughters: Sierra, Alivia and Kyra Paul; His sister Elizabeth (Bette) Ahler, and nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Norbert was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, parents Frank G and Evelyn Paul, sisters Donna Paul and Shirley (Harold) Palmer, brother-in-law Ted Ahlers and sister and brother-in-law Mary & Larry Zuidmulder.

Visitation will be held at Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services – Algoma, on Saturday December 17th from 9 to 11 with a funeral service to follow. Norbert will be interred at the Nicolet Memorial Gardens (Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum) in a private ceremony on Monday December 19th, 2022. Online condolence messages may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.

The family wishes to thank Dr Fuchs, the Cardiology Associates staff and the CHF Coordinators Becky & Emily for the amazing care and compassion dad received for over 20 years. We’d also like to thank the staff of Unity Hospice for their wonderful care at the end of his time with us, and the Village Kitchen waitresses & staff who always stopped by to talk to dad and check on him. He loved chatting with all of you. It made his day.

Thank you also to Norb’s family and friends for coming to visit him or make a phone call to keep in touch as he loved talking, finding out the local gossip and keeping track of everyone. In Norbert’s honor, please reach out to someone you care about and tell them how much you love and care for them. Norb and Virginia were big supporters of many organizations, so In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to your favorite charity in Norbert’s name.