Gary P. Paulus

Mr. Gary Paulus of Fredonia passed away Friday evening, Nov. 12, 2021, following surgical complications. He was 70 years old.

Gary was born Oct. 20, 1951, to Peter and Clara Kultgen Paulus. 

He grew up on the family farm in the Town of Belgium and attended Ozaukee High School, graduating with the Class of 1969. He furthered his education with courses in computer programming at Stratton College.

Gary was united in marriage to Teresa Leitheiser in 1972. The couple was blessed with two children, Jennifer and Michael. 

On Sept. 7, 1996, Gary married Marie Knepprath at Immaculate Conception Church in Saukville. They settled in Fredonia and raised their three children, Kathryn, Emily and Philip.

Mr. Paulus had recently retired from Schmitz Ready Mix, where he had been employed for 15 years as a driver. Previously, he had worked as a welder at Gilson Co., a welder at Construction Forms, a masonry worker for Paulus Construction and a dairy farmhand at the Paulus Farm. Even throughout his full-time jobs, he always found time to help out on the family farm, take on side jobs in masonry work or house remodeling and do maintenance for his dear friend Elliot Groth.

Gary was involved in the Wisconsin Jaycees; Wisconsin JCI Senate, serving as senate president from 1995 to 1996; and Waubeka 4-H club, serving as a woodworking resource leader for five years and helping with construction of The Haunt every year.

Gary was a Jack of all trades, but his passion was woodworking. He was very detail-oriented and his outstanding woodworking skills stand as his legacy. 

He enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, playing card games with his family and friends, going on camping trips and traveling with his family. Gary also enjoyed baseball, basketball and bowling. He played with bowling leagues in the area for many years.

Gary was a loving father and friend and was very loyal to his family. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone that asked for help.

 Survivors include his wife Marie of Fredonia; children Jennifer (Tim) McBride of Port Washington, Michael (Stephanie) Paulus of Sheboygan, Kathryn Paulus of Oshkosh, Emily Paulus of Minneapolis and Philip Paulus of Fredonia; and grandchildren Kendra McBride, Mikayla McBride and Evelyn Paulus. 

He is also survived by eight brothers and sisters, Pauline (the late Henry) Franzen, Peter (the late Carol), Raymond (Sheila), Daniel (Jane), Steve (Karen), Tim (Barbara), Wayne (Barbara) and Perry, numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Alois Paulus.

A Liturgy of the Word service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at Divine Savior, Holy Cross Chapel, 5330 County Hwy. B, in the Town of Belgium. Father Gideon Buya will preside. 

Gary will be laid to rest the following day at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

The family will receive visitors at the Church on Friday from 3 to 5:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation and Wisconsin JCI Senate Foundation.

Eernisse Funeral Home in Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.Online condolence may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.