Carrie and Family, So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I haven't seen either of you since being on the Hiawatha, but have fond memories there. I hope you can feel the thoughts and prayers of comfort being sent your way. Take care and lean on all those who love you and care about you during these tough times.

I only met Paul one time in my life and I can tell you we laughed a lot. My name is Dan Chrisman and Dave Chrisman is my brother. Dave and Paul became friends years ago in Manistique and I felt like I already knew Paul long before I ever met him. Paul was actually down here and staying at my Brothers house in Greenville and my Brother was helping me at that time install a new garage door at my house. So Paul came along and helped out. We were laughing and joking about Paul being put to work. For years after I had my Brother tease Paul that my garage door needed replacing again and when could Paul get down here? Paul would laugh at that. When I heard the news of his sudden passing I have to say my heart just sank. It sank hard. This came out of left field and hit me pretty hard. I know I only got to meet Paul one time in person but that was all it took. He was always going to be my friend. That is just the kind of man Paul was. I am so sorry for your loss but I know Paul is in very good hands and it's not goodbye..it's until we meet again. God bless you and keep you in this very difficult time.

We will miss Paul and Russel coming down to visit Fawn. He will be greatly missed. Sorry for your loss.

Within a few hours of knowing Paul, it was obvious he held his family as first priority. He set an example I have strived to follow. His kindness and compassion always shining through. I can only begin to imagine how hard it will be for family, friends, and co-workers to get by without him.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carie and the kids. I enjoyed working with you both in Manistique.
BOB

Paul's sense of humor was always a welcome uplift in the everyday stresses of work. I appreciated his kindness and friendship. He truly was brave in his determination to develop meaningful relationships. My deepest condolences to his family. Here's to you Paul - Slainte!

I was a college housemate with Paul. Paul was a no-frills, honest, down-to-earth guy. I really enjoyed my time with Paul. I will always visually remember Paul traversing our college house in his powder blue Bath Robe. Paul certainly became more ambitious with age. He participated in many activities for the church and also enjoyed volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters. We will all miss Paul.

I am sorry to learn of our family sorrow. The death of a loved one is painful. If I may, I'd like to share scripture found in your Bible that may comfort you in some way. John 6:40 reads...For this is the will of my Father, that everyone that beholds the Son and exercises faith in him should have everlasting life, and I will resurrect him in the last day. You see, according to this promise, we have hope.

I really enjoyed working with Paul over the years. I especially liked our many discussions about geology and football. He was a brave man, being a Bear's fan in the heart of Packers country. He will be missed.

I really enjoyed working with Paul. He was always upbeat and encouraging and motivated to do whatever task was in front of him. He will be missed.

Today's tribute to Paul was simply beautiful. The heartfelt stories, music and love in the church can only give HOPE. I think Paul was smiling down from heaven and laughing at the funny chicken stories. I've heard a few of those stories at the office. His gentle and kind spirit will be missed.

It was through the Ice Age Trail that I became acquainted with Carrie and Paul. I did not know Paul very well. However, after his memorial service this morning, I wished that our acquaintance could have been broadened. There are several things in his life that connected with mine. Paul will be in my prayers.

Carrie - I'm so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. My memories of you and him from your "Hiawatha days" include smiles and laughter... It's my hope that such happy memories sustain you and your children ...

Dear Cari:
Although it's been many years since I worked with you and Paul on the Nez Perce NF, I have often thought of you both, and the rest of the Elk City Gang, remembering the great fun we all had. My thoughts are with you again now.

Carrie, Laura and Shane, knowing Paul was a gift that I will carry with me in my heart always. Paul was the most generous spirited and genuine person I have ever known. He was a wonderful friend. He would lend a supportive ear whenever I needed one. He would never shy away from talking about difficult topics, but rather he'd say "Tell me about it". He was never judgmental, sarcastic or hurried as most of us are. Paul was quirky and interesting and fun to talk to and he always made time to connect. He was inquisitive and knowledgeable about many topics; he mentored me in tapping trees, planting shrubs, and canning. I wish we had more time together. I wish I had told him how much he meant to me. I think this is a regret Paul would not have because he was unafraid to let those around him know how much he cared, he did it every day. I will tip a Guinness to you, my friend.

My cousin Paul was such a great guy. I will miss his sense of humor and his kindness. He stayed with us a few years ago on his way to a conference. He called and asked if he could camp on our land - I said - you can just stay here in the house, but he was looking forward to camping out! We had a really great visit and it was nice to spend that time with him. We are all very sad about his death and our hearts are with his family tonight. I remember Paul as a little boy and he was always hanging around with a smile on his face. That's how I will always remember him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carrie, Shane, Laura Beth and all the family.

Paul was the essence of all that is good in this world. In every conversation we ever had it would always end with an update on his family; how proud he was of his son and daughter and what a wonderful wife he had. It was a great pleasure to know him and to work with him. He will be missed but his memory will live on.

Uncle Paul was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He would always make conversation with me which would end up in a laugh. When I think of Paul I remember fun times from holidays in Addison playing the old football game that vibrated little football guys all over the board to his college days listening to the B-52s to his incredible gag gifts at Christmas. I was lucky to know Paul and be related to him, today I am sad and my heart goes out to the ones closest to Paul.

I am an employee at the Resource Center and met Paul several years ago. I enjoyed many of our chats and his geat sense of humor. He was a nice guy and will be missed very much. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. You have my deepest sympathy.

Paul was one of the most kind and considerate people I have ever met. He always talked about his family, sharing stories of Carrie and the kids. He so valued and enjoyed the time he was able to spend with both Shane and Laura after they moved from home. He often had a funny anecdote to share and would make all of us co-workers laugh. Godspeed, Paul. Run like the wind.

I started working with Paul almost 3 years ago. In that short time we became very good friends. It's not the work relationship that I will cherish, but the personal friendship we developed. From the first time I met Paul, I was instantly comfortable and could chat away hours without even realizing it. There are very few people I could ever do that with. We found we had a lot in common. Carrie, Shane and Laura - even though I've never met you in person, I got to know you through your husband and father. He talked about his family a lot and was obviously very proud. Know that you are in my prayers. I'm very sad that Paul is gone from this life. I will miss him greatly, but I find joy in knowing I will see him again. What a wonderful person! I thank God for putting him in my path.

Paul and I hit it off the very first time we met. Paul and family started attending First Baptist Church in Manistique and after spending some time speaking with him, getting a full dose of his quirky ideas(which were exactly like mine), we became good friends. Paul and I spent many days out in the woods behind his house hunting, scouting around or planting trees(which he loved to do). I remember some very funny conversations in the back of the church during services when we were to be quiet in fulfilling our duties as ushers. A few older folks in the church would turn and give us a glance, which usually made us giggle even more after their heads turned! Im so grateful for the times I spent with Paul. After each of our families moved away from Manistique, mine to lower Michigan and Paul's to Wisconsin, we always kept in touch and each June, would meet up once again to participate with some of my family, and some new friends, in a bird survey in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Sometimes you hear people say that they are better people because of knowing someone, well, I can truly say that knowing Paul over many great years, all the projects I would lend a hand to, our visits together, our great and often very funny conversations, families spending the day together either at our houses or the beach, making fun of others(in a nice sweet way of course), letting him rummage through our closets coming up with a tee shirt that he would always ask if he could take home(I believe he aquired at least ten or so this way), laughing together in the back of the church when we should'nt have, watching how gentle a man he was and how much he loved his wife Carrie and his children Shane and Laura, and how proud he was of them when we would update each other on their progress, this is why, I can say without resevation, I am truly a better man, father, husband, christian, friend to others, because I know him. My family and I will miss him greatly.

My deepest sympathies. I just heard this sad sad news this morning.
Paul never failed to give me his warm friendly smile whenever he would see me in town. He always took the time to ask how things were.
A truly loving and kind Soul. May God wrap his healing arms around your family at this time. I cannot express how deeply sad I am to no longer have his presence on this earth.
Carrie and Laura ~ If there is ANYTHING I can do PLEASE do NOT hesitate to call me.

Carrie, Shane and Laura,
Deepest condolences from our family to yours! We loved Paul so very much; we always looked forward to seeing all of you at church picnics even after you moved away. Paul will be greatly missed...

Carrie, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We enjoyed having you and Paul join us for biking and pizza parties.

I've never met another guy quite like Paul. From the first time he welcomed me into his home and offered me a "pop" at age 11, to the countless hours he put up with all of us crazy teenagers and straight through to adulthood; he's always been there for all of his children's friends. All the nights spent playing cards, all the times watching Monty Python and Gremlins, many of the most fond memories I have from back home are from Paul. When his family moved to Polar to be my neighbors I was in 5th grade. Since then Laura has been one of my dearest friends and Paul has treated me like a daughter. When Laura left for college he was sad to see her go and he said I could come live with him and Carrie if I ever needed a break from my house. He said it jokingly but I knew I would always have a place to go if I ever really needed it.
I'm sure the kindness and sense of humor Paul carried with him will be remembered by everyone who ever had the privilege to know him. I will miss Paul very much, but I am thankful that I was able to know him for the time I did, and thankful also for his family he leaves with me.

We knew Paul as members of the United Methodist Church. His family always sat near us during worship. Paul was always smiling, and would take time to talk to our family about many things. He was a wonderful person and very faithful to God. Our sympathy to Carrie, Shane, and Laura...hold on to your happy memories. There is sadness here on earth, but heaven is having a very joyous celebration with Paul. God bless you and your families.

I met Paul and Carrie, Laura and Shane when I joined First Baptist in Manistique. I remember him always with a smile, because that is what he always wore. We attended a bible study together, and he always had interesting insights, we learned how to dig deeper into God's word. Paul encouraged others to be better. Paul truly loved his God, his family and friends. I remember the fun times we had at Y.A..G.O. I still can't believe he is gone, I guess his work here is done and God wanted him in heaven, making everyone smile, being helpful and kind.

When ever I saw Paul he was always smiling. His happiness spreading to anyone around him. He was a great man. Our family is thinking of you all and sending our thoughts and prayers.

Paul was easy going and fun to work with. Whenever I hear a Polka, it makes me smile and think of Paul. He was looking for a good Polka band to join. Our condolences to Carrie and all of Paul's family.

My brother Paul was born when I was 9 yrs old, he was the 1st baby I ever took care of. He was so cute and had a special part of my heart. I was proud to watch him grow up to be such a fine young man. After college he went out west to work all by himself, he was so adventurous! Then he met Carrie and they made such a wonderful couple. The best was seeing Paul as a dad, he was so proud of Shane and Laura, his family was his world. He was a wonderful son, brother and uncle and loved by all. There will be an empty place in our family that can never be filled. -Kristine

We met Paul, Carrie, Shane and Laura through our mutual friends, Ron and Terry Z. We had such great times at Thanksgiving meals over the years. Thanksgiving memories will always include fond memories of Paul and family. We will miss you.

I would visit with Paul when I traveled home from college in Minnesota. Paul was always a gracious host, and I always felt welcome at the Sweeneys' house. When I moved back to Michigan, I stopped to visit Paul one last time. Paul was a fun-loving and kind man to all who met him, and those are things that I will never forget about him.

Paul was so kind to me, and chatty in my office. I just started here in July, and at least once a week since then, he would peek in here, sometimes come in and sit down for a long chat, and always at least have a one-liner or wise crack, or just some funny odd thing to say. What a good guy.

Paul, you were my good friend, and as good as buddy as two Irishmen can be. I wished we could have met for St Paddy's day as we often planned. I wish we had gotten together for the Scorpion reunion in Crosby last year. We know not what plans God has for us, but I know you are with him now. It is hard to understand why now? But you were a good man on earth and I know you are now with him in a good place. Three weeks ago we talked about our retirement plans. But what are plans of mice and men? I pray for comfort and understanding for your family and friends. You left this earth with many of both as tribute to your good life.

I'm in a state of shock as I just found out about Paul's passing. I still can't believe it. To Carrie, Shane, Laura, and all the rest of Paul's family: I am so sorry for your loss.

The World has just lost a very good person-one whom I will really miss. I worked with Paul at Lakewood/Laona for several years. Whenever I remember Paul, I will have the following thoughts: The Nicest Guy You'd Ever Want to Meet; Easygoing; Fun-loving; Quirky (and very good) Sense of Humor; Lover of Nature; Dedicated to and Proud of His Family; A Success as a Human Being.

Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Paul and Carrie was my co-workers at the Manistique Ranger District on the Hiawatha. Paul would always lighten up the room with his humor and great attitude on life. One day I was discussing are faith and I was looking for place of worship. He suggested a church that Carrie and he was going to and said my children would have a blast. So Christmas Eve I took my Wife and children there and have been there every since. I believe God puts people like Paul before us to lead us to our great creator. Paul and Carrie and Shane and Laura have become our Church family in our lord Jesus Christ. My prayers go out to Pauls family. Here is a verse that I know Paul would like John 15:5, I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

I met Paul a few years ago working in the County Resource center. He became a lunch buddy and with Alex, the three would have a good time together over lunch a couple times a month. He liked to talk about his Big Brother things and talking about his land in the UP, most recently concerned about getting a property line marked in the right place because he liked his neighbor and didn't want to get in an agrument over the line. He was also my Polar 'neighbor', keeping an eye on the land I own but don't often go to, right across the road from his house. "Sure Paul, take those plums, I won't use them". He would always ask before he did anything out there. Thats how considerate he was, of others and of others property. He was a great person to know and really enjoyable to be around. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.

I worked with Paul and Carrie on the West Unit of Hiawatha NF for a number of years. We even coached soccer and OM teams together and those were great times outside of work. Paul was always so kind and caring. Such a gentle person with a great soul. I will always treasure his kind words towards me while I was undergoing cancer treatments and through my most difficult time- the lost of my parents to cancer. Lastly-Paul had such a wonderful smile-- how could you not smile when you talked to him. My heart goes out to Carrie, Shane and Laura. Peace be with you.

Paul and I worked together on both the Hiawatha and the Che-Nic forests. He was always the positive voice of reason on our projects - funny and engaging! We always had something to laugh about - alot of stories of our kids and all their adventures. What a sweet man! Carrie, all of our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.

With Paul being such an expert on the forest lands and trees. Ihave had many memories of him and me decussing tree issues. And always making plans to get more forests established. he was a true and valuable friend to the forest and man kind. I will truely miss him.

I met Paul at work in the Resource Center for Langlade County. He and I had many talkes on our kids, colleges and Big Brothers. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Paul will be missed.

Paul was my supervisior on the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District. He was the most encouraging, kind, and funny boss anyone could have asked for. If I ever had an idea about something he always said, "Sounds great Cristi, go for it!". His positive nature and easy going personality made working for him a joy. Even after we both left the District we kept in touch and enjoyed virtual chatting to catch up and see how each other was doing. The world is a little less bright without him. My thoughts and prayers go to Carrie, Shane, and Laura, and all of Paul's friends and family.

Paul was my supervisor for the Forest Service on the Lakewood/Laona Ranger District for several years. He was a person who cared about those around him. He was easy to talk to and always had a good attitude, he was pleasant to be around. He was alway dreaming of the possibilities in the future and I know he enjoyed birding as a past time. My sincere condolences to Carrie, his children and his other family members. We have lost a good man, and he will be missed.

I worked with Paul and Carrie for the FS at the Manistique ranger district of the Hiawatha NF. They became like a second family for me. I lived next door to them, and they always invited me over for meals and fun. I appreciated Paul's hospitality, and his sense of humor. He loved to play board games, and eat good food, and drink beer. Later when they moved to the lake, he enjoyed hosting our family there as well. Paul loved spending time with his family, and time in the woods with his trees, and the birds.
My prayers go out to Carrie, Shane and Laura.

Paul and became friends at the office in Antigo and where we enjoyed many laughs together. We enjoyed catching lunch around Antigo where we connected on work, family, community service, native shrubs, laying hens. He had a special connection with his children that inspires me. He sharpened my work sometimes looking at documents, but he was my sounding board. In life, he was a true friend, which are rare and treasured. I will miss him.

I carry a prayer in my wallet that my dear SON, Paul, always liked. Whenever I see it, I think of my youngest child, Paul. Here it is:
'PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI'
"LORD, Make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O' DIVINE MASTER,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
It is in DYING that we are born to ETERNAL LIFE."

Paul, I will miss your VISITS with me, I will miss our LONG TALKS, I will miss FISHING with you, and I will MISS YOU! I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN HEAVEN.
LOVE,
DAD

I first came to know Paul as a house mate in Stevens Point while attending UWSP. We shared many good times in the "Purple Dog" and as well as Lake Emily. We were able to stay in touch after Paul moved out west and then back to the Midwest with the Forest Service in Michigan and finally in Wisconsin. We enjoyed hunting together, church activities and our families shared Thanksgivings and other game nights together. Paul was truly a devoted husband and father who deeply loved his children. Paul truly enjoyed church small group meetings and his belief in Christ helped Paul and Carrie raise Shane and Laura with great Christian values. We were all shocked and deeply saddened by Paul's passing and will truly miss his honest, sincere and caring approach to life.

The Zalewski Family

Paul and I grew up together, so we shared so much. We played games and sports year-round. No matter the circumstances, he always made me laugh. Paul told me I was his role model growing up. He followed me in chorus and sports. When we were adults, Paul became my role model. He got married first and had kids first. I called Paul on Thursday and wished him Happy Birthday and Happy Thanksgiving. We had a great conversation. He said he was home, Laura was cooking, and Carrie was driving Shane home. We talked about our kids and how proud we were of them. He made a point although they were active, they needed to take a break sometimes and do nothing. We talked about how he was keeping his fishing boat, the move, and the selling of his house. He said there were no buyers yet and he considered renting the lake house. He mentioned he'd have his land in MI and the lake house. We talked about retirement - he had 3 more years. After retiring, he wanted to work with youth, probably the Big Brother program. I asked him if he was doing anything special for his birthday. He said no, he was looking forward to being with his family. I could tell he was happy. I love him and will miss him.

I worked with Paul at the Forest Service for five years though I worked in Eagle River. Paul was always so kind and friendly to me at meetings and always approachable if I needed help. He will be sorely missed.

My beautiful memories go back 53 years of Paul. I remember when he came home from Elmhurst Hospital as one of the largest babies born there! He had beautiful "strawberry blonde" hair that Kris & I never wanted our parents to cut. He was so much fun as a kid & as a grown-up. He always made me laugh. My two daughters, Sarah Kristina & Dolores Dorothy (Dee Dee) adored their Uncle Paul. He was the Uncle who could always make them giggle when they were little & even when they were older. Paul & Carrie were just married for 2 months when my husband died suddenly.
They lived in Oregon, but Paul called me regularly to check on me & let me talk for as long as I needed every time. He was my therapy that 1st hard year of being a widow. That was b4 cell phones, when you had long-distance charges. Paul did not care, he was there for me. He was just a GREAT GUY, a terrific dad, wonderful husband, kind, caring, loving, and very FUNNY. Paul, I will miss you so very much! I hope you know how much you were LOVED!

Paul and I first became friends in college, and we shared many good times together including dorm life, sharing a house in Stevens Point, living at Lake Emily, and working and recreating in Wyoming together. We shared similar values and goals, and I always considered Paul as one of my "core" friends. I loved his demeanor, his attitude, and his sense of humor. I am saddened by his death, and I will miss him.