Paul graduated from Fremont High School in 1944 and attended Midland Lutheran University for one year. He then served in the Army Air Corps from 1945-1946, after which he returned to Fremont and worked at Hormel for 41 years.
Paul married his high school sweetheart, Joan, in 1948. They were married for 52 years. They had two children, Michael and Pamela. Paul married Delores ''Dee'' (Mohr) Furstenau in 2003. They were married for almost 19 years. Paul and Dee enjoyed traveling and visited many destinations. They enjoyed dancing, especially to the Greg Spevak band.
Paul was a member of the Fremont Presbyterian Church, Eagles Club, Fremont Masonic Lodge 15, Tangier Shrine of Omaha and Elkhorn Valley Rifle Club.
Paul had many interests, hobbies, and talents. He loved hunting. He was a member of the Nebraska State Pistol Team for several years and competed at the National Pistol Matches at Camp Perry in Ohio.
He planned, designed and built the first two homes his family lived in. He was a talented woodworker and especially enjoyed building furniture for his family and himself. He was also a gifted knife maker, gunsmith and machinist. He enjoyed photography and collected many cameras over his lifetime. He played tennis and golf well into his later years.
Paul loved a party no matter the size. He enjoyed life to its fullest and posted this quote from Hunter S. Thompson in his home: ''Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!'''
Paul is survived by children Mike Larson (Shelly) of Lusk, Wyoming, and Pam Smith (Terry) of Urbandale, Iowa; grandchildren Travis (Meredith) Smith, Kelsey Lipovac and Colter (Riley) Larson; three great-grandchildren; half-siblings Sharon (Cy) Cardillo and Sandy (Geoffrey) Kalfus; Dee's children Pat (Mike) Matteo; Michael-deceased (Denisse) Furstenau; Cathy (Kerry) Farber; Mary (Clark) Boschult; James (Lavonne) Furstenau; Jean (Chris) Barrans; Sue (Greg) Ortmeier and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and special friend Sharon Anderson.
Please join us to celebrate Paul's life on Friday, November 18th at 10:30 a.m. at Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. There is no viewing but the family will be present from 6-7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 17th. A Masonic service conducted by the Fremont Lodge No. 15 A.F & A.M. will follow at 7:00 p.m. which is open to the public. Memorials suggested to The Salvation Army and Nebraska Children's Home Society.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(3)
Denisse Furstenau
Lakewood, CO Sunday, November 20, 2022 My deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Paul. A life well lived.Mark Anderson
Sweeny, TX Thursday, November 17, 2022 Fond memories of pheasant hunting near Prague/AbieSharon & Cy Cardillo
Davie, FL Wednesday, November 16, 2022 Pam & Mike,Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your families. Your Dad was a wonderful man, gifted with a natural sincerity, many talents, and a tremendous sense of humor. We will always cherish the times we shared in celebration during his lifetime.
Our love,
Sharon and Cy