Paul L. Dunekacke

Paul Loren Dunekacke liked to get things done and, to the disappointment of many, exited this world with the same hustle Thursday, June 27, 2019 at the age of 75.

Paul is remembered by his wife, Karen, and his sons Jeff (and his wife Cindy and their children Luke, Gus, Ty (Rebecca), and Michael (and his daughter Cora). He is also remembered by his siblings Dave and Carol Dunekacke, Lee and Mary Lou Dunekacke, Mary Ann and Dennis Johnson, and his sister-in-law Jeannette Stutheit (Herman) and brother-in-law Charlie Tisdale. He left behind 11 nieces and nephews: Amy Oestmann (Darren), Anne Parde (Tanner), Julee Jaeger (Tyrone), Jennifer Haam (Alex), Tom Dunekacke (Jari), Trent Johnson (Karen), K.C. Johnson (Mariah), Curtis Stutheit (Cathy), Kelly Rippe (Alan), and Jenny Moerer (Lee) as well as many great and great, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his infant brother Kenneth, parents Julia (Oestmann) Dunekacke  and Fred Dunekacke, parents-in-law Elmer and Helen Bohling, and sister Jean Dunekacke Tisdale.

Paul was born on December 17, 1943 in Auburn, Nebraska. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Johnson High School, played football at Peru State College for a year and, after an injury, finished his studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He married his high school sweetheart, Karen, on January 31, 1963 at Johnson, Nebraska  and they were married for 56 years.

Paul began his career as a teacher in Emerson and Holdrege, Nebraska, and earned the lifelong moniker of “coach” from many young men. He then worked for United States Department of Agriculture as the county executive director for the Farm Service Agency for 28 years, retiring in 2008.

A great friend to many, he was a natural storyteller. Many people will miss his wit, cheer, and, perhaps most of all, his ability and willingness to listen.

He was a lifelong, active member of the Lutheran Church.

Paul was an outdoorsman, athlete, and craftsman. In the summer, he loved to work in the garden, tend his lawn, and tear up the golf course. He spent a lot of his retirement in his shop, singing along to the radio in a dulcet baritone while honing his notable skills as a woodworker and, most recently, a bladesmith crafting hunting knives for family and dear friends.

He was in his shop when his Lord called him home, and the world lost a bit of its color when Paul left.

The family would like to thank everyone who could attend his service in person or in spirit.

Services will be Monday, July 1, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury, the family will greet friends Sunday evening from 7 – 8 at the Funeral Home. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice.  Cremation has taken place. Burial will be at a later date. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com