Obituary of Paul Edward Stellmacher

Early in the morning of December 3rd as a crisp and clear fall day was dawning, a true gentleman who was dearly loved by his family and friends peacefully passed away. Paul Edward Stellmacher was born on April 22, 1924 to Allan Conrad Stellmacher and Lydia Frances Stellmacher (McDonah) in his family home at 823 Walnut Street in Albany, Oregon. He joined siblings Susan Louise, Allyn Conrad, Jr. and Marjorie Ann, and quickly became the beloved baby of the family. Paul lived a full and joyful life and never took a moment for granted. With a smile that was wide and warm, he made friends everywhere he went. Ever the gentleman, he always put others first and family was his number one priority throughout his 94 years. In his youth he enjoyed spending time with his older brother, Allyn. If the pair wasn’t at HooDoo skiing on their “state of the art” wooden skis, they were flying through the wild blue yonder in Allyn’s biplane doing loop the loops. Never far from his side was his beloved dog, Sandy. Shortly, after he began college at Oregon State University, he joined the Navy in early 1943, and trained as an Apprentice Seaman in Farragut, ID. He was to serve with honor and bravery as a Medical Corpsman in such fierce military battles as Tarawa, Saipan, Luzon, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Paul earned the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal (5 stars), the Philippine Liberation Medal (2 stars), and the World War II Victory Medal for his three years of distinguished service, being honorably discharged in 1946. After service to his country, he completed his education, graduating from the University of Oregon. As what he would consider the signature event of his life, Paul would go on to meet, fall in love with, and marry Martha Jean Medler on October 3, 1953 in the Dalles, Oregon. After living in Eugene for a few years, they moved to Salem where they settled in and raised their four children - Paul Edward, Jr. Allyn Bruce, Susan Louise and Adam Conrad. Family vacations were always full of adventure and produced lasting memories. Favorite spots included camping at Kahneeta, hiking in the Wallowa’s and soaking up the sun in Palm Springs. Camp Sherman was another favorite destination that provided years of summer vacations, enjoying the beauty and serenity that is the Metolius. Passing his love of skiing on to his kids, every winter the gift of choice was a family ski pass for HooDoo. The trusty Impala made the trip up the mountain and back too many times to count over the years, never missing a beat. Paul had a long and distinguished career, highly regarded for his professionalism and impeccable integrity with the State of Oregon Employment Department retiring in the mid 1980’s after decades of service. It was at that point the wanderlust took over and he and Martha enjoyed traveling the country, visiting numerous national parks and famous landmarks, always taking the time to stop by and visit with family and friends along the way. When the desire to put down roots took over, Paul and Martha enjoyed winters in Indio, California and summers in Forest Grove, Tigard, and finally Beaverton, Oregon. Always a snappy dresser, he will be remembered for his crisp button down shirts and argyle vests which always drew compliments. He was a genuine, sincere, respectful, and courteous man who never spoke an unkind word towards anyone. He truly was “one of a kind” and will be so very missed by all who knew and loved him. However, there is nothing that exceeded his love and devotion to his family – they were his most precious and valued recipients of the wisdom, joy and affection which he so freely shared. And he is loved in return for how he modeled the winsome qualities that are reflected in his children and grandchildren. Paul is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha; sons Paul Jr. (Ruthie); Allyn (Terry); and Adam (Doria); and daughter Susan Thomas (Duane) as well as grandchildren Audra, Hannah, Duane II, Glen, Sylvia, Claire, Ethan, great grandchildren Niamh, Harper, Kendrick and sister Marjorie Ann Coston. The family will observe a private memorial service at Willamette National Cemetery, Monday, December 10, 2018. Paul was a loving and giving individual, and the family wishes to thank the many who wish to express their support and love. So in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Providence St Vincent Medical Foundation – Children’s Health in his name. Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage. Theodore Roosevelt