William Linden Paul

MADISON- William L. Paul, age 94, passed away at his home on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. Bill was born Aug. 18, 1924, and grew up on a family farm with his parents and siblings in Kiel, Wis. When he turned 18 in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp. and become a 2nd LT. and pilot of a B-24 bomber and was based in Shipdham, England. Bill completed 35 combat missions with 270 hours of combat. After coming back from his tour of duty, Bill trained new pilot recruits until his honorable discharge in 1945. Once stateside, Bill married the love of his life, Jean Busse, who he met before shipping off 2 years earlier. After the war Bill planted his young roots in New Holstein, Wis., where he worked as a realtor, insurance salesman, and as a contractor building homes. He also started a family with Jean, having a total of 5 children. In the early 60s, Bill got his "dream job" in Madison, Wis., working for the State of Wisconsin DOT in the Bureau of Aeronautics as the supervisor of land acquisition. This gave him the ability to use his flying skills and go all over the state buying land for airport expansions. He held this position for 28 years until retiring in 1991. Upon retirement, Bill stayed in Madison with Jean to whom he was married for 74 years. Bill enjoyed retirement, traveling, and going to reunions with his flight training class, 44th bomber group, and his high school graduation class. Bill also enjoyed being around his children and their families, whom he loved very much, often helping out whenever needed with their homes and lives. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William & Bertha and all siblings; Sisters Meta, Ida, Emma, Nora, Erla, Elma, Verna; and brothers Erwin, Harry, and baby Paul. He is survived by the love of his life Jean (Busse) Paul; his children, Robert Paul, Jane (Steve) Schmieding, William T. (Paul) Paul, Charles (Jan) Paul, John (Deborah) Paul; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill was also a past commander of American Legion Post 124, President of the New Holstein Chamber of Commerce, a member of the international right-of-way association, a past member of the calumet club, and a participant in several card clubs, bowling leagues, and local prayer group. He was a privileged guest to take part in one of the Wisconsin Honor Flights that left Madison and flew to Washington D.C. A Service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave, Middleton, at 12 noon on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Military Honors and entombment will follow immediately after at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home, and again from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Memorials can be made to the Honor Flight or American Parkinson's Disease Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com “Jean and I have had a wonderful life, a great family, and want them all to know we love them all.” Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761