Paul Louis King
February 12, 1934 - July 10, 2020
Obituary
MADISON – Paul Louis King, age 86, died on July 10, 2020, in Madison, Wis. He was born in Louisville, Ky. on Feb. 12, 1934, the son of Joseph and Lillian (Glover) King. Paul and Patricia Jane McDonald of Pekin, Ill., were married on Aug. 20, 1960. Paul is survived by his wife, Pat; his daughter, Ann (Nick) Savage and grandchildren, Shane and Britt; son, Andy (Kären) and grandchildren, Gary (fiancé Nicole Riemenapp) and Krista (Steve) Kezman, great-grandchildren, Elle Patricia and Kennedy Margaret Kezman, step-grandchildren, Taylor, Jack and Lydia Morrison; son, Rick (Julie); son, Jim, and grandchildren Connor and Maggie; his sister, Lillian Murphy of Louisville; numerous nieces and nephews originating from Louisville and St. Louis, Mo.; and brother-in-law, Jerry (Carol) McDonald and family. Paul is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Joseph (Joan).
Paul was valedictorian of his high school class at St. Xavier in Louisville. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame in 1956, where he lettered in varsity basketball. He served in the United States Army in Germany before earning a Masters of Business Administration degree from Indiana University in 1959, with honors. Paul worked in the investment and financial areas of four insurance companies in Louisville, New Haven, Beverly Hills and Madison. He served as an officer for the American Family Insurance Group for 25 years before retirement in 1999 as Chief Financial Officer. Paul was active in the community, previously serving on the Board of Trustees for Edgewood College and as a member of Downtown Madison, Inc.
At various times, Paul enjoyed tennis, skiing, sailing and travel. He cherished his Irish ancestry and visited over 50 relatives in County Mayo and County Galway, proudly flying flags displaying his heritage. Paul had many wonderful memories and loved to tell stories. He was particularly fond of stories from his youth growing up near Churchill Downs. A man of tradition, he enjoyed preparing for, and showing Wisconsin friends how to celebrate the annual Kentucky Derby in the Kentuckian custom for many years before passing the baton on to the next generation. Paul was steadfast and unwavering in his principles. His wisdom and experience provided the basis for a strong foundation for his family and relationships, treasured by those who knew him.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at UW Hospital, the caregivers at Comfort Keepers, and the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for the care provided to Paul and the support for the family throughout his illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 12 noon on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday. Burial at St. Bernard’s Cemetery will be private. Due to Covid-19 mandate from Dane County, masks are required to to be worn in the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edgewood College, Catholic Multicultural Center, or Middleton Outreach Ministry. If you wish to send a message of comfort to the family, online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
Events
Visitation
Wed Jul 15, 2020 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Bernards Catholic Church (Middleton) • 2015 Parmenter St., Middleton, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Wed Jul 15, 2020 @ 12:00 PM CDT
St. Bernards Catholic Church (Middleton) • 2015 Parmenter St., Middleton, WI null
Photos
Memories
DM
Diane Matson
Other •
Paul’s contributions to his chosen profession were many during his days at American Family, but his family’s love and appreciation for the arts remains foremost in my memory.. His generous personal donation to the newly-formed American Family Choir spoke well to the character of this gentleman. We were honored to be invited to sing at his retirement celebration. He was one of the good guys.
Diane Matson
DB
Don Breitenbach
Other •
Pat and family: I worked with Paul all the years he was with American Family until I retired in 1992. His contribution to the success of the Company was immense and I very much enjoyed working with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Don Breitenbach
CS
C. Nick Savage
Other •
I'd like to quote the words of an aspiring, young and passionate 18 yr. old young Man about to embark on setting the world on fire, "In an era that breeds contempt and hatred, in a world that incessantly attempts to excite animosity and hostility, we cry, "Peace, Peace!" but there is no peace. Yet it is a foregone conclusion that peace is popular among all nations and among all peoples. " The young man continued uninterrupted, "We criticize the world process of disastrous operations, where in nations are pitted against nations, class against class, and factions against factions within the confines of a nation; but we apt to overlook the fact that the process finds its roots in the individual human person."
These are the prophetic and profound words of my father in law , Paul King . Paul was honored to speak as the Valedictorian for his classmates at St. Xavier HS; Someone I had the pleasure to learn from , debate with, laugh with and share our joint passions for history, family and the love of his daughter, Ann. Paul, a true Man of few words, believed in ACTION not RHETORIC. Well as we spiral over 40 years into the present, that young man that stood on the stage that graduation day fulfilled his dream and vision --- that two individual persons from two worlds that seemed different to others learned to love, live , and learn from each other as family. We love u Paul and we will miss you . As he wanted, the Lion & Legacy of love lives on in all of us. ---- God Bless
BB
Bruce Bengtson
Other •
Dear Pat -
Very sad to read of Paul’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during these days; days that were troubled enough already. May you rest in the promises of Jesus, and look forward to a happy reunion in the fullness of time.
With happy memories - and fond thoughts. Bruce Bengtson
DL
Drew Lawrence
Other •
During the Eighties and Nineties, I was happy to work with Paul on a variety of American Family projects. Most fun was when Paul and Pat were able to attend several All American Conventions. I was a home office type but knew many of the agents who were honored at these conventions. Paul and Pat were always happy to meet new people and be a part of the events, with a little concern for the expenses! Paul will now be hosting Derby Days in the great beyond! Drew Lawrence
SS
Steven Skolaski
Other •
I was honored to have served on the Board of Directors of Edgewood College with Paul. President James Ebben, Board Members Sister Sarah, Henry Predolin, Bob Omalley, and Bill Young looked to Paul for his counsel on the finances. During his tenure on the Board, Edgewood went through some very tough but excellent decisions - the expansion of Edgewood College including the Sonderegger Science Center and others. He was a man of great faith and love for his family. God Bless Him.