MADISON - Paul Allen Natvig, age 70, of Madison, passed away at his home on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. He was born in Madison on Sept. 13, 1953, to David and Mildred (Loy) Natvig.

After receiving a hemophilia diagnosis at a time when the disease was less understood and treatment was less advanced, Paul was given a life expectancy of about 13 years old. Instead of being defined or limited by his illness, he lived far beyond what was expected and built the happy life he deserved. He was encouraged by his parents to spend his childhood like other boys his age, which for Paul meant playing sports and trying to outdo his younger brother, Dan. Paul enjoyed a special bond with his siblings. In their words, “As Paul’s siblings, it was a privilege to be a part of his life. To the rest of the world, we all grow old. But not brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always have. We know each other’s hearts. We share a lifetime of family joys, sadness, but most of all love. Godspeed Paulie.”

Paul attended Central High School prior to its closing and graduated from West High School in 1971. He later earned an associate’s degree and spent his career working for 26 years as a custodian for the Madison Metropolitan School District. He was a beloved colleague at several schools, and he enjoyed working around children. Most of his time was spent at Franklin Elementary, where he and both of his children attended.

Paul met his cherished wife, Jan, in 1975 and the two were married on Oct. 6, 1979. Soon after, they established a home in the Bay Creek neighborhood on Monona Bay, near where Paul had grown up. It was in this home that Paul and Jan welcomed their two children, David and Emi. Paul took great pride in being a father and supported his children unconditionally. He held a strong set of convictions, often engaging in lively conversations about politics and social issues and encouraged his children to do the same. A proud union member and South-sider, Paul modeled what it looked like to be an active community member and a good neighbor. He enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers, summers on the lake, playing guitar, taking a spin in his convertible with the top down, having a beer with friends, and, in his words, “putzing around the house.” Paul will be remembered as a kind and determined man with a generous heart and a great sense of humor.

Paul is survived by his son, David Natvig (Alder Swanson) of Stavanger, Norway; his daughter, Emi Natvig (Kyle Davis) of Monona; his siblings, Kristine Natvig DeCato of Hill City, Kan., Eileen Natvig-Bocchi (Donald) of Chandler, Ariz., and Daniel Natvig of Sun City, Ariz.; his close companion, Julie Quandt of Madison; and numerous close friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Jan (Roelke) Natvig.

The family would like to thank the doctors, especially Dr. Robert Striker, and the medical professionals throughout the years who supported Paul and improved his quality of life.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation (<https://glhf.org/donate/>) in memory of Paul Natvig. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Paul Natvig

September 13, 1953 - October 05, 2023

Share photos of Paul