Paul A. Pakula

Paul A. Pakula, age 81, of Green Bay, WI, passed away on February 9th, 2019 in Green Bay WI. He was born on May 24, 1937 in Stambaugh, MI; the son of the late Frank and Anna (Ikola) Pakula. His mother was a school teacher in the local area for over 20 years.     Paul married the former Lila Norkoli in 1958, and even though they chose to go their separate ways, they remained close friends throughout the years. He was a United States Army Veteran and served as a Merchant Marine on the Great Lakes for seven years. He was employed as a machinist by Fort Howard Paper Company for 25 years and was a member of the International Show Car Association (ISCA). Paul never met a stranger. He had a gift to tell stories. He would sit back, fold his hands, and talk all day if you would let him. He had a beautiful 1964 Corvette Stingray. He spent 18 years traveling during the winter with the ISCA. He attended a total of 101 car shows and was International Champion consecutive years. He also had a love for tractors. Some were restored, some were drivers. His absolute favorite, his John Deere mower. He loved to cut grass. Paul also enjoyed chasing the 2:00 train, counting the cars, and watching the freighters on the bay. Paul hung his hat in Green Bay, but his heart was at home in Lil’ Finland. His smile, laugh, and sense of humor will be greatly missed. Paul is survived by his daughter, Lori Lynn (George) VanDyck of Green Bay, WI, and grandchildren, Stacy Lynn, and Adam; friend and caregiver Elena and Moses Prieto, “his farmer” Frank and Denise Mochty, and special “Northwoods” friends, Mark and Lisa Gasperini. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Francis Pakula as well as a grandson Justin Pakula. Visitation will be held Friday, February 15, 2019 from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.  Funeral services will follow at 1 pm led by Lisa Gasperini. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Paul A. Pakula, please visit our flower store.