John Paullus

Gentle, genuine, and strong, John Howard Paullus lived a life rich in faith and family. John was open-minded, accepting, and quick to forgive. He never met a stranger and always kept busy. John was a humble man who never waivered in his love and care for his family and never gave himself enough credit for the size of the impact he made on those who were close to him. A man who led with his heart, John proved a powerful role model for all who were blessed to know him. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, John will long be remembered and so very missed.

The mobilization of war efforts in 1942 was quick and effective, with carmakers and other manufacturers changing to the production of weapons of war. Gas rationing, Scrap Days, and Victory Gardens became the norm. At the same time, The Declaration of the United Nations, the newly formed Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, and The Voice of America assured that every citizen had their eyes focused on a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the hearts and home of DeWitt and Eva (Johnson) Paullus as they welcomed their son John to their family on November 23 in Hampton, Iowa.

Growing up on the farm his parents owned and operated in Hampton, John enjoyed the good company of his siblings. Twins James and Janice were older than him, and Joyce was the youngest in the close-knit family. The kids worked together on the farm and played together, too. They enjoyed exploring the outdoors together and catching lightning bugs.

At 17, John enlisted in the United States Navy. During his four years with the Navy, he served as a flight deck crew servicing jets on aircraft carriers, traveling mainly to the Pacific bases in Hawaii and Japan. After safely returning to Iowa, John worked in a local factory before joining his brother James in Indiana. John eventually moved to Hart, Michigan, to work in a food packaging company.

Fate blessed John with the good fortune of meeting Mary Lopez, a co-worker doing a friend a favor by double-dating. Their movie date turned into another date, which led to many more. Six months after their first date, John proposed. On October 16, 1971, the happy couple married at St. Gregory Catholic Church in Hart, Michigan. The ceremony was a double wedding along with Mary's niece and her fiancé. The couples continued their celebration with family and friends at a local reception hall.

The newlyweds made their first home in Hart. In 1973, they moved to Grand Rapids, where they enjoyed the birth of their son, Michael. John soon found work with the railroad, where he would stay for 13 years before joining Hermann Miller, from where he would retire 18 years later. When daughter Sara was born, the family was complete.

John was an epic father, exceeding positive parenting in every way. Though he held the kids accountable, he was quick to forgive and forget, never bringing up a transgression again. He included his kids in his projects and enjoyed gathering with extended family for holidays and special events. Thanksgiving was his favorite, with all the traditional menu items, especially pumpkin pie. Whether fishing, camping, or gathering for a meal, John treasured time with his loved ones, especially the fun and laughter.

A fun-loving, patient, and involved grandpa, John relished every moment spent with his grandchildren. He knew how to have fun and supported their many activities. John also enjoyed woodworking, eating a good steak, and going hunting and fishing with friends. As he grew older, his faith became very real and personal. While facing recent health challenges, John leaned into his faith and trusted his Lord and Savior.

As we celebrate John's life, may we find ourselves comforted by all our sweet memories of him and his steadfast companionship. May we also find comfort in carrying John's legacy of generosity, love, and kindness forward. Whenever we cast our lines in local waters, greet a stranger as a friend, choose faith over fear, lead with our hearts, cherish time with family and friends, and cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, we keep John's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspire us.

John Howard Paullus, age 81, stepped into his precious Savior's arms on August 5, 2024. John was born November 23, 1942, in Hampton, IA, to the late DeWitt and Eva (Johnson) Paullus. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James Paullus. A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, on October 16, 1971, he married Mary Lopez. His wife of 52 years survives, as do their children, Michael (Tawnie) Paullus and Sara (Rafael) Marrufo; grandchildren, Juan Marrufo, Angelica Marrufo, Nathan Marrufo, Eva Marrufo, Ahdya Paullus, Anya Paullus, Michael Paullus; great-grandchildren, Mateo, Melody, and Leighton. He is also survived by his sisters, Joyce Avery and Janice Kemp-Isen; sister-in-law, Sally Lopez; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Friday, August 9, 2024, at 2 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with family beginning at 1 PM. A luncheon will follow at CrossPoint Baptist Church, 60 Port Sheldon St. 49418. Interment will be in Alpine Center Cemetery. Memorials may be made to CrossPoint Baptist Church. To read more of John's Life Story, leave a memory, or sign the guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.