Paul Middleton

Paul James Middleton, age 87, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. He was born in Ripon, WI, on June 2, 1933, a son of George Innis and Rosebud Frances (VanLannen) Middleton. 

Paul attended Ripon High School. He was a United States Air Force Veteran who proudly served in the Korean War as an Aero Med Evac Specialist. Paul enlisted for 4 years and was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, U.N. Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he married.

One thing Paul loved was to vacation. You could find him every weekend in the camper at the lake, camping, fishing and swimming. 

Paul moved to California where he built a molding and framing company in Burbank, CA. On the weekends, he loved to explore and find new places to camp, fish and enjoy the outdoors. St Jude’s Episcopal Church was home to his faith serving as treasurer for many years. He moved back to Ripon in 1986, where he lived a quiet life in the place he loved and called home stretching from Princeton, Fond du Lac, Berlin, Oshkosh, Amish Country EE from Hwy 73 and Green Lake. You could catch him driving down the back roads he knew by heart. Paul would always show you a short cut and tell you the best places to eat out in the countryside. 

Those Paul leaves behind to cherish his memory include his daughters, Cassie Schreiber, Michele Middleton, Jill Lomax Lopez (the daughter he adored); adopted daughters, Patti Davies and Laura Moes; 2 sisters, Margaret “Muggs” Manning and Carrie “Punkie” Lembke; grandchildren, BJ, Jon Paul, Nathaniel, Nikolaus, Hannah, William, Linsdey, Katie, Marina, Shaun, and Megan; great grandchildren, Kendal, Finley, Brody, Nik Jr., Paxton, Mason, Cory, Opal, Elijah, Allarah, Olivia, Morgan, Mattie, Noah, Hazel, Logan, a baby boy and baby girl on the way; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Michele’s fury family: Farah, Belle, Lily, Hannsum, Bunny and Honey (aka: The Boys). He was preceded in death by his parents, George Innis and Rosebud Frances Middleton; brother, Frank Middleton; sister, Rosemary.

I confess as I write this simple description of my dad, no words can express my love for him. He was kind, thoughtful, giving, serving and always had a giggle and a skip in his step. It is true, Dad was dealing with memory loss for a few years and the fear did give way to anger. Although his personality changed, there are fond memories and captured events in all of our hearts.  I hope you find peace and forgiveness as you journey along in life.

I hold dear to you my daddy and I wish you well on the other side. I know God made you and loves you more than I can ever love you. You are in good hands Dad. I deeply miss you daily. Thank you for making memories that I will carry through this life and teaching me to love nature and adventure! (San Francisco, Shaver Lake, Dinkey Creek, Grand Canyon, Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo, Door County, Spooner, Green Lake….) Love your daughter, Michele.

Due to Covid 19, a Celebration of Life for Paul Middleton will be held at a later date.  Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or share a memory of Paul with his family. If you would like to reach out to contact the family, we would ask that you contact the funeral home.

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Middleton, please visit our floral store.