Paul James Moritz, Sr.

Paul James Moritz, Sr.

November 29, 1932 – May 11, 2022

Visitation: Friday, May 13, 2022, 4:30pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by a WAKE SERVICE at 6:30pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:  Saturday, May 14, 2022, 10:30am at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific. Interment: Omaha National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Catholic Church, or Food Bank for the Heartland.

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

Paul James Moritz, Sr., age 89, was born on November 29, 1932, in Minatare, NE. He graduated from Loup City High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served as a military policeman and enjoying traveling throughout Europe. After the service, he enrolled at Kearney State College, and was a member of the Kearney State Football Team, playing in the famous 1955 Botany Bowl (Google it—great story). During his time at Kearney State, he met Rose Schlattmann. They married on June 1, 1957, in Ravenna, NE.

He completed his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His oldest daughter was present at his college graduation, which started the “baby wearing a mortar board while being held by graduate parent” meme in the family. Their family expanded rapidly. Their six favorite children (Kathy, Margy, Paul Jr., Carrie, Alice, and Jerry) were born in eleven busy and rambunctious years. All six are brilliant and industrious children (to be honest, only just average).

Paul worked diligently as a civil engineer at HDR for 37 years. Seven years were spent working and playing in Minnesota where they took up golfing and boating. The family continued to grow with sons- and daughters-in-law and 15 grandchildren. Paul and Rose enjoyed extensive traveling both alone and to celebrate special events of their children and grandchildren. They spent fifteen years “wintering” in Texas, keeping active and enjoying their time together. They were longtime members of Holy Cross parish and later joined St. Wenceslaus parish. They were also very involved with Marriage Encounter and were leaders in weekend retreats for many years.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Stanley Moritz; brother, Ted; and sister-in-law, Kathryn.

Paul is survived by his wife of nearly 65 loving years, Rose; daughters: Kathy Byrnes (Jack), Margaret Farquhar (Rob), Carrie Novotny (Joe), Alice Ruhnke (Tim); sons, Paul James Jr. (Lynette), and Jerry (Julie). Paul is also survived by fifteen beautiful and talented grandchildren (that are slightly above average):  Jaime Chaffin (Ross), Shelbi Wallis (Bobby), Jackson Byrnes, Paul James Moritz III (Angela), Tyler Farquhar, Brian Moritz (Sabrina), Conner Byrnes, Brett Farquhar, Zach Moritz, Michael Ruhnke, Ryan Moritz, Sam Moritz, Riley Moritz, Luke Ruhnke, and Reagan Moritz. He adored his four amazing, adorable great grandchildren (that are truly above average): Blayke Elizabeth, Olivia Brook, Paul James IV, and Greysen Lee. Paul is also survived by sister-in-law, Norma Schlattmann; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family was the most important thing in his life and he is forever loved by his family.

The family would like to thank the dedicated and caring staff at Elk Ridge Assisted Living and Serene Care. Thank you for loving our dad as much as we do.