Paul Fankhauser, 75, of Williams, passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the Israel Hospice House in Ames following a 5 year battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williams with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williams. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Surls Funeral Chapel in Williams.
Paul was born on July 10, 1946, at the Webster City Hospital to Roy and Eleanor (Heit) Fankhauser. He graduated from Northeast Hamilton in Blairsburg in 1964. Following graduation, he spent six months in Cordova, Alaska fishing, hunting and working at a cannery.
On May 18, 1968, Paul was united in marriage to Mary Butler in the St. Mary’s Church in Williams.
Paul worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation in Williams, retiring in November 2006 after 39 ½ years of service.
Paul enjoyed being in the outdoors, spending much time fishing, hunting and trapping. He believed in sharing these passions with his children, grandchildren and any others that wanted to learn.
Paul and Mary’s special love was their family. They valued holiday and birthday gatherings. They especially cherished grandchildren visits and attending their school and extracurricular activities.
Paul is survived by his wife Mary, children Cheri (Terry) Matthews of Winnebago, NE and Brian (Kristin) Fankhauser of Decorah, grandchildren Kyle (Maile) Matthews of Volin, SD, Ashlie (James Straatmeyer) Matthews of Hartford, SD, Jordan (Travis) Hermelbracht of Bancroft, NE, Collin (Trista) Matthews of Winnebago, NE, Lauren (Connor) Cross of Omaha, NE and Lucas and Lydia Fankhauser of Decorah, IA. Also seven great-grandchildren Ryley, Victoria, Alexa, Aria, Avery, Lennon and Tylden.
Paul is also survived by his brothers Larry (Beth) Fankhauser of Ft. Worth, TX and Jim (Jan) Fankhauser of Renwick, IA, and brother-in-law Jim (Rachel) Butler of Belmond, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
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