Paul R. Pfundtner

     Paul Reinhard Pfundtner, 90, formerly of the Town of Liberty Grove, was called Home to be with the Lord and was reunited with his wife, MaryAnn, early Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023 at the Unity Hospice Jack and Engrid Meng Residence in the Town of Ledgeview where he was cared for the past seven months.

     He was born November 25, 1932 in West Allis, the son of Paul J. Pfundtner and Eva A. (Mueller) Pfundtner. Paul grew up Baptist and graduated from West Allis Central High School. He went on to study at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. 

     Paul was united in marriage to MaryAnn Wandrey on September 8, 1951 at the First Baptist Church in West Allis. 

     He initially worked as a commercial artist for a firm in Milwaukee and then started his art advertising business, Mark Stevens Inc., in Elm Grove. Paul completed engineering courses through a program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. From 1967-1972 he was employed with Leyse Aluminum in Kewaunee as sales manager. The following year, Paul worked for Ikia a Japanese (automation platform) as President of North and South America operations, while living in Iola/Scandinavia. In 1973, he went to work as a sales manager for Midwest Wire in Sturgeon Bay. Paul remained there until 1979 when he moved to New London to devote his efforts to his engineering fabrication solutions company, Red Stag Engineering, as owner and CEO.

     His collaboration with fellow engineers helped provide solutions to various companies throughout the United States and world. Paul had a patent on a hydraulic press cushion that was important in the automotive industry transitioning to aluminum fabrication. He was a keynote speaker at Automotive Engineers Convention in Detroit, Michigan in 2013. Paul continued with his engineering company into his 80s, selling Red Stag Engineering in 2015 and fully-retired in 2017.

     MaryAnn preceded him in death on December 15, 2012.

     Paul was most recently a member of Sister Bay Moravian Church but had attended churches in/near the communities he was living and working: Peace United Methodist Church in Brookfield, Community Congregational Church in Kewaunee, and Freedom Moravian Church (where he served as a trustee). He volunteered alongside his wife, MaryAnn, with the Kewaunee Public Library to make the library handicap accessible. Paul was also an active volunteer with the Humane Societies in Brookfield and Waupaca. He served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. Paul visited hospitals and nursing homes with his therapy dog, Millie. He even drove northern Door County students to school services and drove for Door-Tran serving Northern Door County and drove School Bus in Wausaukee.

     When Paul wasn't working or volunteering, he enjoyed mowing his grass. While he wouldn't have considered himself a gardener, the flowers that grew at his home on Old Stage Road in he Town of Liberty Grove were highly sought by a horticulturist. Paul started taking (father-son) fishing trips with his sons starting in 1983 and looked forward to visiting new places every year, with the Willow Reservoir being one of the few places he made return trips to. He also enjoyed being a pilot and flying, camping and RV's, motorcycles, creating visual art, convertible sports cars, horses, cooking, fishing, traveling, ice skating, swimming, and reading.

     Despite the various places he lived and worked, Paul definitely lived his life fully. His children will always remember his love of adventure and exploration, and his perseverance in adversity and overcoming challenges in life.

     Paul will be missed by his children, Mark (Ann) of Wild Rose, Wendy of Clintonville, Steven (Karen) of Oconto, Peter (Cindy Strong) of Menasha, and Lynn of Oostburg; grandchildren, Jenny (Robert) Jones, Heather (Dave) Reh, Faith (Kirk) Hanna, and Kate and Stephanie Ports, Dan (Heather) Pfundtner, Erin (Waylen) Choate, and Heather (Jesse) Wade, Sara and Joe Gilbert, and Andrew Hrlevich, Patrick (Lissy) Hunt, Frances Hrlevich, and Eleanor (fiancé', Logan Faccio) Hrlevich; great-grandchildren, Lucas and Carson, Owen, Hayden and Huntley, Allegra and Mason, Chlesea, Clayton, and Claire, Jameson and Whitney, and Beckhem; siblings, Linda Pfundtner of South Milwaukee and David (Julie) Mundt of Milwaukee; nieces and nephews; other relatives; his friend and companion of two years, Sandra Polarek of Green Bay and her family, Nicole (Jason Ferry) Polarek, children, Will, Drew, and Elle; and his best friend, Millie (his dog).

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Pfundtner and Eva (Richard) Mundt; wife, MaryAnn; grandson, Michael Pfundtner; brothers, Karl Pfundtner, Ward (Arlene) Pfundtner, and Richard Mundt; sister-in-law, Nancy (Gordon) Hennum; daughter in-law, Shirley Goll Pfundtner; and other relatives.

     Paul's life will be honored with a funeral service held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Sister Bay Moravian Church, 10924 Old Stage Road with Rev. Kerry Krauss officiating and Chaplain Nathan Meierbachtol assisting. He will be laid to rest in Sister Bay Moravian Cemetery beside his wife, MaryAnn. Paul requested that attendees of his celebration of life wear colorful attire and celebrate not only his life but celebrate their lives and live fully.

     Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:50 a.m.

     Memorials may be given in Paul's name for Sister Bay Moravian Church (www.sisterbaymc.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; www.stjude.org).

     "Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Unity Hospice staff and volunteers for the wonderful and compassionate care you gave to our father."

     Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay is assisting the Pfundtner family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Paul may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.

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