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Paula Gmelch Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Paula Gmelch
Beth Waddel
April 3, 2007
Tom and Walt,
The tears end, the memories last...hold strong, have faith...my prayers are with you.
Beth
Bruce Conklin
April 2, 2007
Walt and family,
I just learned of the accident and your terrible loss. Our prayers are with you all.
Dave Towne
April 1, 2007
Walt and family......
It's April 1 and I just received a message from another HHS classmate informing me of Paula's passing. This is an overwhelming shock to my system. Your loss must be unbearable, but heaven is richer for her presence. To be an acquaintence in HS was enjoyable as I photographed the two of you in many settings. Then about 8 years ago to rediscover you both in Ames, IA was extraordinary. The love you and Paula share is so special. Condolences to you Walt, your boys, wives and family.
Dave Towne
Nancy and Dan Shawver (Irving)
March 26, 2007
Walt, Ben and Tom,
Our hearts are hurting with you as we think of Paula. You were her world and pride and joy. She was my kindred spirit for 31 years when we met in Eugene when Ben was born. I have wonderful memories of her smile and friendship. She was a true gift to everyone who knew her.
Dan and Nancy Shawver (Irving)
Aaron Lawhead
March 24, 2007
Tom,
I wanted to offer you & your family my sincerest condolences. Wishing you the very best today, tomorrow and all of the days that follow. Should you need anything (or, just need to talk), let me know... Aaron
Emily Pasko
March 22, 2007
Walt & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy. Paula was a wonderful person. I will miss working with her on El Encino LLC.
Emily Pasko
March 22, 2007
Walt and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy. Paula was a wonderful person. I will miss working with her on El Encino LLC.
Susan McLeod
March 19, 2007
Dear Walt, Ben, and Tom,
We were deeply saddened to hear about Paula. She was such a wonderful person, the best neighbor anyone could have. Our thoughts are with you all.
Sue, Doug, Alison, and Jon McLeod
Dory Mullen
March 14, 2007
Walt, Ben and Tom and all,
We are so saddened by Paula's tragic death. We are so glad we had spent time with her and all of you in 1995 on our trip to Oregon and time spent at Lynn and Josie's Anniversary. She was a special person! Love and prayers to you all,
Remember the good times.
Ron and Dory Mullen and families
(cousins)
joe heersink
March 14, 2007
Tom, Its has been a long time. I am very sorry about your loss. Your mom was a very nice and careing person.
Marty and Rita Seedorf
March 13, 2007
Dear Walt,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Ben and Tom at this sad time. Paula holds a special place in both of our hearts. She was a wonderful role model for radiating light to those around her. Knowing her was a great gift.
Patty Carlon Kushner
March 11, 2007
Walt, I am so sorry to hear of your dear wife's passing. I did not know her, but I remember you from High School. Everyone shares your sorrow and you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.
Glenn Swafford
March 10, 2007
I was deeply saddened to hear of Paula's death. It was a great privilege to know Paula. I admired her energy, compassion, loyalty and selflessness. My thoughts are with Walt, Ben and Tom, their family and their many friends from around the world.
Beth Heideman(Breckenridge)
March 9, 2007
Dear Walt and family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Paula. I'm glad I was able to visit with her at the reunion. Please always remember the good times! I do, when I think of loved ones I have lost.
Beth Heideman
Mack Armstrong
March 9, 2007
Walt,Ben and Tom, Words cannot express our deep sorrow. Your family has always had a special place in our hearts. Paula was truly a Wonderful Wife,Mom,and friend. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mack and Julianne Armstrong
Amy,Erin and Scott
Katherine Rhoades
March 9, 2007
Walt,
I send you my prayers and thoughts as you endure this incredible loss.
Barbara and David Ng
March 9, 2007
Walt and family:
Over the years it seems like it has always been ‘Paula and Walt.’ Whenever one thought of the Hillsdale High Class of 1965, the two of you as a couple were somewhere in the memory- almost like a ‘first family,’ even before you were a family. Over the years you have represented us well- not only academically and professionally but as one example of the success that can come in marriage and partnership. Paula’s tragic death changes none of that. The two of you will live on in our hearts and minds.
We mourn with you Paula’s loss but celebrate and cherish with you her place in our lives.
Sincerest condolences,
Tom Jones
March 8, 2007
Walter, I saw the obituary of your wife in The Record. I wish you strength during what has to be a tough time. I was a class mate of yours at P.J. Abbott. We sat next to each other in 5th period Spanish 1 in the teacher's lunch room at Hillsdale High School. I left Hillsdale in the middle of my 9th grade year. I send my deep sympathies
Phil and Mary-Anne Candy
March 8, 2007
Since that special time when we all met nearly twenty years ago in Armidale we have accumulated a wealth of memories based on experiences shared. We now recognise with particular poignancy, in retrospect, how very fortunate we were to have the all-too-brief but especially precious few days together in Hawaii, exactly two months ago.
Our family joins together in expressing our deepest heartfelt sympathy to Walt, Ben, Destiny, Tom and the wider Cowgill and Gmelch families at this unbelievably tragic time.
In loving memory of Paula.
- Mary-Anne, Phil, Janet, Stuart and Fiona
Jessica and Lindsey Caldwell
March 8, 2007
Tom,
We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of your mother.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
With thoughts of peace and courage for you.
Jan mcmahill
March 8, 2007
My sincere expression of sympathy to you Walt. I did not know Paula but I know YOU and...I can only inagine that her love and loyalty contributed greatly to your success. With great admiration and respect. Drake School of Education Dean Jan McMahill @ faculty
George & Ann-marie Redmonds
March 8, 2007
We are saddened to hear of Paula's tragic death. We got to know her on the September 2006 Cowgill Tour in England. She was a charming and intelligent companion. Our deepest sympathy to all her family.
Wendy and Val Miskin
March 8, 2007
Walt, Ben and Tom,
Our Prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Val and Wendy
Meriwether Cowgill Schmid
March 8, 2007
Dear Walter -
Your bright, efferescent Paula ... she was such a big part of our trip "home" to Yorkshire where we met Cowgills whose DNA proved that we had a common ancestor. A wonderful memory to be held by all.
Meriwether Cowgill Schmid
Neil and Zoe McNevin
March 7, 2007
Walter and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I did not know Paula but Zoe said she was a real sweetheart. You are in our prayers.
Christopher Ahoy
March 7, 2007
Walt our (Ruth's and mine) deepest sympathy and condolonces to you and your family in this loss.
Don, Maria and Nick Mirkovich
March 7, 2007
Tom, Walt and Ben ~ please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Paula touched our lives in very powerful ways through her wonderfully peaceful, calming and embracing spirit. Her light will continue to shine through you and through each person whose life she has touched. Sending our love and wishes for healing and peace.
Imelda Cribbin
March 7, 2007
I have very fond memories of spending time with Paula and Walt after being invited to ISU on a staff exchange. I am extremely saddened to hear of her passing and my deepest condolences go to you Walt.
Blake Miskin
March 7, 2007
Walt, Ben & Tom,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blake, Keleen, Justin, Sarah, Lauren and Samuel Miskin
Cathy & Kevin Leong
March 7, 2007
Walt & Families:
How very tragic for you all to experience such a horrific loss of one outstanding lady with a capital L. Kevin & I learned of this while in D.C. Shock & profound sadness are overwhelming, know that we friends are here for you. We will all miss her quick smile & sincere love of life. God Bless
March 7, 2007
Dear Walt and
Family,
Terri and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your family on this very sad occasion. Paula was a gem who offered a warm smile and gracious manner to all she met. She will be missed.
Sincerely,
Mark and Terri Reischling
Peter Crouch
March 7, 2007
Walt
I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. I can't imagine how you are dealing with this. You're in my thoughts.
Your friend
Peter
Susana & Ed Munoz
March 7, 2007
Dear Walt,
We are saddened to hear the news of Paula’s death. She brightened the room with her warm and caring persona. She made everyone feel welcomed with her wonderful smile. I know she will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susana & Ed Muñoz
Mark and Pam Reinig
March 7, 2007
Dear Walt,
Our mutual friend Jim Melsa said it best: It is impossible to think of Paula being gone. May your memories give you peace.
Lisa (Mirkovich) Scrivner
March 7, 2007
Tom,
I know it has been a long time, but believe it or not your name came up between my mom and I a couple of weeks ago. She was filing me in (via Tim's mom) all about all your successes. It is with deep saddness that I learned of your mom's death. I am so sorry that you and your family are going through such a hard time. Your mom was a beautiful, loving person. You are so lucky to have her as your mom. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nadia Daud
March 7, 2007
I am truly sorry... my family's thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Love, Nadia Daud and the Daud family (in Pullman)
Genel (Fox) Morgan
March 7, 2007
Dear
Walt
I've known you since middle school and Paula since high school. Her
warm smile and enthusiasm for life were infectious. No words can
describe how sad I am for you. Heaven has gained a true angel.
My love to you and your family
Genel
David Jaeger
March 7, 2007
Dear Walt and family,
Deepest sympathy from the Jaeger family on the loss of Paula. She and you are in our prayers.
Flip Harrison
March 7, 2007
Tom, It is with profound sadness that we heard about your Mom. Please know that in this time of grief we all consider you part of our family and our prayers are with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you or your family. Your teammates.
March 7, 2007
Dear Walt and Family,
It is with deepest sorrow I extend my sympathies. I am profoundly saddened by your loss and unspeakable heartache.
Jan Walker (Des Moines, Iowa)
Patricia Mitchell
March 6, 2007
Walt,
My prayers are with you and your family......God has made a special place for Paula.
Don Hermansen
March 6, 2007
Dear Walt, I've known you since elementary school and Paula since junior high. Seeing you both at reunions over the years has confirmed to me that yours was a beautiful love story. Paula's kind graciousness and warm smile have defined her for as long as I've known her. My heart aches for your loss. With sympathy and prayers for you and your family, Don
Laticia McChristian
March 6, 2007
Walt & family-
I want to extend our deepest sympathies to you during this time of unthinkable loss. Levi and I both recall how warm and welcoming Paula always was to us. She helped to make us feel at home. We feel so lucky that we were able to meet such a special person. Please know that her spirit will live on through the many lives she touched and the abundant amount of people who love her. God bless you all.
Laticia & Levi McChristian
Steve and Karla Freeman
March 6, 2007
Dear Walt
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Paula was a gem and a sweetheart and we are glad to have known her.
Carole Custer
March 6, 2007
Walt and family
Paula had that winning smile, that can-do spirit and a laugh that made our working together on special events for the universiity such a delight. May the memories such as these help you through this devastating time of grief and healing. We all mourn her loss, but I also consider it an honor to have known such a special person. You are in my prayers.
Cecelia Marano
March 6, 2007
I didn't mean to leave John and Grace off of the post I wrote earlier, their love, thoughts, comfort and prayers go out to you also!!
Sally & Kim Beisser
March 6, 2007
Dear Walt and family,
Words cannot express our deepest sorrows for the loss of this most genuine, kind, vivacious person in your lives. We recall such fond memories of when you and Paula were our neighbors when we lived in Ames, as well as our ISU connection. May God lift you up to sustain this sorrow in your heart. Please accept our condolences.
Alicia Carriquiry, Wolfgang Kliemann
March 6, 2007
Dear Walt: Wolfgang and I were very saddened to hear about Paula's death. She was a truly lovely person and she will be missed. We are thinking of you from afar.
Kenneth
March 6, 2007
Although I did not know you, as a Catholic man I will a peaceful notion that your wonderful gifts will be widely spread among those of us here. When one is prematurly taken from us it must be that our creator has larger more meaningful work for you to complete. Be blessed knowing the sunshine of your beautiful smile has brightened many here you did not personally know.
Polly Quint- Tabash
March 6, 2007
My heart goes out to Walt and his family. I met Paula In high school and will always remember her kind and compassionate smile.
Cecelia Marano
March 6, 2007
I'm a friend of Tom's from Virgina. Words cannot express my feelings for you at this time. I can only tell you that I'm thinking of you daily and praying that God will give you the strength to get you through this most difficult time. I hope the memories of the life you two shared will eventually lift you up and give you comfort for the time that you were able to have together. I was only around you two a few times but I know that you had a very special bond and for that you are very fortunate! Tom, if you need to talk or if there is anything that I can do for you here please let me know!
Carla Espinoza
March 6, 2007
Walt: Since I can never understand such tragic loss, I work to accept it. Faith helps in the acceptance and in the healing. You are all in my prayers.
Jeff Eichorn
March 6, 2007
Paula was the one of the most genuine people I have ever known. I am honored to call her one of my close friends. My wife worked with Walt at ISU and Paula and I would sometimes travel with them to events. We became fast friends. She was a shining light that will be missed by all who knew her.
Jim and Joyce Bloedel
March 6, 2007
Walt and family,
Joyce and I are so very sorry to hear of Paula's untimely death. Walt, we can't even imagine your sorrow. We wish you the best during this difficult period. I'm hopeful that your many, many friends and your family will help provide much needed comfort as we all join together in mourning her loss.
Nancy, Bruce, Carter, Tyler Baldwin
March 6, 2007
We were so saddened to hear the news about Paula. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, especially you, Walt, Ben, and Tom. We will always remember her as being a gracious, kind, and thoughtful person. She will be missed.
Tom & Judy Ehrhorn
March 6, 2007
We were saddened by the shocking news of Paula's death. Never have we met a more caring and kind person. Even in high school, Paula treated everyone like a dear friend and we were all blessed by knowing her. Our prayers go out for Walt and the family.
John Hurabiell
March 5, 2007
Eloquence escapes me. There is not much to say to a family that has had its heart ripped out through the thoughtlessness of others that will provide solace. It is but a tragic waste. Walt, you and your family are in our prayers as is Paula.
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