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Paul Oldam Obituary

Oldam, Paul B. Of Elm Grove, passed away peacefully with family at his side on April 30, 2013. Age 78. Paul is survived by Peggy, his beloved wife of 56 years. Loving father of Kathy (John) Minard of Phoenix, Chris (John) McDermott of Brookfield and Mary Oldam of Elm Grove. Grandfather of Jake (Cassie), Katelin and Hannah Minard, Erin (Peter) Stanek, Joe and Jack McDermott. He is further survived by his sister Barbara (Bob) Swetz of Seaford, DE and numerous other relatives and friends. Born in Newark, NJ on August 20, 1934 to Paul and Katherine Oldam. Attended St. Benedict's in New Jersey and graduated from Georgetown University Class of 1956. Paul was proud to have served his country as a U.S. Air Force Pilot from 1956-1960. He began his business career at Pittsburgh National Bank. He then moved his family to Milwaukee in 1967 for a career at Allis Chalmers which spanned 19 years retiring as Treasurer. The next nine years were spent as Director of Administration at Foley & Lardner LLC. In semi-retirement he served clients as a part-time CFO for Lauber CFOs, Inc. for seven years retiring in 2002. In addition to his career accomplishments, Paul was always a very active member of the community serving on numerous boards in varying capacities over many years. Those include: Aurora Health Care, ARCh, Blue Mound Golf and Country Club, Donate Life, St. Coletta's, West Allis State Bank, United Network for Organ Sharing, and Wisconsin Donor Network. Paul was a double organ transplant recipient. He received a heart transplant on October 1, 1993 and his daughter Kathy gave him the gift of life again by donating a kidney on April 23, 2003. He treasured those gifts and became passionate and involved both locally and nationally as a vocal advocate about the need for organ donation. He was so proud of the accomplishments and strides that have been made over the past twenty years. A special thank you to all of the nurses, physicians and staff at St. Luke's Medical Center that took such exceptional care of Paul since 1976. There are too many to mention but you have touched all of our lives. Most recently the incredible and caring staff of MRICU during the past six weeks of his journey. He was a man of many strong convictions and numerous hobbies. He loved his family, playing golf, his faith, kayaking, riding his bike, Special Olympics, travel, a fine meal, a roaring fire and a good scotch. His last words were: "I love you all. Thank you for everything." Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1755 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield, WI from 9:30 AM until of the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to: St. John Vianney, Waukesha Co. Special Olympics, W148 N8367 Albert Place, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 or Evans Scholars Foundation, PO Box 301, Golf, IL 60029-0301.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from May 11 to May 12, 2013.
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I am so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He was a great mentor & friend. My prayers are with Paul, Peggy and their family.

Joanne Sardella

May 18, 2013

Sorry for the loss of Paul, reading the obit, he was an incredible man.

Patty Kosanke

May 17, 2013

Your family has been such a part of our "growing-up" years. My memories of Paul are fond and full of funny moments.... Everything from Door County, to doing the "chicken dance". I'm sure you will miss him - but he will always be in your hearts.
Thinking of you - Erin

Erin Dunn

May 14, 2013

What a wonderful man. So glad that I have great memories of family vacations and holidays spent with the Oldam family. Paul know how to live life. My thoughts are with Peggy, Kathy, Chris and Mary.....miss you guys.

Theresa Dunn

May 13, 2013

Every day is an opportunity to change things for the better.
---Michael Pivec

I am honored to say that I was a part of many of Paul Oldam's days. I was able to witness him in action as he used every meeting, every project or every conversation to make something better for someone else. There was no mistaking Paul's love for family, friends, his red VW bug, golf, cycling and organ donation. I couldn't even begin to count the number of organizations that Paul helped through his business acumen, professional experience and leadership skills.

Paul believed that one person can make a difference—his very life was living proof. And because others gave him the gift of life with a new heart and his daughter, a new kidney through her living donation, Paul's gratitude for and love of life was evident in his very being. I know there are hundreds of lives that have been saved here in Wisconsin because of his relentless pursuit to promote awareness of organ donation.

Paul Oldam intersected with so many of our lives here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the United States. He was a man of strong convictions and faith. An advocate. A leader. My friend,

Cindy Huber, National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin

May 12, 2013

I had the privilege of knowing Paul for a number of years while he served on the Aurora Board of Directors. He always took the time to say hello, to chat for a while, and to ask about my family. I always admired his upbeat attitude about life. My sympathy to his entire family.

Jan Schwarz

May 12, 2013

Paul was like a father to everyone in our R.I.S.E.N. group. He will be greatly missed!

Patti Peplinski

May 11, 2013

Paul and Peggy were the first neighbors to welcome us to Lefeber Ave in Wauwatosa in the summer of 1968. Don enjoyed playing golf with Paul, He was a great neighbor and a great guy. Our condolences to Peggy and family.

Don and Phyllis Schmidt

May 11, 2013

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