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BORN

1949

DIED

2016

Paul Schanzenbach Obituary

Paul Frederick Schanzenbach, 67, of Eagle River, Alaska, peacefully passed away on Dec. 25, 2016, in Anchor Point, Alaska, of heart failure. Paul was born on Oct. 4, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Adolph Paul Kelly and Marcia Schanzenbach. He attended boarding school for eight years and graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1967. He attended the University of Montana, earning a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science and Forestry in 1971. Paul also received an M.B.A. in Finance and International Business in 1974, at the University of Puget Sound. On July 15, 1972, Paul married Karen Hayes (Schanzenbach) in Missoula, Mont. Paul had a variety of work opportunities in contract management from 1974-2016, working with the following companies: Boeing, Sundstrand Data, ELDEC Corporation, Ecology & Environment Inc., Automated Information Management, Chugach Alaska Corporation and Bering Straits Native Corporation. Paul loved to tinker with his chainsaws and prided himself on having every tool imaginable. He loved the outdoors, especially being in the woods. Paul spent his time helping friends with cutting trees, building decks, fences and other odd jobs. Politically, Paul was a stanch Constitutional Conservative. Paul recently joined the Orthodox Church in Eagle River. His presence, support and direct help to the members will be remembered. Paul was a very charitable individual. Firstly, he would always provide for his family. Locally, he would donate his time at Beans Café, the Brother Francis Shelter. He also preached regularly at the Anchorage Rescue Mission. Paul is survived by wife, Karen Schanzenbach of Redmond, Wash.; daughter, Kelly Harper (Schanzenbach) and son-in-law Trevor Harper of Parker, Colo.; brother, Fr. John Henry (Peter Schanzenbach) of Cleveland, Ohio; stepbrother, Fred Green and wife Susan Green of Locust, N.C.; and many friends who loved him dearly. Funeral services will be held at St. John Orthodox Cathedral in Eagle River on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. and Funeral services and burial at 11 a.m., followed by a Mercy Meal in the Cathedral basement. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anchorage Rescue Mission in Paul's memory. One of Pauls favorite sayings was, "Fly low and go slow and we'll all come home together." He is now home with the Lord.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Jan. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Trevor and Kelly Harper.

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Michael Ufford

April 5, 2025

Paul on the winter trip to Camp Adanac in 1961.

Ray Atwood

March 27, 2019

Paul my friend I have missed you over these years. I loved our talks about the issues of the day at the water cooler when we worked at Chugach together. You were exceptionally giving and generous. The world is a little less bright without you in it. I will never forget how you came over and helped me remove all those trees and didn't ask for anything in return. Or your priceless jokes of all varieties! You were a great man Paul and I know you are in the heavens watching over us. You lived a good life. Hardworking, honest, humble charitable faith based, patriotic and strong. Miss you my friend. Rest easy.

J. Lewis

April 14, 2017

I miss you Paul. You were a great friend and I always saw you as a big brother. I wish I had known you thought of me as your adopted son. You had such a great heart and appetite. I wish I could've known you family more. I think of you all the time. Chopping trees, working in the yard, supper time when we have a large spread of food. I wish we had more time. But I know you're in heaven so that's the only relief I have. I miss you brother!

Charles Cobb

January 11, 2017

Karen and Kelly,
I hope you see this guestbook because I don't know how to reach you otherwise, it has been so long. Truly sorry I missed the memorial service. Please accept my most sincere condolences at the passing of your husband and father. May the love of Jesus Christ for each of you bring you comfort and new hope for the years ahead.

Dave Schneider

January 9, 2017

My life was made richer by Paul. I enjoyed my conversations, which always went from business to a spiritual tone. I admired Paul greatly and will miss my daily talks.

Gary Humphrey

January 7, 2017

Paul was a very good friend. I met him soon after he arrived in Anchorage. He was living at a church at 15th and C St. He spent a lot of time at our home. He loved getting involved in my building projects. He also enjoyed going to Trapper Creek with me and staying at my cabin and helping me log in the woods. I will miss him. God bless you Paul and I know you are in a better place.

Anna Haley

January 6, 2017

Such a kind and serving soul. Will miss your smile! Memory eternal, dear Paul!

Genevieve Brown

January 6, 2017

Paul filled our moments at work with many funny stories with an equal amount of inspiration and wisdom. He was a man of honor, faith and humility. I'm changed from knowing him, as he shared his ability to appreciate all things in life without regard for material significance.

Niki Daniel

January 6, 2017

Paul always had a good story to tell and was always wanting to help. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known him at Chugach AK Corp for 17 years. His sweet soul will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Cathy Netherland

January 6, 2017

I only knew Paul through emails and phone calls, and will miss his wise words and stories. Rest in peace, Paul.

Cathy Olson

January 5, 2017

My dear Paul, I will not stand at your grave and weep. Rather I will hear your voice through the forest depths, and see you kneel as you lift your face towards the heavens. You were never ours to keep, only ours to share. You have left an imprint on our hearts and souls. You were my friend, and you were loved.

Cathi Peterson

January 5, 2017

Paul was a respected coworker with a strong work ethic, yet he took time to share personal stories and reflections. He had a gregarious personality and a generous spirit. Sincere sympathy to his family and close friends, and to all of us here at Bering who will miss his enthusiasm, wit, and wisdom.

Lisa A

January 5, 2017

I was gifted with Paul as my fellow co-worker and dear friend. One of kindest people to have entered into my life. I will miss him dearly.

January 5, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Suzette Breaux

January 5, 2017

Paul was a very genuine, gregarious & generous man who will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Lynette and Bill Harple

January 5, 2017

Paul was always willing to be a help to those around him. I will remember him helping to build a deck on our house. He was a good man and he will be missed by our family and friends.

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