Paul Russell Adrians

1949 - 2016

Adrians, Paul Russell

Paul Russell Adrians, "The Big Guy", 66, passed away at home after a brief bout with cancer Friday, October 14, 2016. He was born November 8, 1949, to Russell and Mary (Metzler) Adrians. Paul graduated from Premontre High School in 1968 and joined the U.S. Army that same year, serving his country in the 1st Battalion 28th Infantry Division in Vietnam. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and V for Valor Device, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Service Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

On September 7, 1970, he married Beverly Ann Van Beek at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The couple was blessed with three children and many happy years before she preceded him in death in 2006.

After returning from the war, Paul became a mechanic at what was then Fort Howard Paper Company, retiring from Georgia Pacific after 37 years of employment. After "retiring" he was employed as a valet with Bellin Hospital, and later at the Settle Inn, now known as Hotel J, where he worked until this past summer. Many of his co-workers will certainly remember his great sense of humor and he thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie.

Paul's hobbies included deer hunting and fishing. He takes the location of his secret walleye spot with him. He enjoyed doing yard work, cooking out and fish frys for family and friends, an afternoon of swimming, followed by a crackling bonfire. Paul was always willing to help, he never said no. The Red Cross recognized his achievement as a 13-gallon donor.

Paul loved being a husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by his three children and their spouses, Deanne and Angie Kowalzek-Adrians, Holly and John Crabbe, Paul Russell Adrians Jr. and Nikita Zavyalov; his grandchildren, Zachery Paul Adrians, Addysen Kowalzek-Adrians and Amelia Crabbe; one brother, Ron (Alison) Adrians; one sister, Cindy (Randy) Zander; his significant other, Deb Page; his sisters-in-law, Diana (George) Champeny, Connie (Rick) Schworck and Teresa Van Beek; nieces and nephews; his rescued 60 lb. "lap dogs", Buddy and Mike; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his wife Beverly, he was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Mary Adrians; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Orin and Jean Van Beek; and brothers-in-law, Robert and John Van Beek.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St. There will be a Memorial Service at 7 p.m. Wednesday followed by Military Honors. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. To send on-line condolences visit www.prokowall.com.

Paul's family extends their gratitude to The Bellin Cancer Team, the Staff of Bellin Hospital 4th Floor and to Unity Hospice for their care during his illness.