Paul Dombrowski

1935 - 2021

Dombrowski, Paul B.

MONONA - Paul B. Dombrowski, age 86, died peacefully in bed on Friday afternoon, Oct. 22, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard F. Dombrowski in 1965 and Tess J. (Sobocinski) Dombrowski in 1989.

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Feb. 8, 1935, Paul earned a bachelor's degree there before coming to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to complete a Master's Degree in Art Education (1957) and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Painting and Lithography (1959). In 1960, he joined the UW Department of Geology and Geophysics as a graphic artist. He fondly recalled student seminars, examining the ancient stories which rocks reveal, and swimming in Lake Mendota.

Besides departmental publications and original oil drawings purchased by the Madison Art Center, his most visible lasting work is the two-story stained-glass window he designed for the Geology Museum at Weeks Hall on the UW campus.

Paul appreciated life as an artist, reflexively noting form and hues in anything he commented on. He delighted in cultivating friendships while collecting art and relics from Asian, European, African, Byzantine and Native American cultures and religions. He fastidiously composed every corner of his environment as a still life, from his modest, beloved yard and gardens to his desktops and closets. Sometimes disparate artifacts interacted-a water buffalo figurine examined the inside of an interestingly colored plastic bottle cap; a tiny porcelain duck and a Japanese bone carving of a woman faced each other in discussion. He could demonstrate the history of Eurasian trade by comparing the designs of brass candlesticks.

In retirement, Paul enjoyed leisurely visits to antique shops and extended dinner conversations in diners and buffet restaurants. He wove sensory aspects of each moment into operatic stories. Sometimes his captivating autobiographical tales were factual. He was a superb party guest who could draw any lone stranger into conversation, lingering to the end to ensure quality time with the host as well. Fond of NPR and BBC radio, Paul proudly owned neither TV nor computer.

Paul's friends heartily thank the caring and attentive staff at Ingleside Skilled Nursing. Following Paul's wishes, there will be no funeral. Gunderson Camacho Funeral and Cremation Care in Mount Horeb is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077