Paul Dale Dibley

On December 27, 2023, we lost our beloved husband, father and grandfather. Paul Dale Dibley was a man of faith, family and community. Paul was born on August 16, 1950, in Milwaukee to the late Chester and Elizabeth (Purdy) Dibley. His brother John was born a couple years later completing their little family. They were raised with a strong love for God and the Catholic faith attending Catholic grade and high schools. Catholic faith was so important, Paul thought of being a priest but always knew he wanted a family. Clearly the next best thing was dentistry, so he obtained his DDS from Marquette University School of Dentistry. Many declarations of "Oh God" were heard during a tooth extraction so it worked!
Having crossed off obtaining his "Godly Vocation" from his list it was time for a family. On August 18, 1973, he married the love of his life, Geraldine Gmoser and moved to Shawano, Wisconsin to start his four-decade long career in dentistry. It was at Arlington Dental Clinic where he turned many a patient into a friend and where his employees were family. In 1975 his first daughter, Laura was born soon to be followed by his second daughter, Kristen and son, Brian. His family was his pride and joy and always a priority. You could always find him coaching their sports, taking them on family vacations (are we there yet?) and spending countless days on the boat. He got a twinkle in his eye watching his kids scream in excitement (and a little fear) as he whipped them around on the tube.
The only title Paul cherished more than dad was pappy. Nothing made him happier than getting down on the ground and playing with his twin granddaughters, Gabriella and Madelyn, granddaughter McKenzie and grandson, Deacon. As with his own children, he was at every activity and made sure college would be taken care of. The feeling was mutual, there was no happier place to be than at Grammy and Pappy's house.
Shawano was a very special place for Paul and it was important for him to contribute to it. One avenue was his children's school and family church, Sacred Heart Catholic as well as Shawano Rotary Club. He served Sacred Heart in many facets including Parish Council President, lector and head of multiple parish picnics. He was one year shy of his goal of serving Shawano Rotary Club for 50 years in almost every capacity including President.
Paul loved traveling internationally with his wife and friends and never missed a Packer Game (unless his grandkids wanted his attention).
Left with huge holes in their hearts are his wife of 50 years, Geraldine; daughters, Laura (Leroy) Steinbacher, and Kristen Hooker; son, Brian (Nikki) Dibley; grandchildren, Gabriella, Madelyn, McKenzie and Deacon; brother, John Dibley; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Evans and Karen (Ronald) Lundean; friends like family, Richard and Ellen Wiese. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Elizabeth Dibley; in-laws, Edward and Zita Gmoser; brother-in-law, Lawrence Evans; great-nephew, Matthew Buska; and many beloved dogs.
A Funeral Mass will be held for Paul at 11:00 am on Thursday January 4, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home on Wednesday January 3, 2024, starting at 4:00 pm and concluding with a Parish Wake Service at 7:30 pm. Visitation will be held again on Thursday at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service. Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
A memorial fund will be set up in Paul's name to benefit Shawano Rotary and other organizations close to his heart.
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