Paul E. Wexell

Paul E. Wexell, 67, of Galesburg, Illinois moved to his heavenly home on August 16, 2025.

Paul was born on October 13, 1957 in Galesburg, Illinois to Beverly and Richard Wexell.

He is survived by one sister, Linda Wexell; His Aunt Marlene, and Uncle Ed Mahar; cousin Sharon (Randall) Blair; second cousin, Jenna Blair; one daughter, Gretchen (Bill) Almquist; six grandkids, Laurel Rose, Caleb, Sam, Yohanna, Ella, and Brandon Almquist; one great-grandson due to arrive on November 30, Marvin; Two cats, Omaha, and William; and two special friends who were just like brothers, Bill and Matt Hennenfent. He is preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents.

Paul attended school in Knoxville and grew up on a grain, and livestock producing family farm. After graduating from American School in Chicago, he attended Carl Sandburg College. He farmed for many years, among his other jobs, he also worked at Tiffany's Bakery, Circus World, Butler Manufacturing, and BNSF Rail Road. Paul married Susan Shultz on June 24, 1984.

Paul enjoyed spending time with, and talking to his uncle. They tried to solve all of the world's problems together. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, and second cousin. Each year when school was out for the summer, they would head to grandma and grandpas for most of the summer. When school was to start again one grandson remarked, "I don't need to go back to school grandpa can teach me everything I need to know." Paul's cousin nicknamed him "the gentle giant". He was a big teddy bear, but he could growl like a grizzly.

Paul enjoyed model building and scrapbooking, especially farm related pictures and Garfield. He had a great passion for collecting farm tractors and farm equipment; both the large and toy versions. He was a die-hard fan of the Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls.

Paul was a member of Northwoods Church in Galesburg Illinois. Paul accepted the lord as his personal savior, and was baptized at Northwoods in a livestock tank; which was very appropriate for a farmer. He developed a strong relationship with Pastor Scott Kramer, and attended bible study led by Mike Kemmer.

There will be no funeral service, per Paul's request. A celebration of life will be held at Hurd-Hendricks Fellowship Center on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 3 to 5 pm. Memorials may be made to ASPCA, Knox County Humane Society, or Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com