Paul E. Windus

Paul E. Windus, age 82, of Manitowoc passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Aurora Baycare Medical Center, Green Bay.
Paul was born July 24, 1941 in Manitowoc, son of the late Ervin and Helen (Heinzen) Windus. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the Class of 1959.
In February 1967, Paul joined the United States Army Reserves with his three brothers. For eleven months and twenty-two days he served the country he loved in the United States Army in Cam Ranh Bay Vietnam. When he came home he returned to the reserves for two years and five months. Paul was Honorably Discharged in April 1972.
On April 11, 1975 Paul was united in marriage to the love of his life Evelyn Barbier (Gospodarek) in Manitowoc. In January 1976 Evelyn blessed Paul with his son who he deeply loved and raised into a good man, just like himself.
Paul retired from Graybar Electric in 2003. After retiring he worked part-time at Check Electric in the office (but he made sure work didn't interfere with his breakfast and golfing) until about two years before his death.
In his free time he enjoyed socializing with friends and family. Paul met every Thursday morning for breakfast with some friends, usually followed with a round of golf in summer. He loved golfing with his son, brother, brother-in-law, grandsons and friends. Every Autumn he loved to travel with family to enjoy the beautiful colors and scenery nature had to offer. During the other seasons Paul would jump in the car with his family and take rides through the countryside through Manitowoc and the surrounding counties. In his later years the rides got shorter, mainly in the Manitowoc and Two Rivers area, frequently driving through Lincoln Park looking for deer. He enjoyed watching the Brewers and the Packers. Paul had a heart of gold, with a strong sense of humor. He was a strong listener, and only offered advice if asked for. Some of his friends referred to him as "Wisdom". Paul was also a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 731.
Paul was survived by his wife of 49 years, Evelyn Windus his son and daughter-in-law, David and Jorie Windus (Wichlacz) and his sister Diana Detrie (Windus). One stepson Richard and Marcia Barbier (Rosera), one stepdaughter Kathy Leake (Barbier). He also is survived by 3 sister-in-laws, 6 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Paul is preceded in death by 3 brothers and a sister-in-law, Larry Windus, Charles Windus, Gale and Jenny Windus (Carstens); 3 brother-in-laws Kenneth Detrie, Robert Guse and Richard Gospodarek; mother-in-law, Alvina Gospodarek (Zywicki) and stepson Randy Barbier.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the VA Home Based Primary Care Team for the care of Paul for the last 2 years. They also would like to say thank you to the doctors and nurses at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay and Aurora Hospice team for the care and compassion given to Paul during his last few weeks.
Paul was a very special man, even though Paul only had one son, he treated Evelyn's children as though they were his own. He considered all of the grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to be his. Anytime there was a baby, he was honored (and a bit disappointed if he wasn't) the first one to hold them, everyone else had to wait until he was done. Sometimes we had to wait an hour before he would give them up. As the children got older, he would sit in his recliner with the kids on his lap and read books with them, sometimes putting them to sleep. Paul loved to have the kids in the house watching them play with toys on the floor. Many times he made sure they had full tummies before they left the house, usually getting pizzas for supper. Paul enjoyed each and every holiday because he knew the grandchildren would soon be over and he could spoil them. All of them have said, "He is the best grandpa a kid could ask for!''
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi, Manitowoc (1416 Grand Ave.). Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Doug LeCaptain with burial to take place at Knollwood Cemetery following the service.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services at 11:00 a.m.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the Windus family with arrangements.
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