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Paul Idleman Obituary
CHAMPAIGN – Paul Gregory Idleman, 57, of Champaign died Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006, at his rural home in White Heath. He was born on Feb. 17, 1949, the son of Mary A. Idleman and Elmer Lewis Idleman. He married his high school sweetheart, Meredith Susan Wegrich, on Aug. 13, 1967. Paul was a graduate of Champaign Central High School and earned a degree in fine arts from Parkland College. Paul's love of the arts led him to Colorado, where he pursued a career in photography and graphic arts. Historical research of a 19th-century photographer led him to become the director of the Old Colorado City Historical Society in Manitou Springs, Colo., and later led him to move back to the Champaign area to serve as the director of the Champaign County Historical Museum.
Paul was a devoted community servant and volunteered his time and resources as chair of Public Relations for the American Cancer Society in Colorado Springs, Colo. He contributed to many charities and organized benefits for friends in need. He also did pro bono public relations work for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and the Penrose Library in Colorado Springs.
Paul appeared in many television segments about historical events and produced and directed a historical video that appeared on the History Channel. He also edited and published several books.
An exhibit of his concert photographs was recently displayed at the Orpheum Theater.
Paul was a loving son, husband, brother, father and grandfather. He is survived by his father, E.L.(Elizabeth) Idleman of Oakwood; his mother and stepfather, Mary A. Idleman and Charles Cobb of Cherokee Village, Ariz.; his wife, Sue Idleman of rural White Heath; his brothers, Robert E. (Olga) Idleman of Champaign and Thomas J. (Debbie) Idleman of Woodland Park, Colo.; his children, Mindy S. (Ron) Jones of ElDorado, Kan., and his son, Bryan D. (Kristin) Idleman of Higley, Ariz. Paul is also survived by three granddaughters, Delaney Jones, Peyton Idleman and Erin Idleman.
A memorial service for Paul will be held at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign, on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, at 2 p.m. Pastor Timothy Hubert will officiate. Friends may greet the family from 1 to 2 p.m.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Idleman
Sponsored by Cinema Gallery.
Jim Terrell
March 14, 2021
I had no particular reason to search for Paul. He and I were best buddies in junior high school (Jefferson Jr High Jaguars). Paul was a wonderful friend. We lost touch during our college and professional years. I'd heard he was in Colorado for a few years and returned to Champaign to further pursue his lifelong cultural interests.. Paul and his Mother were special people in those years. I'm so sorry to belatedly hear about Paul's passing. He was humorous and caring during those years in the early-to-mid 1960's.
Thomas Beach
January 2, 2020
I only now discovered the passing of my friend, Paul Idleman. I got to know Paul when I was in a band that Paul took a great interest in back in the mid-70's. He began visiting our concerts and offered us great encouragement. I soon started my own personal friendship with Paul and visited him often at his home in Hazlecrest. Paul even helped me record several of my own songs at his home during that period. I lost track of Paul when he moved to Colorado, but often thought of him and wondered how he was doing. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing and want to express my belated condolences to his family.
Peyton+Erin Idleman
September 19, 2011
I miss you grandpa I hope you like it in heaven.I knew you for only 4 years and Erin only new you for 2 years.I will always love you.You were a grate grandpa. your grand children,Peyton and Erin
Don Wegrich
February 17, 2009
Sue,
Just thinking of you and Paul on his 60th Birthday (2009). Have been thinking of him more and more as time passes. We had many good times and I miss his humor and good nature. He always had good things to say about everone never a mean word. I have been trying to do better about how I live my life and he was an inspiration, but I didn't know it at the time. We all miss him very much. I'm happy the his work goes on and we are able to see it from time to time.
See you soon,
All my love,
Brother Don
Dennis Herttua
December 20, 2007
Sue,
I just found this entry. For so many years I've wondered about where you were and how you were doing. I'm happy you married a man that seems so wonderful, but I'm saddened you lost him at such a young age.
Please write if possible. I would love to hear from you after so long.
Sincerely,
Dennis Herttua
Vivian LeFebvre
February 3, 2007
"A true friend will see you through when others see that you are through."
Robert Louis Stevenson's quote nicely states the kind of friendship experienced with Paul and Sue. I met Paul in 1990, collaborating with him on the posters he produced at that time. Pikes Peak, North Face proudly hangs in my home, and I smile every time I visit the Garden of the Gods Trading Post where it's mounted on a wall. Being a fellow transplanted Illinoian, we quickly went from a business relationship to a friendship. He further expanded my familial-type friends by bringing me into his family. The love for one another that he and Sue demonstrated always warmed my heart. I feel so blessed that we were able to spend quality time together before he departed the earthly realm.
As we miss him, we can reconnect with his creativity and gifts by playing one of his wonderful CD compilations while enjoying his artful covers. In this way, his love, kindness and creative talents are forever music to our ears and candy to our eyes. My love and support to Sue, Mindy and Bryan always. I look forward to spring and celebrating all that he gave to us.
Kim Nolan
January 29, 2007
Paul was one of the kindest and talented people I have ever met. Every time we were able to get together was an enjoyable experience. He will be deeply missed, my prayers go out to Sue and the family.
Janet Lombardo
January 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to Sue and her family. Paul was such a special person to me. His kindness after my brothers death (giving me special pictures he had taken of Red)will never be forgotten. Paul will always be in my heart. Love, Janet
Bob Quinlan
January 6, 2007
God blessed Paul with loving family and friends. He was willing to share his love with many; passion and wit are repeatedly attributed. All souls have much in common yet there is a sense of great opportunity lost upon one's passing. I enjoyed witnessing his enthusiam for the Class of '67 display at the historical museum.
Condolences
Bob Quinlan
Toni Sansone Lemmon
January 4, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Elizabeth Bruner
January 4, 2007
I just found out about Paul's passing via E-mail from Lyn and I was deeply saddened when I found out. I send my love and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Margaret Ferguson
January 3, 2007
Lyn has just let me know of Paul's passing. I am so sad to hear the news even though I have been expecting it. I am so glad we were able to have our wonderful family reunions and get back together again after so many years.
Jim and Karin Smith
January 3, 2007
We were very saddened to hear of Paul's passing. We remember our nice visit with Sue and Paul in 2005 and will never forget his passion for history, his dedication to his family and his sense of humor. We will miss him.
Olga P. Idleman
January 1, 2007
I first met Paul when I was in my senior year at the U. of I. My
lasting memory will be of a man totally enthralled by his new
silk screened T-shirt venture. He and his brother Bob, my future husband, were both involved
in this. Paul just bubbled over with enthusiasm for this and every
subsequent projects of his. I will miss him always, he will always be a wonderful brother.
Ted Moorman
January 1, 2007
Paul was taken away too soon. His art and support of the arts leave a legacy for us to remember. My deepest condolences to Paul's family.
Phil Strang
December 30, 2006
I truly enjoyed Paul's photo exhibit at Cinema Gallery this past year and wish I had got to know him better since he moved back here to town. He was a very talented and wonderful guy.
Lyn Wegrich Glover
December 29, 2006
A Night Hawk Calls, 11:26PM
for Paul
In the darkness, a piercing cry
I hear my grief
And I see only clouds
Not the light that was your smile
Nor the glimmer of moon,
hope in your eyes
Old soul
I wish I could be like you.
Calm spirit
Always determined,
always kind words
Looking forward
even when discovering the past
If I could honor you in some way
It would be to hold Peace
in my heart for a little bit,
just a moment
of you in me
And then spread it to all things
I know
A promise of goodness
A blossom unfolding
True love, you knew
in your heart and with your hands
You lived life with desire
for understanding
for kindness
for making the Earth a better place.
A more honorable intent
does not exist
These are the gifts
You have given to me
Today and always
I will remember you
A man of grace
A gentle man
Soulful and kind
You have touched so many
And have left a tear with all.
Susan Gramly-Modisett
December 28, 2006
My prayers are with you and your family Bryan.
Teresa (Gramly) Kendrick
December 28, 2006
I am sending my deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the entire family. It was a genuine honor to know Mr. Idleman. Having gone through this with my father last December, I hope you all are able to find peace, understanding and healing at this difficult time.
Dana Fuller
December 28, 2006
Tom, we are very sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and to Paul's family.
David Ryan
December 28, 2006
It seems like yesterday that Paul was here in Colorado Springs doing great work for the Old Colorado City History Center. He was a trusted museum colleague, talented photographer and all around good guy. I knew that Paul was sick but it is hard to find out that he has passed so young. I will always remember him for his calm and comforting voice. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Sue and his family.
Sandy Smalley
December 28, 2006
Sue, I was so surprised to read of Paul's passing.
My Prayers and Thoughts go out to you and your Family.
Barb Oehlschlaeger-Garvey
December 27, 2006
The good Paul has done at the historical museum, in his communities and with his friends and family lives on; the love he has given lives within us; we will still smile at the thought of his care and his humor. He was a good colleague and friend. We at the museums consortium will miss him, and I will miss him personally, but I/we will continue to be blessed by the gifts he gave us. May he rest in peace.
Alyssa Pleune
December 26, 2006
I've been volunteering at the museum with Paul for a couple years now. When I first met him he was a very friendly director at a museum, but he soon became a dear friend I would cherish forever. Reading these entries reminds me how much I am going to miss him, how he was like the older friend you had the ones you see in the movies, and how it may be a life time before I find another like him.
Deb Idleman
December 26, 2006
I feel blessed to have had such a wonderful brother-in-law. He always made me feel like his "sister" forget the in-law. I will miss his great sense of humor and all the words of wisdom a big brother has to give. You will always be with us in spirit in everything we do.
Toni Roberts
December 26, 2006
I am so sorry to hear that Paul has passed away. I will remember him, Sue and his family in my prayers. I met Paul in high school through Sue and found him even then to be a kind person and a gifted photographer. I was pleased to hear that he had taken on the responsibilities of the Champaign Historical Museum. Champaign has so much to offer and I am glad that someone is there to record of it.
Larry Williams & Lori Allen - WWHP Radio
December 26, 2006
We are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. We enjoyed sharing our mutual love of music and the performance arts with him. We will miss his annual "Best of" Paul and Sue compilation CD he made every year for the radio station. Our condolences go out to his family and all the lives he touched.
Debbie Bynard
December 26, 2006
My friend and I volunteered with Paul at the museum. We have always found him to be such a fascinating and inspiring person. His accomplishments are endless, but even more he was a warm and caring person. You rarely meet someone with as big of a heart as Paul. He will be so greatly missed. My heart goes out to Paul's family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Elizabeth Cook
December 24, 2006
I was deeply saddened to hear of Paul's passing. A number of us at Crouse Printing were fortunate enough to do business with him. We will remember him for his passion for history, his stong ethics and his sense of humor. He will be missed.
Mel McFarland
December 23, 2006
Paul and I cooperated on many a book and display at the Old Colorado History Center and the M&PP Ry. This journey is all too short, I had hopes of doing many more projects with Paul. He was a fine man, we will all miss him, even those who barely knew him.
Tom Idleman
December 23, 2006
To my big brother, my best friend, you leave me with so many fun, happy memories. It's hard to do anything but smile thinking of you. For whatever reason I was chosen to be your little brother, I have always thanked God. I love you!
John Lariviere
December 23, 2006
I met Paul in junior high school, and shared several adventures with him in high school - we graduated in the same class in 1967. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with him in Colorado when we moved here 20 years later. My deepest sympathies to Sue and the family.
Vaya Con Dios, my friend.
Dusty Rhodes
December 23, 2006
My sympathy to Pauls family
Chuck Snow
December 23, 2006
Paul was a gifted photographer and such a good guy- I have many fond memories of him and his photographs of the Colorado Springs music scene. In recent years he use to email me band photos to identify which was alot of fun. Rest in peace Paul, you will be missed. My sympathies to Sue
and the family.
And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.- Abraham Lincoln:
The Who
December 23, 2006
Paul and the Harry Belafonte singers
December 23, 2006
Elton John
December 23, 2006
Bruce Springsteen
December 23, 2006
Paul McCartney
December 23, 2006
December 23, 2006
December 23, 2006
Carolyn Baxley
December 23, 2006
I met Paul a few years ago at a meeting of the consortium of Champaign County museums and immediately recognized him as a true friend and fellow traveler. He was a funny, witty, irreverent, creative, thoughtful, multi-talented man who brought joy to everyone around him. We collaborated last year on a show of his rock and roll photos at my Cinema Gallery in Urbana, and I treasure the time we spent hanging and opening the show and shooting the Prairie Fire segment that followed. Photos always reveal a lot about the person taking them, and Paul's beautiful soul shines from every one. He was as good as it gets here on earth, and he'll always be gentle on my mind. I'll never forget him.
Edwin "Skip" Luke
December 23, 2006
Paul and I worked together on the Illinois Central Railroad in Champaign and later in Chicago, and have kept in touch over the years. He was a great guy and I'll sure miss him. I'm sorry to be so far away and unable to attend on Saturday. My love and condolences to Sue and the rest of the family.
Perry Morris
December 22, 2006
I hardly knew Paul when he first began talking to me (President of the Champaign County Historical Society) about greater collaborations between the Museum and the Society. I was thrilled to learn that Paul and I were both keen fans of Chick and Virginia Sale. I was excited to maybe help with an exhibit Paul was planning on the Sales'. Maybe we can still make it happen.
Robert Idleman
December 22, 2006
Paul will always be remembered for the friends he made and the friends he has kept. He never betrayed his belief in the good of people and never tried to judge others. Thanks P.G. for your love, for guiding me this far in life. I will always feel lucky to have been born your brother.
Joyce and Don Lohse
December 22, 2006
We met Paul through our graphic arts business in Colorado Springs in the 70s, with the added link of the same background growing up in Champaign. We are so fortunate to have shared good times, fun, and laughter with Paul and Sue. We are left with great memories, but with deep sadness as we miss Paul. Our hearts are with Sue and the family.
Harold Balbach
December 22, 2006
The Board of Trustees of the Champaign County Historical Museum cannot begin to express how much they appreciate the last five years of dedicated effort which Paul devoted to his position as Director of the Museum. We will miss him more than it is easy to describe.
Lisa Fink
December 22, 2006
I was able to work with Paul for several years when I was an elementary school teacher. He even made a space for my class to have an exhibit at the museum and welcomed the class and their parents for an Open House. He was a wonderful man who touched many lives.
Pam, Brent, Cansas & Jack Buckalew
December 22, 2006
Paul and Sue had one of the deepest loves that we have ever witnessed, and we are so glad to have known you both. Sue - we are here for you anytime.
Steve Flewelling
December 22, 2006
Paul is my oldest and dearest friend. We grew up together and continued to share our lives through the years. I have been blessed by his friendship. Paul will be with us always.
Marianne Whitacre
December 22, 2006
I worked with Paul the past three years as an intern with the AHTC grant, however, he became more a friend than a supervisor during that time. I was even fortunate enough to purchase one of his photographs from the exhibit. He will be greatly missed yet kindly remembered.
Marianne Gray
December 22, 2006
Our family must be with you in spirit. Our heartfelt sympthathy to all. We hold many special memories!
Kim Sheahan
December 22, 2006
You will be missed by so many, my friend, but when we think of you we will smile and laugh and know that we were blessed.
Chris Adrian
December 22, 2006
I worked with Paul for a number of years through the American History Teachers collaborative. It is rare you meet a man that is so entertaining and devoted to his passions. I truly felt connected to him professionally and as a friend. Every summer I looked forward to my internship mainly because of my visits with Paul and his wonderful stories of his career and family. This community (and myself) will miss him, but are left with countless warm memories of the vibrant soul that was Paul.
Susan Shurilla
December 22, 2006
Sue and Paul have taught us so many lessons about love, kindness, courage and hope.
Our thoughts, prayers, and love to Sue and Family.
Beverly (Blackwell) Allen
December 22, 2006
Even though I will not be able to join you Saturday in remembering Paul's life and legacy that he has left all of us, I will be with you in spirit. Paul demonstrated a love for family, friends, and life and always seemed to be consumed with a project that he wanted to complete. He was so talented and creative and shared that with all of us. I feel honored to have known him and to have been a high school classmate. Please know that you are all in my prayers and thoughts.
Mary Tempel Mortland
December 22, 2006
My sincere sympathy for your loss.
Paul was a kind and caring person.
Lyn Wegrich Glover
December 22, 2006
I am so sorry we can't be there to celebrate Paul's life. I am absolutely devastated by his passing. He gave me so many things - an appreciation for art, photography, dry wit, and hiking, just to name a few. He was my brother and I miss him terribly. Sending all our love,
-Lyn
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