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BORN
1943
DIED
2025
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Paul Dec Obituary
Dec 27, 1943 - Jun 22, 2025
Paul Michael Dec, age 81, a longtime Portage resident, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025. He was born on December 27, 1943, to the late Albert R. and Pauline V. Dec. Paul graduated from Wirt High School in 1962. He went on to serve his country in Vietnam in 1965 to 1966. On April 14, 1973, he married Catherine Sullivan who survives. Paul retired in 2009 from U.S. Steel Tin Mill with 46 years of service. He was a member of the Real Life Community Church and the American Legion Post 260. Paul enjoyed golfing, photography, puzzles, long scenic drives, Hawaii, gardening, and attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sporting events and other outings.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Catherine M. Dec; daughter, Kristine Murray; step-sons: Bill (Pam) Knarian, Jeff Knarian; step-daughter, Shelly (Jim) Knotts; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Dec; his daughter, Kathleen Dec; brother, Albert Dec; step-son, Brian Knarian; grandsons, Bradley Knotts and Ken Young.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral services are Monday, June 30, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage, with Rev. Rich Doering officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage. Visitation is on Monday June 30, 2025, at the funeral home just prior to the service from 10:30 a.m., to 12:30 p.m., (219) 762-3013, or online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Dec
Sponsored by The Times.
Dana & Stan Bryniarski
August 14, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Paul´s passing, we have been neighbors for over 30 years. I will miss his calm, smiling face.. God bless to his family, he will be missed very much. What a very sweet man.!
Stacy Johnston
June 29, 2025
My condolences. I’m saddened by this news. My heart breaks for you all. May he rest peacefully.
Stan Dec
June 27, 2025
Uncle Paul, Your patience, kindness and incredible resilience have been lessons for all your friends and family. My Dad was very fortunate to have you as a brother and we are all fortunate to learn from your example. Rest in peace and glory.
Katherine Dec
June 27, 2025
Godfather Paul, thank you for blessing us with your smile, easygoing character and always so kind and thoughtful! Prayers for all of you and my sympathies as you move through your grief. You and Aunt Cathy driving out for my children’s high school graduation parties to visit will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service to your country and to all of your extended family. Heaven got another angel.
Linda Felinski-Bunchek
June 26, 2025
Paul & Cathy have been my neighbors for many years they are wonderful people and I will miss seeing them on a daily basis. God bless the family
Bob and Vicky A Gifford
June 26, 2025
Rest in peace. You'll be missed
NORA MYRES
June 25, 2025
RIP, Paul. On behalf of the Class of 1962, prayers to your family.
Caren
June 25, 2025
RIP fellow Trooper. Thanks for your service to our country . Prayers to Paul’s family.
Caren Coley Jankowski
Wirt class of 1962
Jeff Cooper
June 25, 2025
Our mothers were close friends for years back in Miller. We both trapped Muskrats in the Miller woods. Paul was an easy going gentleman.
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Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel - Portage5341 Central Ave., Portage, IN 46368
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