Paul Dean Strohman, 62, of Paw Paw, passed away Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Paul was born December 9, 1955 in Wichita, KS. His parents were Richard and Erma Strohman.
Paul graduated from Annawan High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served for 20 years before retiring in 1998. Upon his discharge, Paul enrolled at Illinois State University, where he graduated with a degree in social sciences. Paul then embarked on his second career as a teacher. He taught in Mendota, LaSalle-Peru, and was currently working for Paw Paw Schools. Paul loved teaching, especially the students. More than anything, he enjoyed the opportunity to help people. Paul was also an umpire and referee for IHSA sports, including softball, baseball, football, and basketball. He was an active member of the Paw Paw United Methodist Church. He was involved with many groups and organizations at the church, including the Sunday school class, Cantata, and singing groups. Paul was also a member of Via de Christo through the First Lutheran Church in Princeton.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Bethany Strohman; two sisters, Jean Wallgren and Joann Surber; and three step-children, Nathaniel Huckins, Brittany Parlier, and Edwin Iocca.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Pat Trowbridge.
Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. Monday, October 1, 2018 at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church, 370 Wiley Avenue, in Paw Paw.
Funeral services will take place at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at the church with Pastors Glen Stewart and Joel McClellan officiating. Private interment will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. Contributions in Paul’s memory may be directed to the family. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
From all the USA Softball umpires at Champion Fields in Normal, Bethany and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Paul worked with me for three years. I will really miss Paul. I appreciated his professionalism and integrity. Most of all, I loved having situation debates with him. We lost a good one. God bless.
Paul was a true friend and outstanding official. He always greeted me with an enthusiastic “Hey, buddy” and strong handshake that probably came from his many years of Service to our Country. We had differing opinions on many issues – from politics to rules & mechanics when officiating, but he was always willing to consider all viewpoints before making judgement on point at hand. He certainly enjoyed helping to broaden his students perspectives on any topic. Of course, his greatest joy came from seeing his daughter, Bethany become the vibrant young woman that she is. Paul will be missed dearly by many, but never forgotten.
Good Man Down.
Paul and I were colleagues at PPHS and we had many lively discussions. Our points of view differed him being a Republican and all. I appreciated his candor and idealism. When asked about his greatest accomplishment he proudly stated his daughter Bethany. I expect Bethany will make him proud in the upcoming years. He was a great man and will be missed daily.
Paul was my cousin and a good man. He will be missed. He always beamed when he talked about his daughter.
We will miss Paul and his warm friendly manner. My husband always enjoyed talking sports with him. Our prayers go out to his family, especially Bethany!
Paul and I refereed many different sports together and was partnered with John and I for basketball 🏀 He was a great person and will be missed.
Condolences to the family, from his cousin. he was a good man and loved his daughter, he always talked about her and was so proud.
Paul was a genuine friend and good man.
Outstanding official and I just loved working with him. Just a really great guy!
Deepest Sympathy to Bethany and the entire family. All who knew him has lost a very warm, caring, funny person. Thoughts and prayers for all.
Thoughts and prayer coming to you and the family