Lamphier, Paul

Paul Lamphier

Paul Theodore Lamphier, 65, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Oct. 28, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. A prayer service will be open to the public at Woodlawn Cemetery in Oelwein on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 1 p.m. A celebration of life will be held immediately following at the home of Paul and Rosemary.

Paul was born Jan. 29, 1946, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Theodore and Marie Lamphier. He was raised in the Elkader area before meeting his love of 41 years, Rosemary Downs. Together they raised five girls in the Clermont area then spent the last 14 years in Oelwein.

Paul retired from John Deere, Waterloo, in 2006 and, until recently, worked for the City of Oelwein. He was a member of UMA and UAW 838.

His pride and joy were his five girls and wife.

Other interests included golfing, riding his motorcycle, long car rides on the back roads, and spending his winters in Florida.

Paul is survived by his wife, Rosemary; brother, Lyman Lamphier; five children, Anett (Duke) Romer, Tami (Les) Keune, Lori (Pete) Wessels, Juli (Dean) Gotto and Cathy (special friend Tim Benter) Lamphier; 12 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Janice (Bruce) Freeman, Jerry (Paula) Lamphier, Larry Lamphier and Wayne Lamphier; and grandson, Jeffrey Paul Ciesielski.

Condolences may be sent to 501 Fifth Ave. NW, Oelwein, IA 50662.

The family will proudly be making a donation to the Russell and Ann Gerdin American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Iowa City in thanks for their amazing love and support.

Published Oct. 30, 2011, in The Gazette