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Paul Stoppels
PAUL STOPPELS
Marion
Paul Justin Stoppels, 84, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, after a sudden illness at Willow Gardens Care Center in Marion after battling long-term health conditions. Memorial services will be at a later date.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Nancy; his children, Paula (Mike) Gregoire of Marion, Debbe (Dr. John) Meyer of West Des Moines, Jayne Burnham of Marion, Susan Borchers of Waukee and Sara (Bill) Misiewicz of Clinton; grandchildren, Keith Burnham, Kari (Harry) Marcley, Aaron (Sarah) Borchers, John Meyer, Jennifer (Ben) Volden, Sara Thornsbrough, Katy Meyer, Alison Meyer, Lauren (Mitry) Karam and Mark Misiewicz; and great-grandchildren, Harry Marcley IV, Hunter Marcley, Hudson Marcley, Kiley Thornsbrough, Ellie Borchers and Navah Karam.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Charles, Dale and Robert.
Paul was born Oct. 10, 1931, in Holland, Mich., to the Rev. Charles and Jeannette (Kulicamp) Stoppels. He graduated from Sully High School in 1949 and attended three years at Central College in Pella, where he played football, basketball, baseball and tennis. Paul was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla., and in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and finished his education at the University of Iowa with B.A. and M.A. degrees. Paul started his teaching career at Ball State University, where taught physical education and coached basketball, baseball and tennis at Burris Lab School. He then taught, coached and was athletic director at Grinnell from 1960 to 1974. Paul then taught at Linn-Mar High School, where he served as athletic director until 1986, and then returned to teaching P.E. and coaching until his retirement in 1996. Paul was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Marion and was a deacon and an elder. He also volunteered for the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts, and many other organizations in Marion. He was a member of the Linn-Mar Hall of Fame and Athletic Directors Hall of Fame. Paul was a 50-year athletic official and a past president of the Iowa High School Athletic Association. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing.
A special thanks to the staff of Willow Gardens Care Center, UnityPoint Hospice and Dr. Thomas Richmann for the care and compassion shown to Paul.
Memorials may be directed to the family or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Please share a memory of Paul at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
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