An Unconventional Obituary

Paul David Bednarowski, husband of Lois Bednarowski and father of Katy (Tony) Madson, Sara Sullivan, Karen (Ronnie) Mullins, and Paul (Shannon) Bednarowski, brother of Keith (Mary) Bednarowski and Tom (Mary)Bednarowski, grandfather to Anthony Madson (30), Elizabeth Madson (22), Emily Madson (21) Emma Bednarowski (17), George Mullins (17), Lucy Mullins (15), Ellie Bednarowski (14), Mary Lois Sullivan (14), and Mae Mullins (12) and great friend to many, passed away on October 19th at the age of 78 in his Fairhope home. Paul was preceded in death by his beloved parents Paul and Irene Bednarowski.

It's not hard to pinpoint the special qualities Paul brought to the lives of those who knew and loved him. All describe him as a dependable source of steady and powerful love. His children remember calling out "Daddy's home!" and racing to the front door, where he set down his briefcase and opened his arms to receive big hugs at the 6 o'clock family reunion. After a quick change of clothes (that smelled of what the young kids later learned was unique to the paper mill), family dinner was had, board games played, wrestling engaged in, and tissues collected after a family viewing of The Waltons or Little House on the Prairie. Later, as the kids got older, Algebra tutoring replaced the board games (there were still tears!) and family dinners were worked around soccer, basketball, football and volleyball practices and games, which were sometimes coached and always attended by this quiet, thoughtful, well-loved man.

As a husband, (what a husband!) the 56 years are seen by Lois as the greatest gift of her life. Supported, loved, and appreciated by Paul who was always willing to say "yes" to her wants and whims, whether that meant putting on a rhinestone belt buckle and square dancing on Friday nights, traveling to foreign lands, donning a tuxedo and dancing past his 9 o'clock bedtime, Lois can't imagine a life without her best friend and perfect partner. It will be hard and awful and lonely, but she strives to rest in appreciation and gratitude for the many years of love, and pats herself on the back for choosing such a wonderful father for her children and grandfather for their children. Well-done Lois! 

His brothers recall a cribbage-loving Paul who won and lost many a quarter over the span of at least 70 of his 78 years of life. Shelled peanuts (they all loved peanuts!) and beverages (they all loved wine and beer!) and math (why did they all love math?!) equaled long nights of laughter and camaraderie. His brothers were his friends. His brothers already miss him. 

And so do his friend-friends. Too numerous to name, but they are many: his old school-friends from Menasha, WI; his college friends from the University of Wisconsin; his Scott paper friends (did we mention his 33 years of working for Scott Paper Company/KC?); his investment club friends; his supper club friends; his volunteer friends from Thomas Hospital; his Quail Creek friends, his St. Vincent DePaul friends, his church friends; the Packer Nation! we could go on and on. We lost a good man, didn't we? It's ok. We will see him again.

And we know that is true because above all, Paul was a man of faith. His mother prayed the rosary at his bedside as he spent two long years bedridden from rheumatic fever. His brother his faithful favorite playmate, his parents supporting him in prayer, Paul learned patience and gratitude (and math!) at home in the loving arms of his family. And as he lived by faith, so he died, with his loving family gathered around him praying the rosary. Can you imagine that? Isn't it wonderful? As Mary was assumed into heaven, Paul took his last breath, and it was sad, but also beautiful.

Is there more to say? Of course there is, but we don't need to go on because you knew him. You will recount your own stories of Paul as you sit with your friends and families at dinner, take out your cribbage boards at home, and watch the Packers roll into the Super Bowl year after year (it could happen!) His family thanks you for being a rich part of his life. We are all better for knowing him, and that is enough. 

Please join us as we celebrate his life at his home parish St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope, AL, on Saturday October 29, 2022. Visitation will be held in the St. Lawrence Room, with mass at 11 o'clock, and a luncheon reception in the St. Lawrence room at 12 o'clock. All are welcome.