Paul W. Roenfeld

Paul Walter Roenfeld, one of three children of Louis Detlef Roenfeld and Elsie Helen (Heine) Roenfeld, was born on May 4, 1923 on his parents' farm located west of Mineola, Iowa. Paul grew up in Mineola where he attended school through the 8th grade. Paul's family were members of the St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola where he was baptized and confirmed. Paul was always a hard worker. He enjoyed throwing hay and helping area farmers. In June of 1943, Paul joined the United States Navy and served in both the Pacific and European Theatres. Paul enjoyed traveling while he was in the Navy and collected many souvenirs from around the world.

Following the service, Paul returned to Mineola and began working for the Wabash Railroad. He joined the local American Legion Post and participated in all their activities. His non-stop work ethic kept him busy with other jobs around town. He opened and closed graves at the cemetery, mowed lawns, kept his equipment immaculate, and when his parent's health began to fail, he became their primary care giver.

Paul and Violet Jean (Lawrence) Woods were married on June 6, 1991 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They made their home in Glenwood, Iowa and Paul continued to find things to keep him busy. He enjoyed tinkering with and repairing old watches and clocks and continued to care for his lawn and lawn equipment, cleaning and sharpening the blades after each mowing. Paul continued to remain active with American Legion Post 705 where he was a member for 62 years.

In February of 2008, Paul's health forced him to move to the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood. Paul died at Glen Haven on April 6, 2009, at the age of 85 years, 11 months, and 2 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Myron Roenfeld; and half brothers, Albert A. Roenfeld and wife Catherine and Milton Roenfeld.

Paul is survived by his wife of 17 years, Violet Roenfeld of Council Bluffs; three step children, Christine Sunday and husband Greg of Spencer, IA, Teresa Sapp and husband Joe of Omaha, NE, and Chris Woods and special friend Jennifer Rhodes of Glenwood; four step grandchildren; three step great grandchildren; sister June Maher and husband Carl of Essex, IA; sister-in-law Carolyn Roenfeld of Malvern, IA; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.