Paul M. Tikalsky, Sr. age 93, of Manitowoc, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, Manitowoc. Born June 2, 1922 to Charles and Mary (Singer) Tikalsky, Paul grew up in Manitowoc — the town that he loved and in which he retired. He graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1941. Afterwards, he served honorably as a pharmacist's mate in the United States Navy during WWII in the Pacific theater. After the war, he attended the University of WI (Fond du Lac).Paul married Betty Rudolph at St. Boniface Catholic Church on June 25, 1946. She was the love of his life throughout their storybook marriage of almost 70 years. Paul was blessed with two children that survived infancy, Katherine Ann Ahrens and Paul M. Tikalsky, Jr., to whom he was an extremely loving father. After his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Paul and Betty and their children were sealed for all time and eternity in the Church's Washington, D.C. Temple on February 25, 1977. During his 38-year career working professionally for the Boy Scouts of America, Paul influenced the lives of countless young men and adult volunteers — many of whom still count him as a cherished mentor today. His service spanned the globe, with stops in Illinois, Michigan, Wyoming, Utah, and Guam. Following his retirement, Paul was active in community service. Paul will be remembered by those that survive him as a builder of people, one who was full of encouragement, enthusiasm for life and a simple faith in God. In addition to his wife Betty Tikalsky, he is survived by his daughter Katherine and her husband Ronald D. Ahrens, his son Paul M. Tikalsky, Sr. and his wife Deborah Nyborg; nine grandchildren, including Ronald Z. (Jennifer) Ahrens, Jennifer (Dan) Duersch, Kristen (John) Schlesser, Bryan (Emilee) Tikalsky, M. David (Laura) Tikalsky, Lori (Paul) Sheets, 2nd Lt. Mark Tikalsky (US Army), Scott Tikalsky, and Amy Tikalsky; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Lynn Marie. A viewing will take place on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4105 Michigan Avenue, Manitowoc. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc will follow

Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Dec 26 2015