Paul L. Ehlers

Paul L. Ehlers, age 51, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He died at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born in Neenah on March 9, 1956, son of the late Donald Ehlers and Doris (Laus) Ehlers who now lives in Menasha. He was a graduate of the Menasha High School, and received an Electrical Engineering degree from Illinois Institute of Technology. He joined Plexus in June of 1978 as a project engineer, working in the Technical Group. Over the years, he moved through the ranks at Plexus, holding positions as Vice President and Business Unit Manager, Senior Vice President, and was currently the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. On June 20, 1992, Paul married his best friend, Jerriann Thornell.

Paul was a wonderful, spiritual man – a pillar of strength, an intelligent natural leader, and an anchor of love for his beloved wife and children.

Paul’s first and foremost hobby was his passion for golf. He was a longtime member and former member of the board of directors at Butte des Morts Country Club. He loved to spend time cooking, baking, and decorating his children’s birthday cakes. He loved traveling with his family, woodcrafts, astronomy, and interior design and architecture. Paul enjoyed reading and relaxing in his beautiful rose garden.

Survivors include his wife of fourteen years: Jerriann Ehlers of Greenville; three daughters: Jillene Ehlers of Milan, Italy; and Alissa and Renee Ehlers, both at home; his mother: Doris Ehlers of Menasha; two sisters: Jean (Joel) McCormick of Boulder, Colorado and Ann Ehlers of Menasha; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Cathy (Matthew) Dokoupil of Grand Junction, Colorado; Julie Thornell of Kiel; Michael (Kim) Thornell of Neenah; Tim (Carolyn) Thornell of Grand Junction, Colorado; and his mother-in-law: Janice Thornell of the Town of Menasha. Paul and Jerriann are also the proud godparents of Miriam Griswold of Oshkosh. He was preceded in death by his father Donald Ehlers and his father-in-law Jerry Thornell.

Funeral services for Paul will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH, N1615 Meadowview Road in Greenville with Rev. Paul Shackel and Rev. Nate Reichle officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Menasha. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the funeral home from 3:00 PM until the time of an evening devotion at 7:00 PM. Friends may also call at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the beginning of the service.

“Today is a gift of the Lord. Live it to the fullest!”

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
5378 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231