Obituary for Paul Edward Vassberg Harlingen/Lyford, Texas Paul Edward Vassberg, age 79, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2018, surrounded by family. He was born in Harlingen, Texas, on November 1, 1938, and grew up on the family farm near Lyford. After graduating from Lyford High School, he attended the University of Texas graduating with a BA in 1961.
After his first year at UT, Paul lived with a Mexican family in Guadalajara while taking summer classes through Arizona State University at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara. This was a life-changing experience and the friendships established there existed throughout his life. From October 1961 to June 1962, Paul attended the University of Madrid and lived with a Spanish family.
For two years, he taught reading, science, and Spanish to 6-8th graders at London Elementary School, just outside Corpus Christi. Although he liked teaching, he returned to the family farm to help his father, whose health was failing. One of his passions was flying.
After learning to fly in 1965, Paul eventually owned several airplanes and made memorable trips to Canada, Alaska, and Mexico. He was also a member of the Cameron Country Flying Sheriff’s Posse and the Civil Air Patrol for several years. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, reader, and RC airplane enthusiast.
Paul married Gloria Krabill in February 1968, and they had two children. Paul was active in his community, serving on the Lyford School Board, Lion’s Club, and was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities. Paul farmed until 1990, and in 1993 began teaching developmental English at Texas State Technical College.
He retired after 20 years of teaching. Paul and Gloria divorced in 2001, when he married Hilda Serna. He and Hilda divorced in 2012.
After retirement, Paul moved to Valleyview Retirement Community where he developed a number of close friendships. Paul is survived by his children Dawn Gering (Steven) of Spokane, Washington, and Tim Vassberg (Marian Bednar) of Coppell, TX. ; three grandchildren (Trajan, Karsten, and Cade Gering), four step-sons (Emmanuel, Omar, Alejandro, and Isaias Formacio), three step-grandchildren, and many relatives.
Paul was preceded in death by his brothers, David and Stephen, and his parents, Sven Vassberg and Evelyn Lofton. A memorial service for Paul will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 8233 Park Ave. , Lyford, Texas, at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to the PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation (pkdcure.org) or your local library. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Duddlesten Funeral Home, 604 W. Hidalgo Ave. , Raymondville, Texas.
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