Paul Orfield, 79, of Asbury, Ia. passed away peacefully June 2nd, 2018. According to his wishes, there will be no public service or visitation.
Paul’s life will be honored by family at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family Paul was born in Creston, Ia. February 28, 1939, the son of Paul W. Orfield and Berneta May Parker.
(He was delivered by the son of the doctor who had delivered his future father-in-law 22 years earlier! ) Two of his greatest influences as a young man, were his Dad and Mr. Fowler of the Adel Drug Store. Both men strengthened Paul’s already strong work ethic and integrity.
He graduated from Adel High School class of 57’ and proudly served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. After his discharge, he moved to Davenport and worked at Alcoa Aluminum. During this time, he and Barbara E. Little met and discovered close family ties they shared 5 hours away in Murray, IA; it had to be destiny!
Paul and Barb were married in October 1965. Two years later, they moved to Joliet, Il. so Paul could pursue his next goal.
He graduated from Lewis College of Aviation Maintenance Program with commendation and began working for Elliott Aviation in Des Moines. Paul later joined William’s Pipeline Co. Five moves and 28 year later, Paul retired in 1999 as Operations Supervisor at the Dubuque Terminal. Paul always had a knack for troubleshooting and creatively resourcing solutions which stood him well at work and at home.
He was a great “fix-it-guy”. Paul and Barb loved taking mini-adventures together poking around antique shops and finding good eats, there was never a “wrong” turn in the road. However, their favorite adventure of All, was rearing their two great children, Dean and Darci.
Following is brief version of their memories of Dad. To a high-school aged Dean, a note from Dad. “Dean, a little advice that will mean a whole lot as you go through life” to the anonymous quote, “Every success is built on the ability to do better than good enough”.
“I think even then I had some appreciation for Dad’s unique approach to effort and attention to detail, taking good care of things, being a responsible custodian. Dad’s endorsement of this left a more meaningful impression than the quote otherwise would have. It was an ideal he could deliver with credibility”.
Darci shared the following. “For a man who always had a plan, and a back up plan, there is no manual for cancer. However, dad remained stoic and accepted the “hand” that was dealt.
He never complained and even allowed his sense of humor to peek through on occasion. Dad was a private person with a kind heart and solid work ethic. He held high expectations of himself and others.
I thank him for teaching me how to use tools, the importance of financial stability and the strength of independence. You will be deeply missed, we love you Dad! ” Last, but not least, Grandchildren.
Two delightful young people, full of dreams and promise for the future. We have been blessed. Paul is survived by his wife, Barb; children and their loving families, Dean (Ikuko) Orfield, Okinawa, Japan; Darci (Scott) Dannatt of Dubuque; Grandchildren, Sho Orfield, and Emily Onken; Mother, Berneta Carstens, Fulton, Il.
; Sister, Paula Devore, Adel, Ia. ; Brother and Sister in law, Jerry(Andrea Sue) Little, Missoula, Mt. ; four nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his Father and step-mother, Paul (Peggy) Orfield; Step-father, Henry Carstens; Father and Mother-in-law, Ernest and Florence Little. As you said, “Every day was our Anniversary”. Thanks Babe, for our 53 years!
Paul’s family would like to express a heartfelt thankyou for the gentle caring respect of Paul and all of us, to the staff of Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Dubuque or the Dubuque County Conservation Board to help support our parks.
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