Paul J. Vorthmann, age 87 passed peacefully at home on April 2, 2021. He was born to Paul & Herminia (Barta) Vorthmann in Treynor, on July 16, 1933. He graduated from BeeBeetown High School, Class of 1951.
Paul was drafted into the US Army in 1953, he served as a driver for the M65 Atomic Cannon. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
Paul married Margaret Brich on July 30th, 1955 at St. Patrick's Church in Neola, to this union ten wonderful children were born.
He was a lifetime member of the VFW and was one of the key figures for instituting VFW Post 9731 in Missouri Valley, on Nov. 7, 1985, of which he was the 1st Commander. He was the 7th District Commander of the VFW for two years. He was also a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, Council 999 and an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic church in Missouri Valley.
He had many occupations during his lifetime, soldier, beef lugger, Locker Plant owner/operated, trucker (livestock to the Omaha Stockyards and to various sell barns), he also operated a corn shelling business. He collected and refurbished an extensive toy collection. He owned and operated Valley Lockers in Missouri Valley for 14 years, in addition farming.
Paul loved working with wood. He made cedar chests for each of his 10 children, the chests were made from Harrison County cedar trees/wood. He made birdhouses, play houses, storage sheds, wooden cut out pictures and many pieces of furniture.
Preceded in death by parents, Paul C. and Herminia (Barta) Vorthmann; sister, LaVonne Morrison; brother, Ronald Vorthmann; grandsons, Kristopher Mark and Zachary Vorthmann.
Survived by his wife, Margaret of 67 years; 10 children, Paul Vorthmann III, Kathy Minikus (Patrick), Darrell Vorthmann (Patti), Dave Vorthmann (Pennie), Donna Mark, Tom Vorthmann (Dawn), Lou Ann Phillips (Curt), Rex Vorthmann (Christie), Mary HameArbane (Hame) and Cindy Mae Hallet (Sean). Twenty-six grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.
Prayer Service was at St. Patrick's Church Missouri Valley, on Monday, April 5, 2021 with visitation following.
Funeral Service was Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at St. Patrick's Church, Missouri Valley. Burial will be at St Patrick's Cemetery in Neola. The family will direct memorials.
