Paul R. Michler's Obituary
On August 19th Paul R. Michler, 77, passed away at his home surrounded with love, after fighting a very courageous battle with pulmonary arterial hypertension. He was born March 11th, 1946 in Kansas City, MO to Jack and Betty (Mattern) Moore. His mother later married Joseph Michler and moved to California where he and his sister Linda were raised. Paul enlisted in the United States Army in 1964 and served until 1967. He was part of the 173rd Army Airborne Division in Vietnam. During his tenure in the military he attained the rank of sergeant; was received the parachutist badge among several other badges and medals; and was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded in 1966 in Vietnam. Following his service, he moved to Oshkosh where he met and married Paulette Pillar. They had two children, Shawn and Stephanie. Paul was hired by the City of Oshkosh as a Police Officer in 1972. He wore the uniform proudly and was highly respected by his peers both as a “street cop” and SWAT team leader. He was also respected by the citizens he served as a fair and professional police officer. In 1993 Paul married Cheryl (LeRoy) Ceelen. For over 30 years of their marriage they toasted each other every day, laughed a lot, and shared many wonderful memories: annual trips to Florida, a 7 week excursion around the United States, camping, family get-togethers, close friends, costume parties, grandchildren and dancing in the kitchen. They just recently renewed their vows in a private ceremony in their home.
Paul was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his optimism; his athleticism in everything, especially softball and golf, and his dancing. Nobody could keep up with him on the dance floor!
He will be remembered for his charm, common sense, wisdom and manners. He was a true gentleman.
Paul is survived by his wife and best friend Cheryl; his step-daughters Maggie (Steve) Faust and Katy Klug; children Shawn and Stephanie; grandchildren Mimi and Carson Faust, Trysten and Kathryn Hazen and Gabriel Klug, Peyton and Grayson Michler and Ely Dronski; great-grandson Koda Faust Cauthen; sister Linda Moore and her family Tammy (Tim) McCabe, Deborah Montano, and Melissa (Larry) Berger; brothers-in-law Aaron Montano, Joe (Joan) LeRoy, Jeff LeRoy, and Jim (Donna) LeRoy. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly; good friends who meant so much to him; especially Steve Schauz, JJ, Haz, T-Man, and Larry Bibow; Ken Grimes along with his other brothers of the 173rd Airborne Division. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law Joseph LeRoy.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 12 noon in the Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home, 865 S. Westhaven Drive in Oshkosh. A time of visitation and support will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Full military honors will be accorded by the United Veterans Honor Guard immediately following the service in honor of Paul's service to his country.
A special thank you to family and friends for all your help, your love and your prayers during this very difficult time. In lieu of floral expressions, a memorial in his name has been established to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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