Obituary: Paul Harris Yancy

On September 9, 2024, Paul Harris Yancy met his LORD and Savior, surrounded by family, while doing something he loved.

Paul was born on July 7, 1955, to Bud and Velma (Kasten) Yancy, and grew up in Oconto County. He met his “Lovie,” Deborah DeBauche, in 1976, at the family restaurant in Gillett, WI, and never looked back. Paul and Deborah loved visiting the grandchildren in Colorado, joining friends on Thrivent Builds, taking long walks with their dog, and sitting on the back patio watching storms roll in. Paul was content with the simple things in life.

Paul was a beloved father and family man. He found great joy in bringing his children up in the ways of the LORD. He delighted in teaching his daughters about life and would always say how proud he was of them. Grandpa Paul took great pleasure in teaching his grandchildren how to ride bicycles, ski, and build a proper campfire the boy scout way.

His loved ones considered him a mentor and a positive influence in their lives. Many carry his wisdom in their hearts, especially his daughters, nieces, and nephews. As an animated story teller, he brought memories to life to those around him. Paul had a profound ability to connect with and uplift those around him. He was always able to find the light and good in every situation. He gave everyone the opportunity to be their best self. 

Paul relished in shining the Light of Jesus by serving others. His career with Thrivent provided the opportunity to help others in planning for retirement, setting up their loved ones’ futures, and teaching them how to be generous to their neighbors and communities.

At home, you could find Paul in his workshop with greasy hands, old westerns on the TV, and tinkering on one of his projects. He would commonly say, “Let’s change the spark plugs first and go from there.” One of his passions was restoring old motorcycles – and taking sunset selfies.

Paul is survived by his wife Deborah; daughters Dana Rae Yancy of Kiel; Hannah Yancy Pierce (David Dyer) of Wheat Ridge, CO; and Cara (Joe) Stoltz, Lakewood, CO; Grandchildren Juliana Pierce and Hayden, Troy, Olive Stoltz; mother Velma; mother-in-law Beverly; Siblings John (Jackie) Yancy of Surprise, AZ; David (Sheryl) Yancy of Green Bay, WI; Leila (Bill) Wells of Troy, MI; Todd Yancy (Amy Wehrmann) of Pound/Howard’s Grove, WI; Jason (Carla) Yancy of Howard’s Grove, WI; Brothers-in-Law David DeBauche, Michael DeBauche, Green Bay, WI; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Troy (1993), father Bud (2006), sister-in-law Kendy (2007), father-in-law Roger and nephew Nathan (2015), and sister-in-law Kim (2022).

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 21, 2024, 12 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kiel, WI. Family and friends may gather at the church from 9 am until the time of service. There will be a luncheon afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to REINS Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies, Sheboygan Falls; Camp Evergreen, Sheboygan, WI; Trinity Lutheran School, Kiel, WI; or The Table Ministry at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Lakewood, CO.

Paul had many conversations with family regarding how blessed we all are. He’d say: 

“Don’t cry for me; the Good LORD can take me any day.” 

His memory will continue to inspire and guide those who knew him. Dad, we love you: 

“We love you from the bottom of our hearts.”