Paul J. Naumann

Paul Naumann, 88, formerly of Menomonee Falls, went home to Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. He was born on March 5, 1935, the son of John and Gertrude (nee Schmeling) Naumann. In June of 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis (nee Krause) in Milwaukee, WI. They were happily married for 66 years. Paul attended school at Milwaukee Lutheran, Valparaiso University and additionally also earned a Masters degrees from UW-Milwaukee and continued coursework for his PhD. at various universities. During his years at each school, he was a standout athlete on the gridiron, baseball field and basketball court. Some of his records still stand today, and he is a member of the Hall of Fame in Valpo. Acknowledged as a team captain for each sport multiple years, he never forgot where his strength came from, Jesus Christ.

While Paul loved sports and earned offers to play baseball for the Boston Braves, Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles, along with an invitation to the Green Bay Packers training camp, he had committed to join the US Marine Corps Platoon Leaders class after college. He & Phyllis lived in Virginia and California while he served in the Marines. Reaching Captain rank and participating in the Officer training program were highlights of his time in the service. He continued his sports career while playing for and/or coaching the USMC traveling teams in both football and baseball.

Paul & Phyllis came back to Wisconsin to be near their families, and Paul started his teaching and coaching career which spanned over 38 years between Concordia University Milwaukee, Brookfield East High School, and Brookfield Central High School. During these years of teaching Physical Education, Paul introduced and began an Outdoor Education program which was replicated throughout Wisconsin. He was an instructor for the National P.E. conference and a presenter with the DNR of WI for teacher workshops on the subject. Paul also introduced the sport of pickleball to the schools in the state after attending a conference and learning about it. He was very proud to have started and run an extremely popular intramural program that offered youth of all athletic abilities time to participate in various sports.

Paul coached basketball, football, and golf. His teams found much success, reaching the playoffs multiple times and earning State Championships in both girls’ basketball and boy’s golf. He was also named WI Coach of the Year in both sports, and inducted into the Hall of Fame for coaching at Concordia, Brookfield Central, and the WI Golf Hall of Fame. Paul loved coaching and teaching, but his true love was being with his family and the beauty of God’s outdoors in Northern Wisconsin. His favorite place to be was at the lake listening to the wind rustle in the trees in the yard, hearing the loons call early in the morning and watching the eagles soar across the sky. You could find him out on the pier or in the boat trying to catch the “big one,” on the golf course perfecting his game when he had the chance, or just tinkering in the garage trying to get something to run (our own Rube), painting a canoe paddle sign, putting together a game of bobber bucket basketball for the grandkids to play or sitting by the fire for his famous corn roasts.

For years, he spent his summer working as the Recreation Director for the SC Johnson Lighthouse Resort teaching hundreds to waterski, shoot archery, fish, canoe or take part in the Polar Bear Plunge each week. After leaving that position, he began working at the Trout Lake Golf Club, where he was a starter and connected with many former students and friends when they came to play. In fact, there was rarely a place anywhere that he went where he didn’t come in contact with someone from a former time in his life. For many years, Paul and Phyllis enjoyed winters in Arizona. His golf buddies were some of the best around, and he loved his men’s group and putting friends. He was very active, along with Phyllis, in the Wisconsin Club, where he held the role of president and planned many events, including an annual golf outing.

Paul loved family with his whole heart. He always made sure to recognize how much Phyllis did to keep things running on the home front through the years while raising three children. He knows she has a strong faith and draws her strength from God. He reminded people daily of his favorite bible verse, Joshua 1:9. It reads, “This is my command. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Paul is survived by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis; sons David (Karen), Dan (Eileen) and daughter Amy (Monte); grandchildren, Billy (Sarah), Jodi (Adam), Andrew (Cecilia), Patrick, Anne, Elise, Elaina, Eden; great grandchildren, Makenna, Tessa, Easton, Ava and Sophia. Also survived by a brother, Tom, nieces and nephews, and many dear relatives and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude, in-laws, Fred and Frances Krause, and grandson Bobby Naumann.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, W196N9525 Cross View Way, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, with Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church (Menomonee Falls) or Aspirus Family House (Wausau, WI)

The family extends a special thank you to the care team at Angel’s Grace Hospice, the volunteers at the Aspirus Family House,  and all family and friends for their love and prayers.

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