Paul L. Largent, 78, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away on February 24, 2026, at Harmony Nursing Home.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

An additional visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1276 White Street, with a funeral service to begin at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Jay Ilten officiating. Burial will follow in East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the East Dubuque American Legion Post #787.

Paul was born on April 13, 1947, in Mason City, Iowa, to Roy and Beatrice (Shurson) Largent. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1965, where he earned All-State honors in football during his senior year.

Paul attended Luther College and graduated in May 1969. After college, he enlisted in the United States Army and achieved the rank of E-5. In 1970, he served in Vietnam as a combat medic at a small aid station in Phu Tai. He later participated in the first Honor Flight to depart from Dubuque following the COVID-19 pandemic, a moment of deep meaning for him and his family.

After his honorable discharge in 1971, Paul began his career with J.C. Penney Co., where he would go on to meet his Polish Princess. In 1973, he joined Mutual Wheel Co. in Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked for 45 years, serving as manager of the Dubuque branch upon his retirement in 2018.

On April 28, 1973, Paul married Ellen Sendt. Together, they built a life centered on family and faith.

Paul loved golf and followed football and basketball closely, both in person and on television. He was a devoted fan of Iowa Hawkeyes football and Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball, as well as the Minnesota Vikings. He also valued his weekly trips with Bob Heim to the Veterans Freedom Center for a competitive game of euchre and good conversation.

Coaching was one of Paul’s greatest contributions. He began in East Dubuque Little League, mentoring his sons and many other young athletes. He later coached basketball at the Dubuque Boys Club, junior high boys’ basketball at East Dubuque Elementary School, and went on to serve as head varsity boys’ basketball coach at East Dubuque High School. He guided and challenged student-athletes at every stage, teaching discipline, teamwork, and respect.

Even in retirement, Paul continued to serve. He volunteered at East Dubuque Elementary School, mentoring students in reading and math. He gave his time freely and believed every child deserved encouragement. He was also a member of the East Dubuque Zoning Board.

A man of strong faith, Paul was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He supported the church’s clothes closet ministry and served on the church council. He stepped forward whenever help was needed.

Paul is survived by his wife, Ellen; his sons, Bob and his wife, Darla, and Michael; his step-grandchildren, Bryan and Nichole Gebhard and their family, and Ben and Natalie Gebhard and their family; his brother-in-law, Bob Heim; his sisters-in-law, Denise Largent and Charlene Sendt; his aunt, Joan McGuire; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Beatrice; his brother, Dennis; his mother-in-law, Mary Sendt; his brother-in-law, Duane Sendt; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Darrell and Marilyn Sendt; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Delbert and Kay Sendt; his sister-in-law, Mary Heim; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

His family extends sincere thanks to the East Dubuque Fire Department, Hospice of Dubuque, the staff at Harmony Nursing Home, and Dr. Ben Kumor for their care and support.

Paul will be remembered for his steady leadership, quiet generosity, and unwavering commitment to his family, his community, and his faith.