Paul Richard Reisen Sr., 80, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Saturday evening, June 27, 2026, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury, IA.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, on Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque., with Paul’s nephew Father Chad Droessler officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and from 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM, on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Paul was born January 27, 1946, in East Dubuque, IL, the son of William Fred Reisen Sr. and Pauline Florence (Werner) Reisen.  He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1964. After high school Paul met Karen R. Droessler and proclaimed that he could not live without her.  He convinced her to give up her parents’ dream of the convent, and the two of them were united in marriage at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kieler, WI, on September 10, 1966. Paul and Karen were made for each other, and their commitment and love were obvious to all who knew them.

Paul believed that love was best expressed through dedication, sacrifice, and hard work. He spent 35 years at the Chicago Dubuque Foundry, where he earned the respect of his coworkers through his dependability, integrity, and tireless work ethic. He later worked at MercyOne until his retirement. No matter where he worked, Paul took pride in providing for his family and always put their needs before his own.

Above all else, Paul was a devoted husband and the proud father of 6 children, Papa to 20 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. His greatest joy came from watching his family grow and sharing life’s moments with them. He leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and quiet strength that will continue to inspire his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

“Warrior blue” ran deep in Paul. He enthusiastically attended his children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting events, never missing a chance to see them compete. Paul was an unwavering Chicago sports fan and was always happy to settle into his recliner after work to watch his favorite teams. Whether it was the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bulls, or the Fighting Illini, win or lose, he was always a fan.

Above all, Paul will be remembered for the love he gave so freely and the family he built so strongly. His presence will be missed in countless everyday moments, but his memory will live on in every story told, every laugh shared, and every gathering of his family.

And in the end, the greatest honor he ever held was simple and true—we got to call him Papa.

Paul is survived by his children:

Paul Jr. of Freeport, IL (deceased), and his children Tanner (Lexie and children Ben, Ellie, Carson, Maisyn) and Breanna.
William of East Dubuque (deceased), wife Kara and their children Nolan, Cassandra (Mathew and child Vivian), Anna, and Natalie. Jody (Jim) Winchell of East Dubuque, and their children Paulina (Kenny and their daughters Piper and Aria), and Andrew (Mariah). Jason “Jake” (Beckie) of Roy, UT, and their children Zoey (Joshua and their daughter Clara), and Beau.
Bryan “B” (Amy) of Gulf Breeze, FL, and their children Ashley, Alyssa, Cole, Avery, and Carter. Gerry Lou (Jestin Sr.) Sertle of East Dubuque, and their children Jestin Jr. (Gwen), Eben, Gavin, Aspen, and Karin.

Paul is also survived by his sister Josephine Powers of East Dubuque.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife Karen, Son, Paul Jr., Son, William. His Father, William Reisen Sr., Mother, Pauline Reisen, Sister, Betty Rodgers, Brother-In-Law, Elmer “Ruff” Rodgers, Brother, William Reisen Jr., Sister-in-law Arlene Reisen, Brother, Ralph Reisen, Sister-In Law, Jean Reisen, Brother-In-Law, Bob Powers, Brother, Bob Reise,n Brother, John Joseph Reisen (in infancy).

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for the care provided to their father, Paul.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Gerry Lou and Jestin Sertle for opening their home and caring for him so he could remain with family in his later years. It was not easy for Paul after the passing of his beloved wife, Karen, he carried a broken heart with him, but he found comfort in being surrounded by those he loved.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©