Paul E. Oliver, 80, of 3725 Asbury Rd, Dubuque peacefully passed away at 12:40 am, Wednesday November 20, 2024. No memorial service is planned at this time.

Paul was born at Finley Hospital on September 29, 1944. He was the son of Sophia (Hamsmith) and Leo E. Oliver. Paul graduated from the Senior High School class of 1963. He was a student photographer for the Senior yearbook, the Echo.

After graduation, he worked as a photographer’s assistant at Mould Photography Studio in downtown Dubuque. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted by Uncle Sam, becoming a U.S. Marine during Vietnam. While in the Marine Corps he was baptized Catholic. His Service occupation in the military was that of a photographer and motion picture cameraman. After attaining rank of Staff Sergeant, he at one time had 15 soldier-photographers reporting to him. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

He met his life-long companion and later legal spouse, Michael T. Mentzer around 1975. They were together for nearly 50 years. Paul worked as an auto mechanic for approximately 40 years at the Richardson’s dealership. Paul was among the first Honda mechanics in the Tri-State area. He recently donated to Unity Point-Finley Hospital an over-sized and extremely rare 1940s-era aerial photograph of Finley Hospital. Surrounded by long gone and heavily foliaged residential neighborhoods, the photo was taken by Mould Studio of Dubuque. The image was part of Paul’s private photo collection which included military photos as well. Paul was a taciturn man.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and 4 brothers.

Survivors include his spouse Michael T. Mentzer, a sister-in-law Patricia L. Meyer, 2 sisters, a brother, nieces, nephews and some members of his family of origin.

A special thank you goes out to Ennoble, the Dubuque VA Clinic and Behr’s Funeral Home!