Paul J. Ehrlich, 87, of Dubuque, passed away September 28, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00p.m., Monday, October 2, 2023 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque, with a prayer service at 2:30p.m.. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30a.m., Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Garner officiating and Deacon Loras Weber concelebrating. The funeral mass will be livestreamed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery where full Military Honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Paul was born on February 16 during the snowstorm of 1936. He was the fourth child of Fred and Thelma (Bahl) Ehrlich. He was raised on the family farm in Dubuque – the same farm in which he took his last breath.  He grew up with 12 brothers and sisters, learning the value of honesty and hard work; creating a lifetime of stories and love of the land that he shared with his children and grandchildren.

Paul served our country in the National Guard from 1957-1963 where he was in the 34th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.

Following a whirlwind courtship and a Valentine’s Day engagement he was united in marriage to Bernice (Naumann) Ehrlich on October 11, 1960. The couple shared nearly 63 years of marriage together; raising six children and always welcoming countless friends and family to their home.

Paul began milking cows at age 9 and didn’t stop until age 82. With this, he became involved in 4H and the Dubuque County Fair. He proudly served as a club leader for 20 years, a Dubuque County Fair Board Director for 18 years, and a member of the Extension Council for many years.  He was inducted into the Dubuque County 4H Hall of Fame in 2013.  Just this past August, he was inducted into the Iowa 4H Hall of Fame, culminating decades of commitment to the 4H program.

Paul enjoyed reading – telephone books, tabloids, romance novels and everythng in-between.  He had a green thumb and spent many hours in his gardens; always sharing the results.  He was also a fantastic baker, never using a recipe but always adding his secret ingredient – which was more sugar.

Dad was always good for a twenty, bringing newborn animals into the house (much to Mom’s disgust), drinking Pepsi, hitting the slots at the casinos, and swearing.  If he called you a made-up swear word, it was a term of endearment.  If it was an actual swear word – not so much. He shined in his role of grandfather and great-grandfather; spoiling each one with that wonderful gift of time – and sugar.

Paul is survived by his wife, Bernice; children, Laura (Bob) Schilling, Brian Ehrlich, Michael (Cindy) Ehrlich, Karen (Todd) Gronau, Kathy (Jeff) Kunkel, David (Tonya) Ehrlich; grandchildren,  Jim (Courtney), Jeffrey (Megan), Courtney (Eric), Jacqueline, Alexis (Cole), Sarah (Ben), Megan, Tim, Seth, Elizabeth, Jonah, Samantha (Tristen), Nathan (Caitlin); great-grandchildren, Rhett, Ada, Parker and a baby boy on the way. He is also survived by his siblings, Barbara Gaul, Dolores (Cletus) Ambrosy, Norbert “John” (Nancy) Ehrlich, Marilyn (Richard) Borgerding; in-laws, Lois Ehrlich, Linda Ehrlich, Richard Thoma, and Harold (Madonna) Nauman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-laws Edward & Anna Naumann, siblings, Tom (Roslyn) Ehrlich, Ina (Robert) Hohmann, Frances (Carl) Pfeiler, Mark Ehrlich, Fritz Ehrlich, Ethel Thoma, Daniel Gaul, Ernest Ehrlich, Vince (Diane) Ehrlich; in-laws, Marie (Norb) Dupont, Lorraine (Vern) Weber, Rita (Earl) Kintzle, Ruth (Lester) Weber, Doris Ann (George “Nicky”) Wolf, and Baby Boy Naumann in infancy.

Paul’s family wishes to extend a most heartfelt thank you to the staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kim for the wonderful care given to Paul during his last days. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions can be given to Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens or Hospice of Dubuque.

Rest easy, Dad.  We hope you were greeted at the Golden Gates by a nice, cold Pepsi and that elusive White Elephant Dog.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.