Paul J. Vaassen, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 9, 2024 at Stonehill Care Center.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday May 13, 2024 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday May 14, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, New Melleray. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Military Flag Presentation will be accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Paul was born on August 22, 1934, in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, son of John J. and Mary (Busch) Vaassen. He graduated from Loras Academy in 1952 and Loras College in 1957, both in Dubuque. Paul honorably served his country in the Iowa Army National Guard for nine years. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Ann, at St. Joseph’s Prairie Catholic Church on June 7, 1958, and together they had four children: Daniel, James, Paula, and Patrick.

Paul taught high school at Sacred Heart in Waterloo for two years, then he went to DeSales Central Catholic in Ossian for three years, and then Western Dubuque High School for 15 years. He was a natural leader and coached basketball, baseball, and women’s softball. Paul umpired for more than 20 years and was honorably inducted into the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame as an Umpire.

His faith was also very important to him. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Prairie Catholic Church, then Holy Family Catholic Church, New Melleray, where he was a lector, distributor, on the parish council, and a choir member. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was also a long time farmer south of Dubuque, an active member of Dubuque County Farm Bureau, he was one of the founders of the Dubuqueland Angus Association, a member of the Iowa Angus Association and the American Angus Association, and also the treasurer of the National Junior Angus Shows that were held in Des Moines, Iowa.  He served as a 4-H leader for the Table Mound Junior Ranchers and was inducted into both the Dubuque County and Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.

Paul also managed the Dubuque County Fairgrounds for 14 years and was an Iowa State Fair Board Member for 34 years and was awarded the Iowa State Fair Hall of Fame Award in 2018. He had immense pride and joy being part of the Iowa State Fair and the county fairs he represented in his district that he visited every summer. Listening to his enthusiasm and seeing his face light up as he talked about the Iowa State Fair was an amazing testament to the passion and delight he had and shared with others.

As busy as Paul was his entire life, the time he spent with family was the source of his greatest joys. He treasured every moment he was able to spend with his grandchildren and the delight on his face when he shared photos of his great-grandchildren was contagious. He will be remembered not only for his hard work and commitment, but for all the heart he shared with family and friends. Even through his recent health struggles, he maintained his optimistic outlook on life, worked so hard to rebuild his strength and was so grateful for the compassionate care, assistance and support he received. Thank you to Stonehill Care Center, all of Paul’s doctors and nurses for their excellent care and concern for Paul and the entire family. Thank you to Msgr. Thomas Toale and Leonard Funeral Home for your guidance.   Paul made a lasting impact in countless ways on so many people and will be missed dearly.

Paul is survived by his wife Mary Ann, children Dan (Sharon) Vaassen of Ann Arbor, MI, Jim (Karen) Vaassen of Key West, IA, Paula (Rod) McGraw of Winthrop, IA, and Patrick (Terry) Vaassen of Marshalltown, IA, grandchildren Rachael Coleman, Patti Fosdick, Nick Vaassen,  Matt McGraw, Mitch McGraw, Mason McGraw, Max McGraw,  nine great grandchildren, siblings Marge (Bill) Cummer, Gene Vaassen, Leonard Vaassen, Phyllis Lutes, Gerald (Connie) Vaassen, Lois Vaassen and sister in law Carole Vaassen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerome Vaassen, and sisters-in-law Kathie Vaassen and Mary Jane Vaassen.

A memorial fund will be established in his name.