The Superior Express -

Paul Lewis Van Wey, 85, died on Feb. 19, 2024, because of a short bout with cancer. He was born in Ionia, Kansas, on April 17, 1938, to Orlo and Irma (Boyer) Van Wey. He graduated from Ionia High School in 1956. Shortly after that, he married the love of his life, Beverly Jean Hake. Together, they have four children, four grandchildren, two great- grandchildren and one more on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Betty (Van Wey) Zabel and Barbara (Van Wey) Alcorn; and grandson, Jacob Kroll.

Survivors include his wife, along with Doug Van Wey and Leigh (Riggle) Van Wey, Sandi (Van Wey) Kroll and Nathan Kroll, Brenda (Van Wey) Thomas, and Curtis Van Wey; grandchildren; Tom Thomas, Emily (Kroll) Jones, Holton Jones, Sarah Kroll and Erin Robins; and great-grandchildren, Rhema and Avenlee Jones.

Paul enlisted in the Navy right after he and Bev were married, which took them to California. That's a long way from home for two teenagers who'd never been off the farm. Eventually, they moved to Colby, Kansas, where they started their family and he started his career as a cash register service technician.

The family grew and they moved around as most do finally settling in Nebraska.

In the later years, they found they had a talent for crafts. He tore down a 100-year-old barn, designed and built wooden buildings including decorations by his wife. They took their show on the road and were a big hit.

The best times were always spending time together and with family. He was the family's "go to guy" and there wasn't much he couldn't fix. He loved his family and the family loved him dearly. There will be a huge hole in the family for a long time to come.

Visitation was Friday 5 to 7 p.m. at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home. His funeral was at 11 a.m., Saturday at Christ Place Church, 14th & Old Cheney, Lincoln. Memorials to the family for later designation.