Stephen Joseph Paulus Sr.

Stephen Paulus, age 90, was born on January 29, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois. At age two, he returned to Czechoslovakia to live with family, where he experienced the hardships of WWII and life under the Russian regime. At eleven, he came back to the United States, learning English while already knowing fluent Slovak, and went on to build a full and meaningful life.

Stephen was a hardworking and dedicated man. He began his career at General Motors as an apprentice, later becoming a journeyman electrician, and then as a floor supervisor overseeing 300+ employees. One of his favorite parts of the job was finding bottlenecks in the production line and fixing them.

He proudly served in the Armed Forces as an airman beginning August 15, 1957.

Stephen was devoted to his family and community. He spent many years as a Boy Scout leader. He was a true fix-it man-always having the right tool and ready to help friends and family solve any problem, a real MacGyver. He also loved photography and videography, capturing special moments for both family and friends. Known for his generosity, he often shared these recordings so others could relive and cherish those memories.

He married Margaret Stimac, and they welcomed their son, Joseph Paulus Jr, on June 13, 1960. He later married Alice Wilson-Bricker on December 1, 1967. Together they made their home on the farm his parents purchased in 1947. He lovingly raised her daughter, Denise, as his own, and they had two sons, Stephen Jr. and Bobby. On June 11, 1994, he married Helen Weinberg-DeValle. They enjoyed traveling together, staying active, and spending time together. Stephen was deeply devoted to Helen, caring for her faithfully, especially during her declining health. His quiet strength and unwavering dedication never faltered.

Steve will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, warm smile, and friendly sense of humor as well as his lifelong dedication to helping others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stefan Paulus Sr. and Katherine Paulus: his wife Alice Paulus and his children, Stephen J. Paulus Jr. and Denise A. Bell.

He is survived by his wife Helen Paulus; his siblings, Robert Paulus and Jospeh Paulus Jr; his sons, Robert (Kelly Jones) Paulus and Joseph Paulus; his stepchildren, Wendy DeValle, Tammy Dodd, Kip DeValle, and Kelly DeValle; his grandchildren, Mara Wieleba, Devan Dodd, Tyler Saidla, Dylan DeValle, and Dayton DeValle; and four great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Ronald Moritz officiating. There will be a reception at the funeral home immediately following the service. A graveside service at Almena Cemetery will be held at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions in memory of Steve may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, 721 Pine Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079 or the Alzheimer's Association.

Forever in our hearts (Slovak: Navždy v našich srdciach)