Paul Ferguson, 85, Feb. 12, 1927-Feb. 2, 2013

Obituary courtesy of Hultgren Funeral Home: 

Paul E. Ferguson, age 85, a resident of Wheaton, Illinois, passed peacefully at home on February 2, 2013. He was born February 12, 1927 in Boone, Iowa to John Ferguson and Irene Cooper.

Paul was raised on a farm in Napier, IA with his 6 sisters, Lucille, Louise, Charlotte, Clita, Maxine, and Barb. After a fire burned down their home the family moved to a farm in Cambridge, IA.

He joined the army in 1945 and served in Germany as a truck driver. He returned from the war and married Jean Woods with whom he has a son and a daughter. After the service he attended Iowa State College on the G.I. bill, and worked for the agricultural engineering department. He loved working there with the latest machinery. Then he got the flying bug and started flight training.

He took a job with Howard’s flying service mowing the runways and working on aircraft and engines, as well as being a flight instructor. This is where he learned to be meticulous with his maintenance. As his students came back with stories of working for the airlines, he decided to do the same and began working for Capitol Airlines in 1956. Three years later Capitol merged with United Airlines where he flew for 31 years, 20 years as captain. In 1961 he married Siv Rosell with whom he has two daughters.

Paul never lost the love of farming. Over the years he had several farms including a 250 acre dairy farm, then a 100 acre crop farm, and finally a 10 acre farm closer to home.

He enjoyed working on projects and could build and fix almost anything. He was always ready to help anyone who needed it. He loved his family and was devoted to them.

Paul was an active member of The People’s class of Wheaton Bible Church for 30 years, the Retired United Pilots Association, and Sons of the American Revolution.

He is survived by his 4 children Mark Ferguson (Neftalia) of San Diego, CA, Cindy Harvat (Larry) of Waconia, MN, Sandy Miller (Ronald) of Kirkland, WA, and Monica Etzel (Mark) of Naperville, IL, his 10 grandchildren, Antonella, Ferguson, Sarah Ferguson, Rachel Ferguson, Jess Harvat, Matt Harvat, Suzanne Harvat, Kristina Miller, Hannah Miller, Payton Etzel, Lauren Etzel, his great grandchild Evan Harvat, his two sisters Clita (Earl) McHone, Maxine (Don) French, and his devoted partner of 22 years Judy Stanley.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Charlotte (Lloyd) Bennett, Louise (Robert Hill, John) Blanchard, Lucille (Clifford Thompson, Glen) Bergman, and Barb (Don Smith, John) Tiffany.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday February 5, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m where a funeral service will follow at Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Ave., West Chicago, IL 60185. Interment is private.

Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Josephs Indian School, Chamberlain, SD 57326, The People’s Class, Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Ave., West Chicago, IL 60185, and Operation Christmas Child.