Paul Ernest Doelling, 80 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13, 2025. He was born April 11, 1944, in Valparaiso, to the late Fred and Dolores (Henderson) Doelling. Paul graduated from Valparaiso High School, studied finance and accounting at the University of Buffalo, and received his bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University. He began working in the family business, Doelling Decorating Center, at the age of 9, and continued until his passing. Paul excelled in all areas at work, but his wallpaper hanging skills were legendary. He was able to hang all types of wallpaper with the greatest precision, and became highly sought after in the industry. The family business flourished under his leadership, guidance, and skill. Running one business was not enough for Paul though, and at one time, he owned Fat Wally’s Electric Beer Joint, with locations in downtown Valparaiso and South Bend. He was also proud to have a career with Waddell and Reed as a stockbroker and top salesman. Paul was a man of many talents, and each one required his best efforts, leading to optimal results. Paul was a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a talented handyman, a vegetable gardener, a hunter, and a fisherman. He valued his family more than anything and was his family’s biggest cheerleader in their endeavors. Paul loved spending time with his wife, Bonnie, going bowling, roller skating, dancing, cooking, and traveling the world together. He will be remembered for his generosity towards others, having a servant’s heart, and a strong work ethic in anything he did. Paul was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed.
On June 13, 1964, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Paul married the love of his life, Bonnie Thompson, who preceded him in death on January 17, 2025. He is survived by their daughters: Malissa (Douglas Howard) Doelling, and Paula (Roger Marshall) Doelling; grandchildren: Ashleigh Happer, Orrin Lynn, Joshua Osterhout, and Maggie Osterhout; brother, Fred (Karen) Doelling, Jr.; and close cousin, Susie (Milt) Zimmerman. He was preceded in death by his sister, Amanda (Eugene) Clifford.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN, with private burial at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VNA of NWI. Click here to watch the recorded funeral service.
GUESTBOOK
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Paul. I’ve always like Paul, and I see his granddaughter Maggie often. I know you just lost Bonnie. -Dick McGill
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I knew Paul through Mid America Decorating Stores. He was a very nice man always with a smile. He will be missed but not forgotten. -Judy Charnota
