Paul A. Rommelmann, age 87 of Valparaiso, former principal of Kouts Middle/Senior High Schools, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023. He was born in Sheboygan, WI, on March 25, 1935 to the late Henry C. and Marie (Meissner) Rommelmann. On April 6, 1963, in Kouts, he married Jeanette Werner who survives along with four daughters of whom he was always very proud: Sara (Doug) Whitmer of South Bend; Lisa of Valparaiso; Lora (Matt) Dinnon of Granger; and Lila (Brian) Shafer of Aurora, IL; and his six grandchildren who were the joys of his life: Valerie and Chad (Alex) Whitmer, Jack and Kate Dinnon, and Tyler and Jacob Shafer. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Lois (Cliff) Phillips and his brother Henry.
His collegiate work was done at Valparaiso and Indiana Universities. He spent 42 years at Kouts as a social studies teacher and served as principal from 1967 to 2001. From 1963-65 he was the director of the student union at VU and returned there, upon his retirement in 2001, to a part-time position in the Education Department. He also served in the US Air Force Reserves for six years, primarily as an instructor. During his career he was especially proud of being a co-founder of the KHS Memorial Scholarship Fund; serving as an IHSAA district representative for 15 years; and being recognized by the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association for his contributions to the development of girls’ sports. For any success he had, Paul always credited his dedicated faculty and staff, cooperative student bodies, the community, and a very understanding and supportive wife. And it was no secret that he was an ardent Green Bay Packer fan!
He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where a Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 4 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, with a Memorial Service beginning at 12:00 PM. The church is located at 1700 Monticello Park Drive in Valparaiso. For those who are so inclined, memorials are preferred to the KHS Memorial Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 699, Kouts, IN 46347), Immanuel Lutheran School, or Valparaiso University.
GUESTBOOK
I LOVED Mr. Rommelman! He was my favorite out of all of the principals that I knew from coaching Boys and Girls Volleyball at Hebron. I still have a handwritten note that he sent me along with an article from the Post Tribune. They had interviewed me because in 2013 I was coaching 10 kids of former players. I am very sorry to have heard this news. Thinking of him fondly and his family. -Kelly Dickensheets
Mr. Rommelmann was not just my principal! He and his family treated me like I was part of their family by just inviting me over after basketball games to join them for ice cream while waiting for my ride home!! It meant the world to me as a foster kid!! Love, gratitude, and prayers for peace and comfort through precious memories for the family!! -Cathy and Steve Aviles
I am so glad my wife and I had the opportunity to have lunch with Paul last August. Isaac Newton once said that, if he had achieved anything, it was because he stood on the shoulders of giants. I'm no Isaac Newton, but for me, and I'm sure for hundreds of others who passed through KHS, he has been one of those giants. -Martin Joyce
Dear Mrs. Rommelmann & family, You all have my sincere sympathy & prayers! Kouts lost the best principle principal ever! He was great! I appreciated the great order he kept. I still remember him during morning announcements one winter day reprimanding the students that drove to school for "doing doughnuts & other slippery maneuvers" in the parking lot. I thought that phrase was rather comical. Kouts had an excellent educational system. (I hope they still do.) I saw some of the same curriculum at junior colleges that I had in high school. At a small technical college I attended, I saw juniors & seniors from various high schools who literally could not do 3rd grade math. Many of the "standards" today are pitiful. I'm very grateful for the education I got at Kouts! I'm sorry I won't be able to come to the visitation or funeral. I have a daughter getting married that Sunday, & we're supposed to take pictures Saturday morning. Even though I'm not fond of being photographed, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to dodge this one. Again, you have my sympathy & prayers. -Duane (& Jill) Gudeman
So sorry for your loss. He was a very good man and respected I went to kouts. Graduated in 1974. I enjoyed his caring personality and was very good at what he did. I have visited kouts a few times since graduation and it has really changed. The family is in my prayers. -Cynthia Ailes Hutchings
I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Heaven will get another vibrant Packer fan. I worked with Paul for many years and always appreciated him as a quiet, smart gentleman of impeccable morals. It was very exciting when he got our Packer season tickets and he invited me to join Paul’s Packer Posse as a founding member. His humor, Packer Pride, and graciousness will be remembered. He loved and was very proud of his daughters and Kouts HS. May he Rest in Peace! -Jon Groth
Our condolences. Paul was well known by all. -Ed Kosanke
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of such a great man, Paul Rommelmann. He taught the class of '62 in Junior and Senior High and, in my opinion, made history and government come alive. I am certain that much of my interest in history stems from his creative way of teaching the subject. Even as a kid I could tell he had high expectations for himself and for his students. I wanted to make him proud. Thank you, Mr. Rommelmann, for dedicating your life to education. We need more people like you. -Judy Vogel McBride
So many great memories. -Barbara and Melvin Haman
Since I don't have an address, I am sending you my condolences on line We had four children go through the Kouts school and were glad to have such a fair and caring principal for most of those years. Though we hadn't seen Paul for several years, he had always been friendly to us outside of the school. We will miss him in our community. -Carolyn Scarborough
We feel blessed to have met Paul and Jeanette and the rest of the Rommelmann family, especially Lila, our daughter-in-law. He was very special to his family. Hold on to those wonderful memories of a very special man! -Joyce and Dave Shafer
Paul was one of those people you were fortunate enough to call a true friend. Our paths crossed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Valparaiso in the late 1990’s. He was always easy to talk with and had a great sense of humor. Paul and I would often serve together as ushers for the morning Church service. My wife and I send our condolences to all of you at this difficult time. God Bless you all. May the peace of our Lord and Savior be with you! -Al and Mary Truhn
Dear Rommelmann family, Our sincere condolences on your loss. Mr Rommelmann was a great man - wonderful leader, principal, role model and a lifelong friend to our family. He inspired so many in the area over several generations. We are thankful to have known him and will keep your family in our prayers. -Rick and Tina Briars
