Paul S. Haptonstahl

On December 11, 2023, Paul Samuel Haptonstahl left his tired earthly body at the Grove in Jacksonville, IL and took the express train to heaven.

Paul was born to Helen and O.R. “Hap” Haptonstahl in Des Moines, Iowa in 1955, the ninth of their 10 children. He attended school at Sunnyside and Silas Willard in Galesburg. He worked at KCCDD for many years and lived at Trulson House in Galesburg until 2004 when he moved to Springfield, IL where Paul was employed by SPARC. He lived at Glenwood Terrace and Garvey House in Springfield. He was a member of St. Patrick’s and Corpus Christi Parish in Galesburg, of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield and Special Persons Encounter Christ in both cities.

Paul was gifted in many ways. He was an accomplished bowler, a basketball player, played baseball, competed in track, and was a sought after dance partner. He was a singer and a musician, having concerts with his beloved Beatles and Monkees on a daily basis. He not only loved parties, he was the life of the party. Paul wasn’t just a character, he was an entire cast of characters! Call him George Harrison or Mike Nesmith, David Banner or Rocky Balboa. But in the end he was just Paul, a very special son, brother, uncle and friend.

Paul never failed to bring joy wherever he went. The impact he made on the lives of others is immeasurable. His life was a blessing to his family and many friends. He leaves behind those friends as well as his four sisters- Terry Jackson of Galesburg, Eden Winter of Ann Arbor, MI, Josephine of Peoria, IL and Susie (Lee Bursi) of Springfield, IL. He also leaves 3 brothers- Steve (Thomasina) of Cumberland, MD, Jim (Michele) of Oak Park, IL, and Mike (Denise) of Galesburg. Paul is cherished by his many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Max and brother-in-law Jim Jackson.

Paul was the subject of the documentary film Meet Uncle Paul, and had many books and songs written about him. He had fans and friends in many cities, states and countries.

Services will be held and live-streamed Saturday, December 23 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home Galesburg, IL. Visitation will be from 11:30-1:00 before the service at 1 pm. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery after the service. A late luncheon and tributes will follow the burial. In his honor, donations may be made to your local agency serving individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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