Paul Peter Meskelunas

SIOUX CITY -- Paul Peter Meskelunas, 92, of Sioux City entered into eternal life Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at his residence with family present. After a very long and difficult journey, his passing was quiet and peaceful.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. Daniel Guenther officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with a Police Honor Guard and full military rites. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, with family present 6 to 8 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church. Online condolences may be sent to www.christysmith.com .

Paul was born Jan. 26, 1918, in Sioux City, one of six children born to Joseph Meskelunas and Stephanie (Poskevich) Meskelunas. He attended schools and remained in Sioux City for his lifetime. Paul lived his life with great integrity. He was a man of tall stature with a quiet and caring nature.

He was a man who believed in country, service and family. From April 17, 1943 to Jan. 18, 1946, he was a member of the U.S. Army. At the time of his honorable discharge, he was a staff sergeant with the 194th Glider Infantry, 17th Airborne Division. He received the following decorations and citations: one Service Stripe, two Overseas Service Bars, American Campaign Medal and European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Paul returned home and his service to Sioux City began on Sept. 4, 1946, when he became a police officer with the Sioux City Police force. This continued until July 1, 1968, when he was injured in the line of duty. The injury nearly cost him his life. The injuries included a broken left hip socket in three places, and his pelvis being fractured in five areas. He was hospitalized due to the severe injury until August 17, 1968. His role of police officer ended due to these injuries. He retired March 16, 1969, after 23 years of service to the community. Paul was the patrolman everyone respected. He was honest, professional, dependable and trustworthy. On his behalf, in the summer of 2007, his personal police memorabilia was donated to the Sioux City Public Museum for permanent display.

Paul married Margaret Marie Bassett on Feb. 10, 1941, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They remained together more than 49 years until her passing on Dec. 23, 1990. Their marriage was a team. They enjoyed each other's company, no matter if it was just sitting together on the front porch, running errands or mowing the lawn. If you saw them walking together, their little fingers would be entwined. Their union was not blessed with children, however, they enjoyed a relationship with Margaret's nephews and nieces and their children. After Paul and Margaret purchased their home, they met the new neighbor girl, Antonina, who became a loved and trusted friend; a special friendship of 50 years was formed.

In December 1971, Paul and Margaret became godparents to their beloved Rosanne. Paul became Grandpa M and no little girl could have been more loved by her grandpa than Rosanne by Paul. Every girl needs a grandpa who thinks she is special and perfect in every way. Paul was a man who turned his role of godfather into a wonderful grandpa. These relationships and love turned to a family of the heart filled with respect and sincere devotion. He was also a good brother to his siblings and a devoted husband to his wife.

Paul loved to fish, play cards with friends, and in later years he loved to watch football on television. After Margaret's passing, he enjoyed his home, cooking, quiet times and visits from friend, Toni and of course, his Rosanne.

Paul is survived by his family of the heart, his special girls, trusted friend, Antonina "Toni" Lienhard; his beloved granddaughter, Rosanne Lienhard; and his furry buddy, Teddy.

On behalf of Paul, Toni and Rosanne would like to thank Eileen, R.N., Jesse, social worker, and Michelle for their assistance on his long journey home.