Paul W. Roenfeld, 85, Glenwood

Paul Walter Roenfeld, age 85, of Glenwood, formerly of Mineola, died at Glen Haven Home in Glenwood on April 6, 2009. Graveside services were held Thursday, April 9, 2009, at the Mineola Cemetery. Pastor Darrell Hopp officiated. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post 705 of Mineola and Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard, Bellevue, Neb.

One of three children of Louis Detlef Roenfeld and Elsie Helen (Heine) Roenfeld, he was born on May 4, 1923, on his parents’ farm located west of Mineola. Mr. Roenfeld grew up in Mineola and attended school in Mineola through the eighth grade. His family were members of the St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola, where he was baptized and confirmed. He was always a hard worker. He enjoyed throwing hay and helping area farmers. In June of 1943, he joined the United States Navy and served in both the Pacific and European theatres. He enjoyed traveling while he was in the Navy and collected many souvenirs from around the world.

Following the service, he returned to Mineola and began working for the Wabash Railroad. He joined the local American Legion Post and participated in all their activities. His non-stop work ethic kept him busy with other jobs around town. He opened and closed graves at the cemetery, mowed lawns, kept his equipment immaculate, and when his parent’s health began to fail, he became their primary care giver.

He and Violet Jean (Lawrence) Woods were married on June 6, 1991, in Council Bluffs. They made their home in Glenwood, and Mr. Roenfeld continued to find things to keep him busy. He enjoyed tinkering with and repairing old watches and clocks and continued to care for his lawn and lawn equipment, cleaning and sharpening the blades after each mowing. He continued to remain active with American Legion Post 705 where he was a member for 62 years. In February of 2008, his health forced him to move to the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Myron Roenfeld; and half brothers, Albert A. Roenfeld: and Milton Roenfeld. Mr. Roenfeld is survived by his wife of 17 years, Violet Roenfeld of Council Bluffs; three step-children, Christine Sunday and husband Greg of Spencer; Teresa Sapp and husband Joe of Omaha; and Chris Woods and wife Jenifer Rhodes of Glenwood; four step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; sister June Maher of Essex; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Hertz Funeral Home of Glenwood was in charge of arrangements.