Paul W. Saftig, former Mayor of Kenosha, passed away on Monday, May 3, 2010, at the age of 83 in Punta Gorda, FL. Born on August 23, 1926, in Kenosha, he was the son of the late Paul and Nellie (McManus) Saftig. Paul was a 1944 graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School. On August 1, 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the South Pacific on LST 873, USS Eldorado and USS Rochester. He was honorably discharged on August 22, 1947. On November 20, 1948, he married Beverly Dyberg at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Paul worked for Wisconsin Bell for 36 years as a Lineman, Cable Splicer and Safety Supervisor. He retired in 1988 from both his job and politics. He was very active politically in Kenosha; from 1968 until 1976 he was Alderman of the 18th Ward; from 1976 until 1980 he was proud to have been the Mayor of the City of Kenosha. He then became Alderman of the 15th Ward from 1982 until 1988. Paul was a member of St. James Catholic Church, VFW Junker Ball Post 1865, National Member of LST Veteran’s, The Danish Brotherhood, the former Elk’s Lodge of Kenosha, the Navy Club, and was elected Kenosha Old Timer Baseball Hall of Fame-1999. Paul especially loved time spent with his family and great friends during summers in Mauston, WI, and winters in Punta Gorda, FL. He took up golf and was proud to make two hole-in-ones. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, still waiting. Paul is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly; three sons and one daughter, Tom (Mary) Saftig of Lisle, IL, Sandy (Tom) Rugg of McKenzie, TN, Bob (Joyce) Saftig of Kenosha, and Dan (Leslie) Saftig of Ames, IA; nine grandchildren, Bob Saftig Jr., Brian (Nikki) Saftig, Carrie (David) Elliott, Becky (Darrin) Reed, Paul Saftig, Joe (Fiancée Kim Kratovil) Saftig, Nellie Saftig, Jacob Saftig, and Andy Saftig; eight great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Kyle and Koby Reed, Katy, Ally, Sam and Dylan, and Elliott and Olivia Saftig; and two sisters, Donna Mae Tures of Rockford, IL, and Mary Lou Puzan of Grand Rapids, MI. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 10th, from the Proko Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. James Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials to Hospice Alliance or the Alzheimer’s Foundation would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Paul’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Anonymous
Connie and I extend our deepest sympathies.
Ron Kuryanowicz
May 20, 2010
I rmember many years ago at Ma Bell. You along with Joe Andrea were my mentors. Thanks Paul, rest in peace and say "HI" to Joe for me.
Bill & Pam Stelmok
May 11, 2010
Beverly: was sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I received an e-mail from Riverside Oaks residents/friends letting me know. I will always remember him and Brad. They were two great guys and I'm sure they will be missed. I wish you all the best going forward. Bill.
Bobbe Cutillo & Denise Boanny
May 10, 2010
Bev, so sorry about Paul but we all know it was for the better. We know you'll be busy all summer but hope to spend time with you when you return to Florida. Love Bobbe
Debbie Feest Turner
May 9, 2010
Tom and Sandy, sorry to here about your dad. Hope all is well with the rest of family thinking about yous today. Debbie
Michael and Terri Sawin
May 8, 2010
Beverly and the Saftig family: We will miss Paul very much and look forward to seeing you at the lake this summer.
Louis Rugani
May 7, 2010
Thank you for your friendship, Paul, and for all your efforts on behalf of the City.
Robert Frick
May 6, 2010
Saftig Family,I remember Paul very well. My father worked with him at the phone company. My father passed away in January 1979 and remember that Paul during his very busy schedule stopped over at our house to see if my mother needed anything. I remember the election that he lost. It was my first time I voted I was 18 at the time. I certainly was a said day when that happened. My prayers are with you.Robert Frick