Paul was born June 25, 1974, in Sioux City, Iowa. He then moved with his parents and brothers to Luverne, Minn., then onto Pasco, Wash., and lastly to Hillsdale, Ill. After graduation, he joined the United States Army for a four-year enlistment. He became an airborne ranger and was stationed at several bases. Years later, he had the honor of pinning airborne wings on his son, Julian.

Paul married Deneen right out of the Army and was blessed with two loving daughters, Paige and Jordan. He later married Jennifer, Seattle, Wash., and they raised two more loving children together, Julian and Claire.

Paul loved the outdoors, fishing and great food. He’d get inspired by DDD’s (TV cooking show), and he and his wife would travel around to featured restaurants on that show. He had a special love for good sushi, as well. He looked forward to the fall season and hunting with his dad and brothers, he was a sharp archery hunter, taking out deer, turkey, elk, and bears were on his list as his favorite. He enjoyed coming back to Nebraska to spend time with family, along with many cousins, aunts and uncles. Through the years in Washington, he developed a love for the Columbia River and walleye fishing. Paul always made sure everyone in the boat caught a fish.

His work family at Nucor closed the shop for a celebration of life with an overwhelming show of support and love for him. It was apparent what a great leader he was. Paul was always willing to help anyone, he was the kind of man who would give his shirt off his back for you.He helped his cousins work cattle in the fall, his uncle skirting a trailer, and was ready with the chainsaw at a moments notice.

He loved the pastures he hunted for game and mushrooms in as it gave so much peace and quiet. He also enjoyed cooking and making a competition out of it. He deeply loved his wife, children, family and dogs.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ed and Lavern Goeden and Bill and Bernadette Bonertz; uncle, Frank Goeden; uncle, Andrew Uhing; aunt, Marcy Bonertz; and cousins, Chad Bonertz, Scott Bruning, Nick Goeden, Amanda Goeden, and most recently, his loved uncle, Jerome Pinkelman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Bonertz; daughters, Paige Bonertz, Jordan Bonertz, and Claire Cross; and son, Julian Cross, Seattle Wash.; parents, Chuck and Sharon Bonertz, Hartington; brothers, Pat and Tracy Bonertz, Hillsdalte, Ill., and Edward “Toad” Bonertz, Hartington; along with many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins.