Robert O. Paul, age 81, of New Bremen, died on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 4 a.m. at his residence after a period of declining health.

He was born on June 18, 1942 in German Township, Auglaize County, Ohio, the son of the late Hilgard C. and Esther M. (Rodeheffer) Paul. On September 9, 1967 he married Diane E. Headapohl and together they shared 56 wonderful years together. She survives in New Bremen.

Also surviving are his children: Dr. Jeffrey (Renee) Paul, Greg Paul, and Kelli (David) Muether, all of New Bremen; his five grandchildren: Taylor Paul, Rianna Paul, Colten Muether, Rogan Muether and MariAna Muether; and his two nieces: Nancy (Eric) Kroeker of Huber Heights, and Amy (Vern) Yahl of St. Marys.

Along with his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother and sister in-law, Vernon (Julia) Paul, and his father and mother in-law, Paul (Viola) Headapohl.

Robert was a 1960 graduate of New Bremen High School and had served his country for six years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen where he had served as a deacon and on church council. He had first worked for the Farm Bureau in New Knoxville before going to the Minster Farmer's Co-Op where he worked for nearly 40 years before his retirement in 2007 as the mill foreman. After his retirement, he had worked for W.O. True Value Hardware store, and mowed lawn for the German Protestant Cemetery for 12 years, and also served on the Auglaize County Fair Board for 13 years.

Robert had a passion for sports, and was a dedicated and loyal fan of the New Bremen Cardinals for all of his life. He especially enjoyed seeing his grandchildren play in their various sporting events, and was so proud of the fact that his four oldest grandchildren earned state titles in either volleyball or football and is expecting MariAna to do the same. He loved to play cards and did so routinely with the "Bolly Bunch." He and Diane were also members of a card club for over 56 years.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen, with Rev. Ken Locke officiating.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 2 until 5 p.m. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and again on Monday at the church, one hour prior to the services.

Memorial contributions in memory of Robert may be made to: Grand Lake Hospice, New Bremen Athletic Boosters, or to St. Paul Church.

Condolences and memories can be shared with the Paul family on the funeral home website, gilberghartwigfh.com.