Paul Walter Michler

Paul Walter Michler, 95 of Fond du Lac, passed away at Woodlands Senior Park on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

He was born on July 29, 1927 in Fond du Lac, WI and was the son of Walter and Dorothy Michler.

Paul served in the Army Intelligence during late World War II and was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii. Upon leaving the service at 21 years of age, he started Michler Motors on Main Street in Fond du Lac, a Packard, Studebaker and Willy’s Jeep Dealership which he ran until 1957. When he sold the business to Chuck Henkel the dealership became Henkel-Edsel, and he stayed on as their Business Manager for five years. Paul then went on to work at the newly created State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue, where he retired after 18 years as a criminal investigator. During his attendance at various functions, his friends would always say “Watch your wallet, the Tax Man Cometh !”.

Just like his grandfather Herman and father Walter, Paul was civic minded and served on the Fond du Lac City Council, Park Board and other committees for many years. He was instrumental in the development of the Fond du Lac Fairgrounds & County Pool, Lakeside Park , Buttermilk Park, Kiekhaefer Mercury Marine Global Headquarters and was a founding member of the Fond du Lac Jazz Festival. Paul was President of the City Council from 1970-1973.

A passionate lifelong member of the Fond du Lac Exchange Club, Paul passed out tens of thousands of flags during the Memorial Day parade to children through the club’s national program “giveakidaflagtowave”. He received the Clubs Golden Deeds Award for his years of service, spearheading the development of the Lakeside Park Petting Zoo, Fond du Lac Skyport sign, the courthouse clocktower and the club’s significant involvement with Walleye Weekend, the Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Fond du Lac Festivals, A.C.E. Awards, International Aerobatic Club, Toys for Tots, Fond du Lac Historical Society, Beacon House, Free SPIRIT Riders and numerous other entities.

He loved traveling with his wife, visiting 49 states, putting over 105,000 miles on their GMC motor home “The Blue Goose”, as well as touring Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, and Europe with their son Jim. Paul had several “hobbies”, including attending auto races & car shows throughout the country, collecting model trains and model cars since childhood and enjoyed his time volunteering at the world renown EAA Air Show in Oshkosh. He took a special interest towards Gilles and Culvers Ice Cream sundaes and frequented Disney World, always making sure to stop in at a restaurant near Davenport, Florida which is famous for the World’s largest strawberry shortcake sundaes during their winter residency in Florida.

A loving father, he is survived by two sons: Jim Michler and partner Sharon Silva of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Jack Michler and wife Cheryl Michler of Fond du Lac; four grandchildren: Ross Michler and wife Michelle Michler of New York City, NY, Cassandra Michler of Los Angeles, CA, Stuart Michler of Miami, Florida, and Cody Michler of Los Angeles, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved Wife, Virginia, his prized Pomeranian lap dog “Molly”, and two brothers, Richard Michler and Donald Michler.

The family wants to give a special thank you to Woodlands Senior Park and Agnesian Hospice Hope staff for their care over the past few months.

As a longtime active member of Hope Lutheran Church, 260 Vincent Street, Fond du Lac, the visitation will be at the church on Monday, March 20th from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Phillip Enderle officiating. Paul will be laid to rest at Rienzi Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Paul Michler Legacy Fund at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, 1020 S. Main Street, Suite E, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 54935.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com