Paul Garry Bement was born August 9, 1950 to Paul and Paula Bement of West Union, IA. He graduated from North High in West Union in 1968. On June 26, 1970 he was joined in marriage to Tina Rae Berken of Waterloo, IA. They lived happily in Auburn together for almost 53 years, in “a shack by the river” as Paul used to say. Many folks knew him by his nickname “Grizz”. He was also known by the vehicles he drove, decorated with humorous quotes and Bible verses.
Paul spent most of his life as a truck driver, a job he absolutely loved. Paul was a very talented mechanic too and could fix almost anything. Paul also spent many years riding a bicycle all over NE Iowa, as well as commuting to work on his bike. He also enjoyed tinkering, chatting with folks, and just hanging out with his family.
What he enjoyed most later in life was relaxing in his rocking chair, going to Pizza Ranch in Oelwein or Decorah every Friday, visiting folks in nursing homes, taking folks to doctor appointments, sometimes as far as Iowa City, playing Santa Claus at Christmas events (Tina played Mrs. Claus), and attending the Gospel Hall in West Union. Paul made sure he knew every child’s name at the Hall and he made sure every child left the service with a couple pieces of candy. Paul also called everyone who attended the Hall on their birthday.
Paul is survived by his wife Tina; his daughter Katie (Kevin) Blau of Remer, MN and his son Klint (Sarah) Bement of West Union; his brother Jeremy (Lynn) Bement of Burnsville, MN and sister Kerrilee (Keith) Bunge of Redmond, WA; his sister-in-law Karen Bement of Elgin, IA as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Paula and his brother Kenneth Bement of Elgin, IA.
Visitation will be held at the Gospel Hall in West Union, on the corner of East Elm and 4th Streets, on Saturday, July 1st from 10 am to 12 pm. Lunch will be provided afterwards at the Legion Hall in West Union, 103 East Main Street, from 12:30 to 3 pm. At 3:30 pm, there will be a gathering at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Auburn for those who wish to attend.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrnagements.