Paul Wilderdyke

 Paul Andrew Wilderdyke was born on June 18, 1942, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Frank Herman and Dorothy Fredonia (Brown) Wilderdyke. The middle of five children, Paul grew up with two brothers and two sisters. In his youth, his family moved from Kansas City to Grinnell, Iowa, where he attended Grinnell Community School District. Paul trusted in Jesus at the age of 13 and grew in his faith under the loving witness and devotion of his mother. While in high school, Paul met the love of his life, Janet Kay Cox. They were united in marriage at Newton Methodist Church on September 28, 1961, both just 19 years old. Neither could have imagined this love would persist and deepen across more than six decades of some trials and endless joys. 

 Shortly after marriage, Paul was deployed overseas while serving in the U.S. Navy, returning home intermittently to reunite with his bride. In October 1962, the couple welcomed their first son, Steven, who was followed by a daughter, Robin, in March 1965, and then by another son, Eric, in September 1967. 

 Paul’s dedicated military service moved the family from Grinnell to Washington State to Virginia and finally to Ewa Beach, Hawaii, where their children spent many years of their childhood. Paul loved all three of his kids dearly and attributed their success in life to the tender and devoted care they received from Janet throughout their upbringing. 

 Paul’s twenty years of faithful service to the U.S. Navy held many memories, including speaking to President John F. Kennedy over the phone, seeing the world (with sneaking into a Hong Kong nightclub being his favorite foreign adventure), enduring active combat during the Vietnam War, developing deep fraternal friendships, and reaching the rank of chief radioman. Upon his military retirement, Paul and Janet returned to their roots in Grinnell, where Paul accepted a position with GTE (later Iowa Telecom) as a digital systems engineer. He was later promoted to Community Relations Manager, traveling throughout the Midwest to secure and strengthen relationships with thousands of clients. His charisma, humor, wit, and expertise culminated in making him a natural in this role. In 1989 Paul and Janet relocated to Woodbine, Iowa, which positioned him to better serve his clientele. 

 Paul loved traveling, whether for work or for pleasure. His favorite excursions were spent riding his motorcycle with his beloved Janet Kay hanging on tightly behind him. A proud and passionate Republican with a heart for his community, Paul was elected to serve Harrison County in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2001 to 2007. During and after this service, Paul volunteered as a member of the Missouri Valley Hospital Foundation Board, Woodbine City Council, Harrison County Development Board, and Woodbine and Logan Kiwanis. Paul spent his retirement gathering for morning coffee with friends, owning and operating the Logan Health and Fitness Center, creating the quintessential “man cave” garage, maintaining his prized red Saturn convertible, cherishing his wife and very best friend Janet, and spending time with his six beloved grandchildren. 

 After a life so well lived, Paul joined his Savior on February 11, 2025, after passing peacefully in his sleep at the age of 82 years, seven months, and 23 days.

 Paul was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Frank, John, Marie Harrington, and Dorothy Renaud; granddaughter, Megan; and great-grandsons, Kase and Kye. He leaves behind his loving family: wife, Janet; daughter, Robin Kielich; sons, Steven (Marsha) Wilderdyke and Eric (Stefanie) Wilderdyke; grandsons, Kyle (Alicia) Kielich and Benjamin Wilderdyke; granddaughters, Katelyn (Connor) Schmitt, Kimberly (Colin) Kirchhoff, Mercedes (Brandon) Wilderdyke, and Marissa Wilderdyke; and other relatives and friends.

A service will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.