Paul L. Dahlkemper, Jr., age 41, of Waterford, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, after an extended illness. He was born in Erie on May 2, 1968, the son of Paul L. and Norma Jean Hanlin Dahlkemper of Erie.
Paul was a 1986 graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School and a recipient of the highest achievement in Boy Scouting, the Eagle Scout. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served for the next seven years until 1993, stationed most of that time in England and New Mexico. When he returned home, he attended Mercyhurst College and earned bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology. He later earned his state teaching certificate from Edinboro University in 1998 and began teaching social studies at Fort LeBoeuf High School.
As a teacher, Paul was interested in the lives and activities of the students. He was a football coach, the Academic Sports League advisor, and the Fort LeBoeuf Leo Club advisor. Previously, he was awarded the Teacher of the Month at Fort LeBoeuf High School, and in November of 2009, he proudly accepted the Golden Apple Award.
While Paul was a dedicated teacher, coach, and avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he most importantly was a loving husband and dad. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Lori (Schrimper) Dahlkemper, and their three daughters, Cassidy, Lacey and Carly Dahlkemper. He is further survived by his parents, Paul and Norma Jean Dahlkemper of Erie; four sisters, Marilyn Niebauer and husband Martin of Erie, Carolyn Monocello and husband Mark of Erie, Kathryn Lawrence and husband James of Waterford, and Jacklyn Gausman and husband Joseph of Erie; his brother, Dr. Patrick Dahlkemper of Pittsburgh; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.
Friends may attend visiting hours at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Thursday evening from 7-9 pm and on Friday from 2-5 and 7-9 pm. Lions Club services will be held at 8:30 pm Friday. Funeral services will take place at Asbury United Methodist Church, West 2nd and Walnut Streets, Waterford on Saturday morning at 11:00 am with Rev. Dennis Fetter officiating. Interment will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to his family to establish college funds for his three daughters.
I remember babysitting Paul while Jackie was taking her first communion. He was tired but wouldn’t go to sleep, so I laid down on Paul and Norma Jean’s bed and laid Paul Jr on top of me…he went to sleep. You can say I was one of the first that Paul slept with, ha ha. He grew up to be a wonderful human being. We miss him alot.
Lori and family,
Paul was a good friend and fellow Lion. I am going to miss him. May God bless you and watch over all of you.
Mike Cidor
To the Dahlkemper family:
Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Jim & Kathy Coates
Jackie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. We hope you will find comfort in spending time with your friends and family.
Deepest Sympathy,
Kim, Chef Marcy, Jessica, Sunny, Kristy, Todd and all the employees at Mercyhurst
The Commodore Perry Academic Decathlon team sends its sympathy to Mr. Dahlkemper and his family. Words are powerless sometimes.
To the Dahlkemper Family,
So sorry to hear about Paul passing away. I went to school with Paul for many years and also attended religious education classes with him. He was such a special person. He treated everyone so well, no matter who you were. He had a great smile and was just one of the nicest people I have ever known. I pray that you feel God’s comfort, love, and never failing presence during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Lisa Steele (Bronakowski) and Family
Dear Lori,
I am so sorry to learn of Paul’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Paula
To the Dahlkemper Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
To Jackie, Know I am here if you need someone to talk to.
Jackie & Family,
Tom and I are in Florida and just read of Paul’s passing. I am so sorry. Please be known that you are all in our prayers. May God’s blessings be upon you all.
Love, Carol & Tom
To The Dahlkemper Family–
I was saddened to read of Paul’s passing. He and I graduated together from Fort LeBoeuf. Paul was truly a genuine person, and was very kind to everyone in the school. I especially enjoyed his humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Ginnie Milton-Sawdey
Lori & girls, and Kathy
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You have been, and will continue to be, in my prayers. May God hold you close during this difficult time but remember that He is holding Paul closer.
Becky Wise
————
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God has laid, you see.
I took His hand when I heard His call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found the peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee.
God wanted me now,
He set me free
Dear Lori, Cassidy, Lacey and Carly~
Our hearts are heavy to learn of dear Paul’s passing, but know that he is truly at peace. It is the mark of a great life to say that Paul was loved by so many. Someone so special will never be forgotten.
Love and prayers~
Patty and Bill
Dearest Lori, Cassidy, Lacey and Carly,
We love you all so much and are saddened by your loss. May God keep his arms around you and guide you through this dfficult time. Our prayers are with you. We extend our sincere sympathy.
Hugs and kisses Love, Larry and Judy