In Memory

Paul Bredeson

Deceased 2016

MOUNT HOREB, Wisconsin - Dr. Paul V. Bredeson, age 69, of Mount Horeb, passed away on Feb. 9, 2016, at UW Hospital. He was born on Oct. 16, 1946, in Rockford, Ill., the son of Alvin and Clarise Bredeson. He married Mary Bredeson (Rhoads) on Sept. 2, 1967, in Rockford, Ill.

Paul had a long career in education as a teacher, principal, and professor. After he earned his Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin School of Education in 1982, Paul went on to a long and impactful career as a university professor and mentor at multiple institutions. In all his roles he brought his quick intellect, collaborative spirit, strong work ethic, and deep values of quality and service to others. As a university professor and Department Chair at UW, Paul was known as a smart, caring, and engaging colleague who was always willing to help in a project, class, or committee. Over the years Paul published dozens of articles, chapters, and books on the principalship and staff development, sharing his wealth of knowledge and leaving a lasting legacy for the future.

Paul received many awards and honors during his time as a professor, and served as president of multiple professional organizations. More recently, in 2011 Paul was awarded an honorary doctorate from Umea University in Sweden, and spent 2012-13 as a Fulbright Roving Scholar for Norway's upper and lower secondary schools.

Paul is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife, Mary, and two children, Erica (Kurt) Schlicht of Middleton and Christian (Amy) Bredeson of Anaheim, Calif. He is also survived by his twin grandchildren, Maxwell and Kyra Schlicht; his brother, Gary (Helen) Bredeson of Oregon, Ill.; sister-in-law, Nancy Rhoads of Palm Harbor, Fla.; brother-in-law, Bill (Robin) Rhoads of Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends around the world.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Allen Bredeson and Steven Bredeson.

The Celebration of Paul's life will be held at ST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at 2 p.m. There will be a private burial service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Paul's memory and giving sprit by donating to the Middleton Outreach Ministry.

Paul will be remembered by his family, friends, and colleagues all over the world for his contagious zest for life and a laugh that would light up a room. "Laughter connects you with people. It's almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you're just howling with laughter. Laughter is a force for democracy." He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched.

Please share your memories at www.CressFuneralService.com.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434

 



 
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02/17/16 12:45 AM #1    

Shirley Rounds (Schirz)

Paul was a bright and shining star to all of us at East.  He easily befriended everyone and lit up every classroom.  Although I was a closer friend to Mary than Paul in high school, Paul and I did share classes together.

God had a sweet surprise for us years later when Paul and my husband Tom met each other as educational colleagues in Wisconsin. One night at the supper table Tom said, "I met a really great guy today, an administrator north of here.  His name is Paul Bredeson."

 I paused my eating,  "Is he from Rockford?"

 Tom looked into my eyes.  "I don't know."

"Could you find out?  I knew a really great guy in high school named Paul Bredeson who married a good friend of mine."  Weeks later after Tom visited the northern school districts again, he announced that his Paul Bredeson was, indeed, my classmate. Over the following years, Tom and Paul had many meetings.

 At the next class reunion there the four of us stood, visiting, laughing, catching up, all the while Mary and I cast glances at each other that said "Can you believe they became friends without---us?"

It was a surprise blessing our God gifted to us.  And, we will all meet again.

Paul, I celebrate your life and all your amazing accomplishments; it was a pleasure to know you.  


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