Paul was born on November 15, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to William Francis and Sylvia Marie (Vlach) Kren. He married Judith Ann Lambert in Webster Groves, Missouri on June 7, 1968.
Paul is survived by wife, Judy, a son, Paul, Jr. and his daughter Elsie Knowles Kren; daughter Kate Kern(husband Tim) and their children John-Morgan Lambert, Zachary Tyler and Emma Claire; daughter Carrie Davis(husband Jack Il) and their children Jack Ill, Molly Grace and Hank Paul Joseph; his great granddaughter Sophia Elizabeth Kern.
Paul is also survived by 6 beloved sisters and brothers in law, several nephews, nieces, his "posse" of great friends, and many treasured cousins with whom he grew up.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers William Francis and Robert John and two sisters in law, Mary Ann (Legan) Kren and Mary Ann (Healy) Kren and his beloved uncles Bill and George Vlach.
Paul attended St. Leonard's Grade School in Berwyn, Illinois and St. Mel High School in Chicago. He then entered the Christian Brothers and graduated from LaSalle Academy in Glencoe, Missouri. He continued to be a Christian Brother (FSC) for nine years while Attending Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tennessee and Graduating from St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota. Paul received his Master’s Degree from Western Illinois.
Paul began teaching at the age of 19 at DeLaSalle High School in Chicago, and then at Gabriel's High School in Lansing, Michigan, Bishop Noll High School in Hammond, Indiana, was the Chair of English Department at St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois and at Bethel High School in Bethel, Vermont. He taught English/Composition at Lincoln Land Community College, Philosophy and Literature at Springfield College in Illinois and English/Composition at Western Illinois University.
Paul worked at the State Board of Education where he retired after 35 years. Paul’s passions were working with and writing grants and representing the Chicago Schools.
Having lost his father at nine years old, he pursued his love of music in violin at the Chicago Conservatory of Music and was a boy soprano and alto with the Paulist Choristers of Old St. Mary's Church in Chicago.
He was a Member of the Sherman Village Board and several other boards throughout life. He volunteered for several organizations, was long time member, lector, communion minister and choir director of St. John Vianney in Sherman, Illinois.
Paul was passionate about and loved being with and mentoring his children and grandchildren. Further, he provided compassionate attention to every Nurse, Medical Student and Doctor who took on his care. In addition, he cherished teaching, writing, cooking for his friends and family and travelling – especially to his five favorite places, New Orleans, San Francisco, Ireland, Paris and Rome.
While teaching he directed many plays and was involved in the restoration of the Chandler Music Hall in Randolph, Vermont, where he also directed. Two of Paul’s favorites were directing Carousel in Randolph, Vermont and the King and I in Lansing, Michigan. Paul coached his children in soccer and little league baseball and softball, taught two of them at LLCC, loved all kinds of music, reading and being an entrenched, unwavering and vocal, liberal democrat and a lifelong Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears fan.
Judy and Paul were the very best of buddies in all of their life's moments — those that challenged and those that enriched.
Paul lived each day of his life humbly and compassionately through the gospel. And teaching us all how to quietly – and without the need for recognition - feed the hungry, shelter a stranger, and to every day “do our do”.
As a teacher, he was unique; as a husband and a father, he was irreplaceable.
Thank you to the entire staff at St. John’s Hospital and to his outstanding team of Nurses and Doctors. Thank you for what you do each and every day, for being there to provide presence and compassion. Thank you for all the dedication you bring to your profession every day. Paul was always so grateful for the excellent care he received over the years – and, most importantly, the ability to establish personal ongoing relationships with so many. In addition, he loved his many years at Prairie Heart Cardiac Rehab and all the friends he made there.
Those who wish may either send donations to St. John’s Breadline or continue his passion to improve the lives of children by purchasing a book to donate.
Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and a celebration will take place at a later date.
To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit the online Life Remembered Story at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.
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