P___ A. S__ ____

Paul Arthur Schmi_ling passed away peacefully on April 3.

He built a good life 42 years of marriage with the love of his life, Ann; a father who never stopped being proud of his children, Emily and Nathan, Ben and Kristy and Maggie; and a Grandpa who took great pride in his six grandchildren: Audrey Rose, Hayden Paul, Eliza Ann, Levi Joseph, Matilda Frances and Eleanor Rose. Born in Detroit on May 20,1950, Paul was the second oldest child of Mary and Warren Schmi_ling. Growing up in a household of 13 children, Paul quickly learned the ropes of life - responsibility, resilience and how to hold his own. He valued hard work, had a good sense of humor and a healthy distrust of authority. A ctionately referred to as Sparky, for more than just his career as a Master Electrician - Paul was also a proud Vietnam Veteran. Beneath a tough shell was a deeply loyal man who showed love in subtle ways, like his signature “be careful” in place of more traditional words of a ction.

Paul loved gardening, and could o_en be found putzing around his yard or scootering in his neighborhood. He enjoyed a good game of cribbage, loved Boston coolers and would never pass on a juicy piece of gossip. Paul was a man of few words, but poignant as hell in his advice and life lessons. He continued to show up, in his own way, to the people who loved him dearly.

Paul is survived by his children, grandchildren, his twelve siblings_Greg, Mark, Joellen, Maryallee, Nancy, Robert, Lois, Janet, Bill, Gary, Brian, and David_ and the family he welcomed through marriage: Steve, John, Bill, Lisa, Dan and Patricia.

A simple celebration of life will be held in honor of Paul’s wishes at the VFW in Lake Leelanau on May 24, from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of _owers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Ann Schmi_ling Memorial Scholarship through the Leelanau Township Community Foundation.

Please share condolences and memories with Paul’s family at www.martinson.info. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.