Paul Daniel Pletcher

ELKHART — Paul Daniel Pletcher, 90, of Elkhart, passed away Sept. 14, 2017 at Greenleaf Assisted Living in Elkhart.

He was born on Nov. 12, 1926 in Harrison Township, Elkhart County, to Samuel and Ida (Stahly) Pletcher.

Shortly after graduating from Wakarusa High School, Paul enlisted in the Navy during WWII, where he served on the battleship USS Iowa, and was present in Tokyo Bay during the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender.

After leaving the Navy, he married Norma Jean Madlem on Oct. 1, 1948.

He had a long career at NIBCO, until his retirement after 39 years. After “retirement”, Paul continued to work into his 80s, employed during that period at various places including at Martin’s Hardware with his sister-in-law Eileen and at ISI delivering paychecks. Paul also served as a Boy Scout leader and Junior Achievement leader during earlier years.

The family has fond memories of Paul “tinkering” in the garage or basement with his tools, helping his family and friends build and repair “anything and everything”, while having the most organized, clean workshop anyone could imagine.

He spent his summers with his family at their cottage at Shavehead Lake in Michigan, and more than a month each winter with Norma at the Caribbean Beach Club on the gulf waters in Fort Myers Beach, FL.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Norma of 68 years, and his brother Virgil.

Surviving are his two sisters Arlene (Lester) Hartman and Shirley (Joe) Martin; two sons, Brad (Deb) Pletcher of Elkhart and Dan (Bonny) Pletcher of Toledo, Ohio; five grandchildren, Tiffany (Joseph) Cataldo of Elkhart, and Jennifer Pletcher, Samantha Pletcher, Ashley Dunlap and Kendra Dunlap, all of Toledo; four great-grandchildren, Sam, Gabe, Bella and Gigi Cataldo, all of Elkhart; one great-great-grandson, Uriah Cataldo and one-great-great-granddaughter Azaria Cataldo, also of Elkhart.

Paul was a member of Creekside Church of the Brethren.

Cremation will take place at Altera Cremation Services and inurnment will take place in Rice Cemetery at a later date, with military honors by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard and DAV #19.

Donations can be made in Paul’s name to Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa Dr. #D, Mishawaka, IN, 46545.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is entrusted with arrangements.

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