Paul Karl Stephan

Longtime resident, Paul Karl Stephan passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 17, 2024 at the age of 84. Paul was born on the Northside of Chicago, Ill to German immigrants, Paul K. Stephan and Agnes Czuday on December 28, 1939. He had 2 siblings, a twin brother Peter and a sister Rose Marie. Paul attended elementary school at Saint Hillary School. He went on to study at Lane Tech High School where he cultivated his skills and love for mechanics.

Paul and his twin brother Peter Stephan graduated in 1958. After High School, Paul began his lifelong career for the US Postal Service in Skokie, ILL where he walked his route faithfully every day!

He proudly served in Army Reserves starting in 1964, achieving a rank of SSG-E6, and was honorably discharged in 1968. In 1964, he met Karen O’Toole and the two were happily married in 1965. Their union brought Paul much joy with the births of his two beautiful daughters, Deborah and Kelly.

In 1969, during a family vacation to Colorado, the mountains called.The Stephan’s dreams came true in 1970 when Paul requested and received a transfer to the Estes Park Post Office. He and his family packed up their station wagon, drove to Estes Park and settled in what would become his hometown for the next 54 years. In 1973, Paul and Karen went their separate ways but remained lifelong friends. He loved raising his 2 wild

and beautiful girls with some chickens, a St. Bernard called Daisy and a Scottish Terrier, Pee Wee.

In 1987, Paul married Susie Stewart and was a loving stepfather to her children Brandon and Jocelyn. They enjoyed travel and adventures in their Trans Van and spending time with family. In 1998 Paul and Susie parted ways.

In 1994, after 35 years of dedicated service, Paul retired from the US Postal Service. While working at the Estes Park Post Office, he earned the nickname of “Paul the Postman”. Paul knew everyone and everyone knew Paul. He could tell you what your PO Box number was long after he left his position at the Post Office.

During his time in Estes, Paul fell in love with the many things the community had to offer. He could be found at most pancake breakfasts, enjoying meals at local restaurants with friends and family, walking the lake path, working on his many vintage vehicles, building/remodeling his home(s), socializing at The Wheel, enjoying coffee at McDonalds, attending sales and auctions, or engaging in shenanigans with his buddy Ed Kelsch. He cultivated a wonderful community with his neighbors who looked out for each other over the years.

He had a love for all things unique and historical, including the history of Chicago which he shared with his twin brother Peter. He could build, repair, and create almost anything. An avid collector of all things vintage and antique, he loved to restore and breathe life into dust covered, forgotten gems of the past. With a passion for keen eyed hunting at almost every auction, estate or yard sale, Paul was a lifelong learner and carried a curiosity for the mechanical workings of almost anything. Paul was a unique character with a wicked sense of humor. His fondness for history will forever thrive and grow through his family and friends and all those who knew him as, “Grandpa Paul”, “GP”, or “Raul”.

Paul was preceded in death by his father Paul Stephan, mother Agnes Stephan, sister Rosemarie Stephan and daughter Kelly Stephan.

Paul is survived by his twin brother Peter Stephan, daughter Deborah (Karl) Stephan Wolf, his grandchildren: Josh (Danielle) Wolf, Payton Wolf, Alec Stephan, and his two great grandchildren Dominic Clifton and Odin Wolf.

Arrangements for a gathering are pending. In lieu of flowers or other outreach, the family’s wishes are to give back to the community Paul so loved by supporting your locally owned businesses and charities.