Paul James Viter

In Memory of Paul James Viter, a beloved Father, Son, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, and friend. Paul James Viter was born in Gothenburg, Nebraska on January 18,1946 in the home of his parents Gust Emil Viter and Alice Irene Floro. Paul passed on May 30, 2024 (78yrs old) in Huntington Beach, California in the home and loving care of his daughter Joey.

Paul was the last born of 17 children, and is survived by his two remaining siblings Kay and Doug. He loved his family and when the older siblings would come home to visit. I’ve been told that as a kid he was a tease, and loved to play pranks but he was also a fast runner and a very good athlete. Him and the neighbor boys would play baseball everyday. As he got older he would work hauling hay for 12 hours then come home and workout with weights. That is how he got so strong and built for football and track. Paul won many athletic awards as a child and continued to excel in sports in high school. He attended Gothenburg High School from 1960-1964 where he played football and won multiple 1st place ribbons in Shot Put and Discus Throw leading him to holding the record for many years. Paul’s athleticism got his name in the small hometown newspaper several times.

After High School he moved to sunny California and joined the Army. He was a National Guard working at the Nike Missile Base in Brea for 6 years. During that time he married and had three children, Shane, Tagge, and Joey. He was a great provider and wonderful father. He could be strict like his mother but he enjoyed his kids and loved to have fun and hear their laughter. He was over protective with his kids especially his little girl. He taught his children many different life skills, but most importantly he taught them the word of God and His unconditional love for us. He was the dad on the street that all the kids would come over and play ball with. They would literally come knock on the door to see if Paul could play ball with them. He was a good role model for these kids, he showed them kindness and love but what mattered most to those kids was his friendship to them and what he taught them.The next best thing in life were his 9 grandkids and handful of great grandkids.

Paul always had a way with babies and kids, they loved him. I can say that he thoroughly enjoyed each one of his grandkids and loved them so much. One of his favorite things was to watch them play sports, that man was so competitive. Paul had become a born again Christian shortly after moving to California. This was the best thing that ever happened to him. He became a faithful and obedient servant of the Lord. I believe it was his mission to tell everyone he could about his wonderful Lord Jesus, and His everlasting love for us. He witnessed to many, sat with complete strangers who wanted to know more about this Jesus guy, brought the kids from the neighborhood to church every week. He loved to study the word of God and he prayed faithfully. God truly blessed Paul and gave him more than he could ever ask for. He lived a content life filled with many joys. He does not want us to be sad because he has left this earth but he wants us to rejoice because he is finally with his Father in heaven with the new body Christ gave him. He hopes to see you with him someday too.