Paul George Haefcke Jr.

74, of Noblesville, Indiana, departed this life on Thursday, June 5th, 2025. Paul was born July 22, 1950, in Hackensack, New Jersey to the late Paul George & Emma Anna (Budde) Haefcke, Sr. He grew up and attended schools in North Bergen, just across the Hudson from Manhattan, and then attended Jersey City Teaching College.

Paul was an accomplished entrepreneur. He was very proud that he had started his work-life as a forklift driver, and through hard work and a lot of ambition, worked his way up through the levels of management to become a leader in his industry. He always kept a humble attitude and a sense of humor in all his dealings, making many life-long friends through his business connections. Later, he proudly founded and operated Shelter Distribution, a roofing and building supply company.

Paul was a kind, funny and gentle soul who loved family above all else. He supported his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors and was always ready to consult through life’s twists and turns. His listening ear and guidance, always tinged with his unique sense of humor, will be dearly missed.

Paul had a spirit for the outdoors and adventure. He loved being on the water and fishing. He often shared fond childhood memories of fishing with his father on the Hudson River. Over the years he lived in different areas and thoroughly enjoyed his fishing trips with beloved friends and family in New Jersey and Florida. He was a private pilot when he was younger, still carrying his pilot’s license proudly. He owned a charter fishing boat in Naples, Florida, “The Kingfisher”, named after his father’s boat, and was a darn good shot on the trap and skeet fields. He had recently, while living in Indiana, taken an interest in fly fishing.

Beyond his culinary and fishing talents, Paul's passions included making and listening to music. An accomplished musician, he played several instruments, including the trombone and flute, and was incredibly proud of playing backup for the legendary band Blood, Sweat & Tears. His musical journey even took him to the iconic Record Plant Studio in NYC, where he recorded an album in the very same studios the Beatles had once used. He delighted in challenging himself with complex recipes and new breads to entertain friends and family. A glass of his favorite wine was never far from him during either activity.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Emma Haefcke, his son Maxwell Martin Haefcke, his dear brother-in-law, Bill Geib, his granddaughter Alyse Emma Haefcke, and a very special aunt Alwina Blum.

Paul is survived by his devoted children, Lisa (Greg) Falahee, Adrianne (fiancé Joe Gallaway) Spencer, Steven Paul (Nushin) Haefcke and Tessa Ann (fiancé Ryan Garisek) Haefcke; beloved sister, Irma Geib; grateful grandchildren, Cameron & Ada Falahee, Ethan, Chase & Wyatt Spencer and Jay, Ahnava & Emrhys Haefcke; dear nephews, Matthew (Tara) Geib & Rob Geib as well as a host of dear friends.

A Celebration of Life for Paul will be on Saturday, June 28th at Leppert Mortuary-Carmel Chapel. Paul’s family will receive friend from 11:30am until time of services at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Paul’s name to Folds of Honor (www.foldsofhonor.org) or the Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis (www.wheelermission.org)