SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Paul John Bohlke, 89, a lifelong resident of Sioux City and a man whose work ethic was as legendary as his spirit, passed into the hands of Jesus to finally reunite with his beloved Shirlee.

Paul was born in the fall of 1936 during the height of the Great Depression; a time of profound hardship that shaped the resilient man he would become. Following the tragic loss of his mother when he was just nine years old, Paul and his siblings were placed in an orphanage - a beginning that instilled in him a desperate devotion to family that defined his entire life.

A proud graduate of Leeds High School Class of 1956, Paul served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army. Stationed at Fort Banks north of Boston, he maintained and drove the massive trucks for the Nike missile program, a period of service he carried with immense pride for the rest of his days. While at Fort Banks, he purchased a Brownie camera and taught himself to develop film. It was during a leave from the Army in 1960 that he married the love of his life, Shirlee Prichard.

Together, Paul and Shirlee built a world far grander than their humble beginnings. For 65 years, they lived in the same home - a continuous "labor of love" they renovated and redecorated together. Paul was a man of determination and grit; in 40 years as a trucking company trailer mechanic, often braving the brutal Iowa winters outdoors, he never took a single sick day.

Though an introvert by nature, Paul "worked hard and played hard." Whether at Taylor’s Tap, the 20th Street, Wag’s Wharf, or around a campfire, his trademark holler - a booming "Heyyy-yo!" - could be heard for blocks. He and Shirlee were avid travelers, graduating from a DIY bright blue school bus to a Winnebago, camping wherever they could find a campground and always with family and friends. After their camping days, they trekked around the country, including trips to Florida, California, Hawaii and Alaska.

Paul was at heart a devoted helper to the people he loved. He was inseparable with his siblings and took immense pride in his children’s every endeavor. In his later years, he became the primary caregiver for Shirlee as she battled dementia. Following her passing last fall, Paul’s only remaining desire was to be with her again.

A lifelong believer in Jesus Christ, Paul often humored the thought that he wasn't "quite sure" if he’d make it to Heaven. However, those who witnessed his selfless life know that he is currently shouting a roaring "Heyyy-yo!" among the saints.

Paul is survived by his three children (and their spouses): Theresa (Bill) Engle, Terry (Stacey) Bohlke, and David (Donna) Bohlke; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters Judy Mahaney and Joyce Hansen; and brother Larry Bohlke. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirlee; their son Paul John Junior, his parents, Lonie and Alphonse; and his brothers, Dave, Richard, and Gary.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Synergy Home Care, Holy Spirit Retirement Home, and St. Croix Hospice - especially nurse Bridget Macziewski - for their tireless and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Paul and Shirlee to Trinity Heights/Queen of Peace, P.O. Box 1707, Sioux City, Iowa 51102.