Paul was born in a rural setting - at home on the kitchen table! - in Laingsburg, Michigan on July 13, 1933. He was the oldest of seven siblings: (Paul), Marilee, Dave, Marge, Sue, Judy, and Bob. He grew up in Detroit, graduating from Cass Tech High School in 1951. After meeting and marrying Barbara Miller in 1952, Paul moved with Barb to Chicago where Paul entered a Baptist seminary program. It was July 4th, 1953 when Paul's son Allen was born in Chicago.

After returning to Detroit in 1957 to work in youth ministry, Paul got involved in Social Work and eventually earned his Masters Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University. He began practicing in social work and subsequently became a professor at Wayne State- a position he held for the rest of his life. In addition to his teaching, Paul saw clients in his private practice and served as the Assistant Director of Social Work at Detroit Receiving Hospital. His daughter Carrie was born April 25, 1968.

On May 25, 1980, Paul married Mimi Becigneul and entered the lives of Mimi and her daughters. With Mimi, he spent the next 15 years raising Michelle and Jennifer in Detroit and in the Southfield home where Mimi continues to live. After Jennifer's death in 1998, Paul willingly took on the role of father to Jennifer's daughter Madison and continued in that role until the day he died.

Throughout his life, Paul enjoyed woodworking, telling jokes, singing and fishing. But his strongest and overriding loves were for the people in his life and for his faith. His long and varied faith journey led him ultimately to become a member of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 2005.

Paul is survived by his wife, Mimi Becigneul, children; Allen (Patricia) Koonter, Carrie (Greg) Adas, Michelle (Mark) McCoy, Madison Becigneul-Koonter and the late Jennifer Kayl, grandchildren; Jason, Devin, Luke, Abigail Adas, Connor, Cassidy, Caitlyn, Dillon,and Riley McCoy, brothers and sisters; Marilee Lauerman, Marge Stovel, Sue Wilson, Judy Hirt, Bob Koonter and the late Dave Koonter.

We remember fondly how Paul touched the lives of those around him: family, co-workers, friends, neighbors, and all those he met. We will miss him greatly, but entrust him to God's merciful love and care.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. (in state after 9 a.m.) Thursday, January 15th at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church 23815 Power Rd., Farmington. Reverend Mark S. Brauer officiating.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-9 p.m. with a Parish Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. at the Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River Ave., Farmington.

Memorials may be directed to the Madison Becigneul-Koonter Educational Fund C/O of Credit Union One 31600 W. 13 Mile Rd. #130 Farmington Hills, MI 48334.