Paul Anthony Alex

Age 82 – Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Paul Anthony Alex, age 82, of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, entered the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 5, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (Parkinsonism).

Born on February 14, 1943, in Sheboygan, WI, on Valentine's Day – a fitting beginning for his life rooted in love, kindness, and faith. Paul grew up in Sheboygan, graduating from Sheboygan North High School—known by his friends for his driveway basketball and exceptional tennis.

Paul earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where he played collegiate tennis and earned a reputation for his strong serve and flat forehand.

On August 6, 1966, he married the love of his life, Gloria Jean (nee Michels) Alex, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Together they built a family in Cedarburg grounded in Christian love, service, and community. In retirement, Paul and Gloria shared 18 wonderful years in Arizona, where they enjoyed sunshine, friendships, and a peaceful season of life together.

Paul was a lifelong educator. He began his teaching career in Door County, Wisconsin, as an industrial arts educator for three years before joining Grafton High School, where he served for more than 30 years teaching driver's education and coaching boys' and girls' tennis. He inspired generations of students with his patience, encouragement, and mentorship.

Paul was a man who loved deeply and lived kindly. He cherished people, enjoyed a good laugh, and carried a steady contentment throughout his life. He found joy in mapping out road trips, geography, and genealogy.

He loved tennis, bocce ball, golf, card games, and MLB spring training baseball. His lifelong love for the Green Bay Packers ran deep, strengthened by the pride of knowing his grandfather played for the team in 1910, before it became a professional franchise.

Above all—he loved time with his family and grandchildren.

Paul was a devoted church member throughout his life, serving as a willing servant in many ministries. He found great joy in caring for his community and his family, touching countless lives with his generosity, warmth, and quiet strength.

A man of deep and enduring faith, Paul lived by the words of 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Aloysius and Marilyn (nee DeKeyser) Alex; his parents-in-law, Clarence Michels and Congetta "Connie" (nee Zingara) Michels; his brothers-in-law Earl Bergin and Thomas Aschbacher; his sister-in-law Ann Pakalski-Michels; and his beloved nephew Philip Aschbacher.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Gloria, and their four children: Peter (Cheryl), Paul William (Charlotte), Christopher (Inna), and Maria Ryff (Kody). Paul is also lovingly remembered by his ten cherished grandchildren: Grant (fiancée, Lindsay), Paige (fiancé, Matt), Hope (with Mason), Grace (Alex Cornell), Paul Richard (Kaitlyn), Mia (fiancé, Dylan), Elijah, Ari, Chloe, and Giavana. He is also remembered by Drew and Caleigh, Cheryl's children.

He is further survived by his sisters, Joanne Aschbacher and Marilyn Bergin; his brothers-in-law Allen "Al" Michels and William "Bill" Michels (Terese "Terri"); his nieces and nephews—Larry, Daniel, Annette, Cathy, David, John, Rosalie, Greg, Mark, Matthew, and Mary—and a large community of extended family and friends who will miss his gentle spirit and servant's heart.

A private celebration of Paul's life will be held at a later date.

The family would be honored for you to share a memory of Paul—whether through a story, a note, or a simple reflection—as we commemorate his life, legacy, and spirit.

Tribute donations to help improve care and advance research toward a cure for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) for future generations may be made to CurePSP at https://www.curepsp.org/donate

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix for their exceptional medical support during Paul's early years of care. We are also profoundly thankful to Village Pointe Commons for their care, love, and the moments of joy shared with Paul over the past two years; to the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Ozaukee County; to Community Care of Mequon; to Fox Rehabilitation at Village Pointe Commons; and to the Neurology team at Froedtert Hospital for their guidance and support. Our heartfelt appreciation extends to the hospice team from Advocate Aurora Health and Eernisse Funeral Home for their compassionate end-of-life care. We are grateful to the countless medical professionals who supported Paul throughout his journey with their skill, dedication, and kindness.

We rejoice that Paul is now home with Jesus. "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23)