PAUL WILLIAM LAURITZEN  passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on September 26, 2014.  He was born July 9, 1932 in Valparaiso, IN, the son of Carl and Edna Lauritzen. 

Paul grew up in Glen Ellen and Rock Island, IL.  He graduated from Augustana College (IL) in 1954 where he played basketball setting many school records.  He was inducted into Augie’s athletic Hall of Fame in 1982. 

Paul served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956.  He married Lois M. Wilson in 1955 in East Moline, IL. 

He earned his master’s degree at Western Illinois in Counseling and Guidance and his Ph.D. at the University of Iowa in 1964 in School Psychology. 

Paul taught Physical Education, coached and was a Guidance Counselor in several schools in Illinois and Iowa.  In 1964, he came to UWW and started the Special Education Department where he served as chairman for 19 years.  He was also instrumental in starting the Disabled Services Department. He was a member of many national and state professional organizations as well as local boards and committees.

Paul loved his family, his woods, gardening, bicycling, basketball and teaching in the classroom as well as in lifes many settings.  He enjoyed mentoring youth to share interests and to develop talents.

Paul is survived by his wife Lois, daughter Lisa (Stuart) Smith of WY, son Jeff (Jeri) Lauritzen of Brookfield, daughter Karen (Larry) Centro of NJ along with grandchildren Elesif and Damon Smith, Katie Lauritzen Prestegard, Cara Lauritzen, Matt Lauritzen, and Francesco and Ana Centro.  A brother Peter of Port Townsend, WA, a sister Bertha Mount of Evanston, IL and nieces and nephews also survive him. 

A Memorial Service will be held at the UWW University Center Old Main Ballroom on October 25th, at 11:00 am.

Universty Center:
228 Wyman Mall
Whitewater, WI 53190
Campus Map:
http://www.uww.edu/campus/uwwmap.pdf 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Nature Conservancy or Fairhaven Senior Services.