Paul Toycen

Paul M. Toycen, age 94, died peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2009 in Bloomer, WI. He was born in Colfax, Wisconsin on February 17, 1915, the son of Perence and Mabel (Anderson) Toycen. Following the death of his mother in 1919, Paul & his brother, Loren “Bud”, went to live with their uncle, Leonard Toycen, and his wife, Helen, on their farm in Sand Creek, Wisconsin. He resided there for ten years and was raised as a brother to their children, Irene (Toycen) Hanson and the late LaVerne Toycen. He graduated from Colfax High School on June 2, 1933. The next morning, with $15.00 in his pocket, he and Bud hitchhiked to Chicago to begin the rest of their lives.

He married Orah Louise Legate on September 6, 1942. He spent the majority of his career with Jewel Tea Company, where he became Personnel Manager, retiring in 1976. Paul and Louise lived in Barrington, IL for 35 years and formed many enduring relationships. After retirement, Paul and Louise moved to rural Sand Creek and then to Bloomer in 1997.

Paul was a member of New Hope Lutheran Church in Sand Creek and was a founding member in 1951 of the Barrington Canadian Club fishing group, which continues to this day. He loved music and had a beautiful tenor voice. He sang in church choirs and choruses throughout his life, beginning in high school. He was a loving husband, faithful friend and avid correspondent. He had the rare ability to make anyone feel as though they were special to him.

He is survived by his wife, Louise; nephews and niece: Roger Pierce, Marlene (Pierce) Onstad and John Pierce; two great nephews: Derek Pierce & James Toycen; two great nieces: Nicole Pierce & Geri Toycen; special cousins: Irene (Toycen) Hanson and her children Dr. Charles Hanson, Phillip Hanson, Julie (Hanson) Holmstrom and Elaine S. Toycen, the widow of LaVerne, and their children David L. Toycen, Susan (Toycen) Favero, Dr. Gail (Toycen) Weyerhaeuser and Daniel J. Toycen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Inez Toycen & Julia C. (Toycen) Pierce; one brother: Loren “Bud” Toycen; one nephew: Loren, Jr.; special cousin: LaVerne Toycen.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 11:00 AM at New Hope Lutheran Church in Sand Creek with Rev. Barb Koch officiating. Interment will be in the Zion Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Saturday at the church. There will be no visitation Friday evening. Memorials will be directed to New Hope Lutheran Church in Sand Creek.