Paul Edward Jochum of Sutherland, Nebraska peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on October 20, 2022 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He was 64 years old.
Paul was born to Lawrence 'Bud' and Arlene (Klein) Jochum in Sutherland, Nebraska on August 25, 1958. He was raised on the family farm south of Sutherland. He graduated from Hershey High School in 1976 and then attended Mid-Plains Community College.
Paul was working as a carpenter, building houses for Larry Trsty, when he met the love of his life, Dixie Miller. They married on March 1, 1980 and lived in Sutherland where they raised their two daughters, Candy and Dawn.
In November 1980, Paul joined the Nebraska Public Power District where he worked at Gerald Gentleman Station for 39 1/2 years until retiring in August 2020.
Paul was an active member of the Sutherland Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad for 30 years, then became an honorary member. He was an EMT, Firefighter, and CPR Instructor. He also held offices as a Rescue Lieutenant and Rescue Captain/Chief throughout his years of service.
In his free time, Paul enjoyed camping, water skiing, snow skiing, fishing and hunting with his daughter and brother, as well as officiating football and basketball games with his brothers and friends for many years. He always looked forward to traveling with his family, especially to his favorite spot in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Paul loved his family and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. His greatest pride and joy was spending time with his four grandchildren, there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for them. If you really knew Paul, you'd know he liked giving people nicknames. Paul leaves us much too soon, but will always be loved and remembered by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud & Arlene Jochum; and his brother, Randy Jochum.
Paul is survived by his wife, Dixie; daughters, Candy Sailor of Maywood, Nebraska and Dawn (Daniel) Small of Sutherland, Nebraska; grandchildren, Ashton 'Menard' Jochum, Layton 'Hoss' Sailor, Quintin 'Earl' Arellano, and Taren 'Mags' Sailor; in-laws, Donald & Daisy Miller of North Platte, Nebraska; his brothers, William 'Bill' (Judy) Jochum of Lincoln, Nebraska, Robert 'Howdy' (Deborah) Jochum of Sutherland, Nebraska, and Lawrence 'Larry' (Christy) Jochum of Lincoln, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Kristi Jochum of Sutherland, Nebraska, Donna (Lyle) Urbanec of Raymond, Nebraska, and Dianne Ponce of North Platte, Nebraska; as well as many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great nieces, cousins and his many special friends.
Services will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in North Platte, Nebraska. Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow the services.
Visitation is Sunday, October 23, 2022 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.