Paul Gossman

Paul Gossman, age 82, of rural Bluffton, Iowa, died Thursday, September 11, 2008, at Wellington Place in Decorah, Iowa, after a short illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 15, 2008, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Bluffton, Iowa, with Monsignor Richard Funke officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah, Iowa, and also after 10:00 a.m. at the church on Monday morning. There will be a scripture service at 3:00 p.m. and a rosary at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Paul Joseph Gossman was born on June 24, 1926, the son of William Jerome and Pearl Elizabeth (McCauley) Gossman in Decorah, Iowa. Paul attended Bluffton #7 country school and farmed his entire life on the same family farm, raising Angus cattle. Paul was a quiet individual, who took care of his parents as they aged. He enjoyed watching the WWF, polka music, playing scrabble, and trapping gophers. Paul enjoyed his dogs and cats, but especially his dog, Peanut. Paul was a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church and the Farm Bureau. Paul’s survivors include his three sisters: Sadie Wilhelm, Harmony, MN; Evelyn Bohr, Cresco, IA; and Loretta (Harlan) Henry, Decorah, IA. One brother-in-law: Gene Daley, Cresco, IA. Seventeen nieces and nephews; thirty-eight great nieces and nephews and thirteen great great nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents: William and Pearl Gossman. One brother: Eldon Gossman Jan. 1990 and one sister: Dolores Daley in May 2007. Two brothers-in-law: Linus Bohr & Art Wilhelm.