H. Paul Domke

DOMKE, Harold Paul, Jr. "Paul", 96, passed away May 24, 2025, surrounded by family. Paul is survived by his daughters Tanya BeGole (Brett) and Dawn Pumford (Matt), and grandsons, Andrew Paul and Sean Robert Pumford, and his terrier, Joey. His beloved wife of 67 years, Angie, passed in 2023 and we are comforted to know that they are now back together. Paul was born in 1929 in Battle Creek, MI to Katherine (a Canadian from Newfoundland) and Harold P. Domke. Paul grew up in Grand Rapids with his best friend, Roger (Joan) Matthews fixing anything they could find. He started college in electrical engineering at the University of Michigan but finished with an Economics and Political Science degree from the University of Vermont (better skiing!). Paul served in the U.S. Navy and was trained as a fighter pilot on aircraft carriers. He served on the USS Juneau and received the National Defense and Navy Occupation Service Medals. After the Service in 1955, Paul returned to Grand Rapids and started working for General Motors. At GM, Paul met the love of his life, Angie. He knew right away that she was the one for him. Angie and Paul were married in 1956 at Fountain Street Church. Paul had an outstanding 41-year career with GM. Paul's business acumen led him to various management positions in finance, accounting and computer systems. He also managed and owned rental properties, real estate, and started a self-storage warehousing business (the first in Michigan) with his dear friends and partners, Richard Cipri (Jeri) and Jake Meyer (Mary). Their trust and confidence in each other was so strong that they never had a fight and remained the best of friends after they sold the Wee Stor N Park business. Paul's love and dedication to his family was unconditional. Paul taught his daughters to ski and play tennis at a young age. He promoted all sports to his girls and grandsons including a horse named Blue Eagle, golf, skiing, swimming and wakeboarding. He loved conversations about the latest ski run, golf game, surf set and horse competition. He was so proud of his children including his sons-in-law and grandchildren who are all engineers. One of his proudest moments was when Tanya became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. His passion to learn and stay curious at any age is his legacy. Paul's retirement included traveling with Angie, a computer consulting business and fixing literally anything. Recently, Paul could be seen boating with Dawn & Matt on Charlevoix/Walloon Lake and driving a tractor at Tanya & Brett's FL horse farm. The family has elected a private celebration and burial. In lieu of flowers or donations, please just say a prayer or give a toast in honor of Paul. Paul started each day with a positive attitude and a wave to his cherished neighbors of 60 years. We will be doing the same. Please share memories and condolences at www.langelands.com