Michael "Mike" A. Paun

Michael ‘Mike’ A. Paun, 63, of Caledonia passed away at home on Friday, June 21, 2024, from cardiac complications. He was born in Rockford, Illinois on August 10, 1960, to Frank and Virginia (Larson) Paun, the youngest of three boys. Mike graduated from Guilford High School in 1979 and attended the University of Arizona, graduating with a bachelor’s degree. He was a manufacturer sales representative at S&S Sales. Mike married his late wife, Pamala, in October of 1996. Mike and Pam made many loving memories together before they welcomed two children into the world, Matt and Nick. Mike and Pam built a beautiful home together where they raised their boys and frequently hosted family events. Many cherished memories were of Mike and Pam opening their home and welcoming all to summer cookouts and holiday celebrations. Mike was extremely devoted to his boys and always made sure they were doing their best to succeed in life. He took great pride in coaching little league baseball for his sons. Mike was a family man who loved telling and listening to stories. Mike excelled in high school football, baseball, and basketball. He stayed very active over the years hiking, cycling, and taking walks. Mike loved taking family vacations to California, Florida, and Three Lakes, Wisconsin. In the last few years, Mike surprised us all with his expanded cooking skills. In addition to grilling, he started making lasagna, baking bread, and cooking pizzas with his new pizza oven. After Mike's heart surgery in 2019, he volunteered his Sundays visiting open heart surgery patients, pre-op and post-op, at OSF hospital, offering strength and emotional encouragement. He will always be remembered as a loving husband and devoted father who was outgoing, generous, and welcoming.

Mike is survived by those who love and miss him most; sons, Matt and Nick; brothers, Gary Paun and Jim (Sally) Paun; nieces and nephews, Jessica (Zack), Josh (Marlyn), Julia (Mike), and Brent; as well as great nieces and nephews, and special friend Colleen. He is predeceased by his parents, loving wife Pamala, and sister-in-law, Mary Paun.

 A visitation for Mike will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1045 Belvidere Road, Belvidere IL. Funeral services to follow at 1:00 p.m. Final resting place will be at Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the family. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

The service will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@immanuellutheranchurch-fun2796