Paul Leroy Eliason

Paul LeRoy Eliason of Lincoln, who passed away on April 27, 2020 was born January 27, 1922 in Swedeburg, Nebraska to Emin Theodore Eliason Sr. and Esther (Swanson) Eliason. He attended school through the eighth grade in Swedeburg, graduated from Luther Academy before enlisting in the United States Army. He married Marilyn Ruwe of Wayne, NE and they were blessed with two children. Paul and Marilyn lived south and west of Wahoo for many years while Paul farmed and also worked for the Eliason and Knuth drywall business in Omaha. Later he transitioned to the insurance business enjoying his many years of work as an agent for Bankers Life. In 1970 Paul, Marilyn and family moved to Lincoln and after retirement he and Marilyn enjoyed many winters in Florida, Arizona and Texas with family and friends. After Marilyn's death in 2000 Paul moved back to Wahoo and then three years ago he moved to the Legacy Retirement Community in Lincoln. In January this year Paul enjoyed a wonderful 98th birthday celebration with family, friends and caregivers at Tabitha Journey House Hospice in Lincoln shortly after moving there. He received amazing love, care and attention there for the remaining months of his life. He said many times he felt so fortunate to have had such a long and happy life, able to enjoy his family and friends near and far. Paul is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Marilee and Mike Hagerthy of Palos Verdes, CA; son and daughter-in-law Richard and Cheryl Eliason of Omaha; grandson Michael and wife Ann Hagerthy of Maitland, NSW Australia, grandson Christopher and wife Jen Hagerthy of Burbank, CA; granddaughter Amanda and husband Lawrence Sharpe of London, UK and granddaughter Sara Eliason of Omaha; great grandchildren Sienna and Thomas of AU, Lulin and Linus of CA and Harriet of UK; his sister, Betty Knuth of Lincoln; nieces and nephews Wayne Eliason, John Eliason, Bill Eliason, Susie Knuth, Steve Knuth, Sandie Knuth, Scott Knuth, Lon Eliason and Robyn (Eliason) Meyers. And by dear friend, Pauline Noble, of Lincoln. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; parents Emin Sr. and Esther; one infant brother; brothers Nels, Emin Theodore, Emin T. Jr., Donald, Robert, sister Winifred Keleher and niece Margie Keller. Paul was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church, Swedeburg and then later Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Wahoo. A private family graveside service was held at Grace Lutheran Church cemetery, Wahoo, NE on April 29, 2020. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Wahoo, NE.