Paul K. Graegin

Paul K. Graegin, age 78, of Dyer, IN passed away October 23, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara (Reitz) Graegin; his children, Dr. Ellen Olson (Charles) and Geoffrey Graegin (Julie White); 10 grandchildren, Abigail, Alyssa, Ashley and Aubrie Graegin, and Hunter, Henry, Aidan, Michael, Olivia and Annabeth Olson, all of Valparaiso, IN. He is also survived by sister-in-law Nancy Sefton Eldridge (Gary) of Hilton Head, SC, brother-in-law Martin Reitz (Diane Graegin) of Crown Point and sister-in-law Terese Milligan (Chris) of Sister Bay, WI. He was preceeded in death by his father Cecil Graegin (Sisto Graziani), his mother Estelle (Wojciechowski) and grandson John Paul Olson and he is survived by his beloved dog, Shadow. Paul was born in Hammond and graduated from Hammond High in 1951. He pursued a degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University, graduation in 1955. He then served in the United States Army for two years (1955-1957). His plans to enter law school after his military service changed when his father started Correct Piping Inc. and asked Paul to help out temporarily. It was a decision that would no only change his life but become his life’s calling. By the time Paul’s father died in 1981, Paul had been running the company and had changed the name to Correct Construction, Inc. In the 1990s, Paul founded Solid Platforms, Inc., Interstate Environmental Services, Interstate Insulation, Inc. and Correct Fire Protection. He treated his employees like family and loved his work, never retiring. In 1962 he met Barbara at a duplicate bridge game, and they had a very successful partnership for many years. In 1973 he became a lifemaster in the ACBL. At the age of 50, Paul and Barbara started ballroom dancing lessons. The same year he started piano lessons and Italian lessons, reconnecting with his Italian heritage (his father came to the United States at the age of 5). Paul kept a daily diary in Italian for more than 25 years. Paul was a huge Purdue supporter, not just with his presence on the sidelines and the court, but through his generosity and time. In 1983 he was awarded a distinguished service award from Purdue University for his years of dedication. He was an avid traveler and enjoyed reading a stimulating conversation. He had a deep interest in preserving his family history, researching it and recording it. Paul was very proud of his Italian heritage, his university, his company and his many loyal employees. But the biggest joy in life was his family: wife, daughter, son and their spouses and grandchildren. Recently he commented that he had no regrets. He built a lasting business, saw the world, was a life-long learner, loved deeply and raised wonderful children. Paul was a good, kind, man. He knew the meanings of the words sacrifice and service, respect and responsibility, care and compassion, love and loyalty. And above all he knew what it was to be generous: with his love, his talents, his gifts, his wisdom. He gave selflessly to others, family, friends, employees, neighbors and strangers, his entire life. He will be missed. Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 2:00-9:00 PM with a prayer service at 4:30 PM at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN and on Thursday from 10:30-11:00 AM at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, 440 Joliet St. Dyer, IN with Fr. Terrence Steffens officiating. Interment will be private at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hammond, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Avenue, Munster, Indiana 46321 or the Humane Society Calumet Area, Inc., 421 45th St., Munster, IN 46321 would be appreciated.