Paul Lavern Pinney

Paul Lavern Pinney

Marion

Paul Lavern Pinney, 88, of Marion passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Thomas Grove assisted Living and Memory Care. A visitation will be held from 9:00-10:30AM on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he was a member for sixty years, located at 201 N Ford St. Anamosa, Iowa. Pastor Rodney Bluml will officiate. A Funeral Service will follow the visitation and will begin at 10:30AM with a luncheon immediately following. A graveside service with military honors will be rendered at Riverside Cemetery after the luncheon. All guests are encouraged to wear their Black or Gold in honor of Paul’s love for the Hawkeyes.

Paul was born December 2, 1935, to Elmer and Gladys (Burg) Pinney in Elgin, Iowa. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1953. He proudly served in the United States Army in the 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper. After returning from the service, he married Karol Jean Hyde on October 25, 1958, in Clermont, Iowa. He attended Upper Iowa University, where he obtained a teaching degree in 1962. Paul taught for thirty-six years as a Junior High U.S. history teacher in the Anamosa Community School District where he also coached almost every sport available. He took pride in being a teacher and enjoyed working with young people. He earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Iowa in 1970. Paul was a member of Arthur McCullough Legion Post 13 in Anamosa as well as a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He enjoyed Tuesday and Thursday poker days at the country club with his poker buddies as well as playing golf, cheering on the Hawkeyes, Packers, and Cubs. Paul enjoyed playing his harmonica and has been known at times to give out a good yodel. His sense of humor could lighten the mood on any occasion. In retirement he and Karol wintered in McAllen, Texas for 17 years where they met many new friends and had many lasting relationships.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Karol Pinney; children, Colin (Sandra) Pinney and Carlene (Gary) Vavricek; grandchildren, Christian Pinney, Kyle (Catherine) Vavricek, and Kurt (Sydney) Vavricek; great grandchildren, Korbin, Colton, Cheyenne Vavricek, Jaxon and Kasey Vavricek; sister, Cheryl Clemmensen; brother-in-law, Dean (Linda) Hyde; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Phyllis and Bonnie, and his brother, Duane.

The family would like to thank Thomas Grove and Moments Hospice for the love and care given to him. They would also like to thank special visitors, Connie Trosky, and Sheila and Juliana Ackerson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.