Paul Jochum

P aul J ochum of Sutherland, NE, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on October 20, 2022, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He was 64 years old.

Paul was born to Lawrence 'Bud' and Arlene Jochum in Sutherland on August 25, 1958. He was raised on the family farm south of Sutherland. He graduated from Hershey High School in 1976 then attended Mid-Plains Community College.

Paul was working as a carpenter, building houses for Larry Trusty, when he met the love of his life, Dixie Miller. They married on March 1, 1980, and lived in Sutherland where they raised their two daughters, Candy and Dawn.

In November 1980, Paul joined Nebraska Public Power District where he worked at Gerald Gentleman Station for 39 ½ years until retiring in August 2020.

Paul was an active member of the Sutherland Volunteer Fire and Rescue squad for 30 years, then became an honorary member. He was an EMT, Firefighter and CPR instructor. He also held offices as a Rescue Lieutenant and Rescue Captain/Chief throughout his years of service.

In his free time, Paul enjoyed camping, water skiing, snow skiing, fishing and hunting with his daughter and brother, as well as officiating football and basketball games with his brothers and friends for many years. He always looked forward to traveling with his family, especially to his favorite spot in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Paul loved his family and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. His greatest pride and joy was spending time with his four grandchildren, there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for them. If you really knew Paul, you'd know he liked giving people nicknames. Paul leaves us much too soon but will always be loved and remembered by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Arlene Jochum; and his brother, Randy Jochum.

Paul is survived by his wife Dixie; daughters, Candy Sailor of Maywood and Dawn (Daniel) Small of Sutherland; grandchildren, Ashton 'Menard' Jochum, Layton 'Hoss' Sailor, Quintin 'Earl' Arellano and Taren 'Mags' Sailor; in-laws, Donald and Daisy Miller of North Platte; his brothers, William 'Bill' (Judy) Jochum of Lincoln, Robert 'Howdy' (Deborah) Jochum of Sutherland and Lawrence 'Larry' (Christy) Jochum of Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Kristi Jochum of Sutherland, Donna (Lyle) Urbanec of Raymond and Dianne Ponce of North Platte; as well as many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and his many special friends.

Services will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Cremation will follow services.  Visitation is Sunday, 1-6 p.m. and with family greeting from 2-4 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.