Paul Wahnschaff

It is with deep sadness that we anounce the passing of our father, Paul, age 90. He was humble in his numerous accomplishments, and a strong man with character, warmth, grace, and dignity. When Paul made it to the gates of Heaven, we are sure his devoted and loving wife of 58 years, Lorraine Smolinski Wahnschaff, was there to greet him. She passed away on May 20, 2009. He is also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Teddy Smolinski who passed July 27, 2009. Paul was born on February 18, 1933, in North Bergen, New Jersey by a midwife. Paul was the only son born to Ida Tempelhof Wahnschaff and Paul Wahnschaff. As a baby, Paul's mother took him to Germany to his loving Oma Wilhelm Tempelhf (the good one) and Oma Anna Koch Tempelhof in Stassfurt. Paul grew up in Stassfurt and can remember when he and his older sister, Marianne Wahnschaff Bannister who has passed, were placed in a camp. He remembers the American military placing him and his sister on a Troop ship back to America, due to Paul being American-born. He was 13 years old when he docked at Ellis Island and his name was placed in the book. Paul and his beloved Lorriane met when they were 16 years old. Paul and Lorraine spent decades trying to get his mother Ida out of East Germany. In 1970 or 1971, Ida was able to leave Germany and reunited first with Paul's sister, and then quickly after, Ida was with Paul and Lorraine until her passing. Paul honorably served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After his time in the military, Paul had a successful career at New Jersey Machine, where he worked for 20 years. Paul and Lorraine would go on to open their own business, Paul manufacturing machines and Lorraine running the office. The business did well and during that time Paul had many patents on different machines that would help set up paper box machinery in the National Paper Box industry. Their two sons, Michael, Steven, and daughter, Lorain joined them in the family business for the years that followed. The business had customers in America, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and Europe. Paul was the true definition of a family man. He enjoyed the time he spent with his family, from building fences to doing brickwork around the house, Paul just wanted to be around the ones he loved the most. Paul was a devoted Husband, Father, and Opa. He also enjoyed deep-sea fishing, grilling out, and being on the beach. He was a natural when it came to things like roller skating, ice skating, and snow skiing. When he would travel to meet customers, he would always make time to hit the slopes. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson Street, in Newnan. During this time the military honors will be rendered by the United States Navy, by playing taps, folding of the flag, and then the flag presentation. Paul is survived by his children, Michael Wahnschaff, of Atlanta, Steven Wahnschaff of Newnan, and daughter Lorain Wahnschaff of Atlanta. He is also survived by grandchildren, Kurt Wahnschaff (Samantha), Robby Wahnschaff (Marisa), great grandchild, Joseph Wahnschaff, son-in-law, Theodore Stephen Smolinski (Evelyn) and nephews, Ted, Tom, Godson, Mike and Danny. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Paul Wahnschaff

February 18, 1933 - January 27, 2024