Paul Harold Rabbass, 73, of rural Ottumwa, died at 1:10 a.m. April 3, 2023 at Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.
He was born April 11, 1949 in Humphrey, NE, the son of Harold A. and Cornelia Schwinck Rabbass, who adopted him at age 2. Paul married Denise Annette Gervais on April 28, 1984.
Growing up in Blair, NE, Paul was a 1967 graduate of Blair High School. He graduated from Wayne State College, earning a teaching degree. He then served in the U.S. Navy, aboard the USS Okinawa during the Vietnam War. Returning to Nebraska, he earned a degree in engineering from the University of Nebraska. He worked as an Engineer at John Deere Ottumwa Works from 1979 to 2009.
Paul was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he had served as a trustee. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening and woodworking in his shop. He loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife, Denise; their children, Matthew Rabbass of Fairfield, Karl (Kelsi) Rabbass of Plattsmouth, NE and Theresa (Rev. Carl) Wendorff of Warsaw, MO; 4 grandchildren, Kendall Rabbass, August Wendorff, Gloria Wendorff and one expected in July; birth siblings, Don (Judy) Saeger and Marilyn Pacas; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 birth siblings.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, April 10th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 11th at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. James Preus officiating. Military honors and burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter, Iowa.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.
