Paul Eugene Golay

Paul Eugene Golay, 70 years old, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025 with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born in Seattle, Washington on May 24, 1954 to George and Miriam (Iliff) Golay. He moved to several states with his family from the west coast to the east coast. Settling in Oshkosh Wisconsin in 1970 as his father was a pastor. He graduated from Oshkosh High School and continued his education at Fox Valley Technical College where he received an Associate Degree in Computer Science. He married Marianne Sanders in August 1972 and lived in Oshkosh until 2001 when they bought a home near Darboy, Wisconsin.

He worked for Oshkosh Truck, Marquart Millwork, Candle Corporation and Fox River Paper where he retired in 2008 as an information Technology Analyst/ IT Operations specialist.

Paul loved to build model airplanes as a kid. He played the trombone and was in the marching bands at all the schools he attended. Music was his passion. He loved to listen to all kinds of music especially rock and roll. He loved to grill outdoors and creating new dishes in the kitchen. One of his greatest accomplishments was teaching his children about the love of Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Golay; his sister, Joy Lewandowski Marino; his granddaughter, Rebecca Waldecker; his parents, Rev. George and Miriam (Iliff) Golay; and his in-laws, John and Marion Sanders.

He is survived by his wife, best friend and love of his life of 52 years, Marianne (Sanders); his daughter, Christina (Brian) Gilkes; his grandchildren: Abbigail (Christian) Jesse and Cody (Kayla) Kjemhus; step granddaughter, McKenzie (Blake) Below; and two great grandchildren: William Jesse and Ari Below.

He is also survived by his siblings: Evangeline (Mark) Kruszynski, Steve Golay, and Timothy (Tammy) Golay. Also his in-laws: Beverly (Pete) Olsen, James (Judy) Sanders; and many nieces and nephews.

I would like to give a special thank you to our niece Melinda (Jon) Burns for all the help she has given us during this tragic time. And all the nurses and doctors at Thedacare Appleton Medical Center during Paul’s stay there this past week.

There will be no funeral service at this time, but we plan to have a “celebration of life” later in the year when all the family can get together. Paul is now with Jesus in heaven. We love him and miss him dearly.