PAUL ROBERT JESTILA Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

“Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend” Paul Robert Jestila, 69, passed away in his home late Tuesday afternoon on July 1, 2014 in Blue Springs, Missouri. He was born to John W. and Rose M. Jestila in L’Anse, Michigan on November 28, 1944. Paul graduated from Baraga High School in 1962. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy in November of that same year. He served as a Fire Control Technician on board the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Independence. His last duty station was off the coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin. He was honorably discharged in March of 1966. Paul married his first wife and mother of his four children, Jeanette Pasanen in July of 1967. After raising a family together and struggling with her long bout with cancer, she went to be with the Lord in 2000. After her passing, he married Patricia Bailey of Blue Springs, Missouri in 2002. After graduating with an electrical engineering degree from Michigan Technological University, Paul worked for Public Service of Wisconsin before returning to the Upper Peninsula to accept a job with Cleveland Cliffs Mining Company where he worked from 1978 through 2003, after which he retired. Paul was an active member of a local Baptist Church in Blue Springs, Missouri. He served as a Sunday School Teacher and ministry leader. Paul dearly loved His Lord Jesus and faithfully served the church. Paul actively studied the Word of God and shared his faith with many people. He was always very excited to find someone with whom he could share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each morning, he faithfully spent time with the Lord in prayer in preparation for his day. He found his greatest fulfillment in his family and was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. He was an example of a man that served his Lord and led his family by example. Paul was preceded in death by his father and mother, John W. and Rose Jestila; his older brother, John R. Jestila; his first wife, Jeanette Jestila; and a son-in-law, Robert Fansler. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Jestila of Blue Springs, Missouri; a son, Jeffrey Jestila and his wife Kim of Ishpeming, Michigan; and three daughters, Ginger Fulkerson and her husband Joe of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Lori Jestila of Savage, Minnesota; and Kristi Jestila of Ishpeming, Michigan. Paul is also survived by two brothers and five sisters, Daryl Jestila and his wife Sylvia of L‘Anse, Michigan; Terry Jestila and his wife Nita of Blue Springs, Missouri; Dolly Smith of Dallas, Texas; Judy Balber of Dallas, Texas; Linda Massie and her husband Mark of Baraga, Michigan; Betty Bartus and her husband Tom of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Jenny Patterson of Independence, Missouri. He also leaves behind two step-children, Robin Gann and her husband Steven of Cape Fair, Missouri; and Chris Bailey and his wife Rachel of Grain Valley, Missouri. Paul also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. Funeral services for Mr. Jestila were held at 12 noon Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Dr. Steven Gann officiating. The family greeted friends at the funeral chapel on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A graveside military service, under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post #444 took place in the Baraga Cemetery on Tuesday at 1 p.m.