Paul Francis “Papa D” “Tiny” Dewane, 82, of Sheboygan, passed away on March 3, 2023,
unexpectedly at his home. He was born on September 3, 1940, the second son of Robert and
Alice “Petie” (Cookle) Dewane. He grew up in the village of Maribel attending local schools and
graduating from Denmark High School in 1958.
He continued his education at UW Oshkosh earning a bachelor degree in chemistry and English
in 1962. During that year he started his teaching career in Sheboygan at Urban Junior High.
After Urban, he helped open Horace Mann in 1969, and eventually completed his career at
North High. Paul continued his education at UW Oshkosh earning a Masters Degree in 1967.
During this time, he also earned credits in Humanities from UW Milwaukee, St. Mary’s of
Moraga, CA, and the University of New Hampshire. During this period, he was appointed K-12
English City Chair, a position he held most of his career. Working with UW Milwaukee he started
the College Credit Program in High School in which students could take English college classes
for credit. This program expanded to UW Oshkosh, Lakeland College, and St. Norbert College.
He was satisfied to see this program blossom, especially when it spread to other disciplines.
Also, during his K-12 chair term he rewrote the English Curriculum into semester courses which
helped all students of different abilities. Along with his colleagues, he continued to re-work and
refine the curriculum until he retired. After applying for and receiving a federal grant, he
designed a student – work program where high school students were placed in businesses they
were interested in and learned business expectations and protocol. Paul retired in 1998 serving
36-years as an educator, mentor and leader in the Sheboygan Area School District. If you were
one of his students, you may have found yourself in the hallway looking for Pink Elephants with
a yardstick.
He married Elaine Havlichek on November 16, 1968, and had two children, Paul Shannon and
Dawn Marie. He and his wife “Mama D” worked together for many years in the Sheboygan
school system.
Paul was an avid fisherman especially muskie fishing on the Chain O Lakes, spending many
days on his boat the Emerald Isle. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, hockey, football and recently
basketball, especially since his granddaughter Noelle was such a competitive player. Paul
enjoyed playing the drums with many local polka bands, which inspired his grandson Quenten
to follow in his footsteps in percussion. Daily you could find him working on a NY Times
crossword puzzles.
Paul was a former member of the Maribel Sportsman’s Club, Phi Delta Kappa and the
Sheboygan Elks Lodge 299.
Paul was called “Papa D” by his former students and all the kids in the neighborhood. And on
any given day no little tot walked by his house without stopping for a popsicle from the garage
refrigerator. Also, all dogs being walked by their owners automatically stopped in for a doggy
treat.
Paul is survived by Elaine, his wife of 54 years, his daughter Dawn (Andrew) Prickett of
Oshkosh, grandson Quenten, and granddaughter Noelle who were his pride and joy, niece
Heather (David) Steinberger, and their daughter Evelyn. He was preceded in death by his
parents, son Paul Shannon on October 28, 1995, brother Robert of Two Rivers, and brother-in-
law David Havlichek, and his in-laws George and Emily Havlichek of Denmark.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 1:30 PM at St. Dominic
Catholic Church, 2133 N. 22nd
St., Sheboygan with Fr. Mark Brandl officiating and Fr. Luke
Ferris co-concelebrating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday, March 11,
2023, from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the CHURCH. If you are unable to join the family for the
service it will be livestreamed on Paul’s obituary page on the funeral home website.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in Paul’s name.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family
www.zimmerfuneralhome.com
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