Paul Alfred Lage, 88, Jefferson City, passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2021 at Landmark Hospital surrounded by his family.
He was born June 26, 1932, to the late Andrew Bernard and Teresa Bernadine (Veltrop) Lage in Taos.
He was married to LaVerne Elizabeth Koenigsfeld April 23, 1960 in Frankenstein.
Paul served his country in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 and was proud to be stationed in the special regiment in West Point, N.Y. during the Korean Conflict.
Paul’s love for woodworking led him to open Lage’s Cabinet Shop in 1963. He built many cabinets throughout Jefferson City and the surrounding communities. One of his last projects before his retirement was the walnut jewelry display cases he built for his daughter, Mary Kay Kempker at The Blue Diamond, from wood he milled on the family farm. Paul was very proud that the cabinet shop still continues to serve the community as a family-owned business almost 60 years later.
Paul enjoyed life to the fullest. He was proud to be a pilot, enjoyed flying and was a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). Paul was also a very creative man. He used his skills in metal working to create equipment and tooling that he used in his woodworking business. Paul loved using heavy equipment and was extremely proud of the lake he built on his farm. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all, Paul, lovingly known as Poppie, loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jefferson City and attended St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tipton when they stayed at their farm. He was a member of Holy Name Society. With his wife, LaVerne, they enjoyed traveling on Pilgrimages in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe to deepen their Catholic faith.
Paul was preceded in death by parents, Andrew and Teresa; grandson, Brody Kempker; son-in-law, Marvin Kempker; sisters, infant Loraine Lage, Mary Ann (Clarence) Haller and husband Clarence and Regina Falter; brothers, Joseph Lage, infant James Lage and Walter Lage; sister-in-law, Norine Lage; and in-laws, Fred Goeke, Sr. Viola Koenigsfeld, Raymond Koenigsfeld and Marvin Herigon.
He is survived by wife of 60 years, LaVerne; children, Mary Kay Kempker and husband Gary, Sr. of Jamestown, Jane Kempker of Wardsville and John Lage and wife Martha of Jefferson City; eight grandchildren, Gary Kempker, Jr. and wife Jessica, Ambrosia Kempker, Sydney and Simon Kempker, Maghan, Chad, Rebecca and Jack Lage; great-grandchildren, Gavyn and Hailey Kempker; siblings, Lawrence Lage; Bernard Lage and wife Linda and Wilbur Lage and wife Carol, all of Taos; sister-in-law, Doris Lage of Cape Girardeau; brother-in-law, Lee Falter and wife Teresa; and in-laws, Ann Goeke, Rose Porting Lahr Talken, Marcella Koenigsfeld, Clarence Koenigsfeld and wife Margie, George Koenigsfeld and wife Sarah, Marilyn Herigon, Leon Koenigsfeld and wife Eileen, Frances Veltrop and husband Harold and Andrew Koenigsfeld and wife Mary Pat.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitation will be delayed until Friday, April 23, on what would have been their 61st wedding anniversary, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jefferson City with the Rev. Donald Antweiler officiating. .
The service will be live streamed for those who wish to watch from home. The link can be found on Paul’s obituary page under Tribute Wall at www.dulletrimble.com.
Entombment with military honors will be in Resurrection Catholic Mausoleum in Jefferson City.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Andrew Catholic Church, and EWTN.
The general public is welcome to attend the services while following social distancing guidelines. Facial coverings are encouraged while in attendance.
Arrangements entrusted to Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home in Jefferson City.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
