Paul Steven Weitzel

June 15, 1953 – January 30, 2016

Paul Steven Weitzel of Ephrata passed away on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 following an extended illness. He was born on June 15, 1953 in Peoria, Ill. to James E. and Dorothy M. Weitzel. The family moved to Nevada and then California, where Paul attended Catholic grade schools, His parents bought the old lumber town of Selleck, Wash. and Paul started developing some of the many talents he possessed: lots of repairing the rental homes, water systems, painting, roofing and more. In his freshman year he chose St. Edwards and St. Thomas Seminary in Kenmore, Wash., to pursue a vocation as a Catholic priest. In his junior year, the seminary closed, and he graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1971.

The family moved to their purchased farm in George, Wash., and Paul also graduated from Quincy High School.

After a few years on the farm, he bought a farm on the Royal Slope. He had a lifetime affinity for electronics, and spent “time off” building and designing equipment. Also, he built craft cars, making fiberglass bodies. They were racy looking (and running). He also served in the Air National Guard, stationed at Boeing Field.

He still felt the call for priesthood, and went to Bishop White Seminary at Gonzaga. In three years he obtained a bachelor’s degree cum laude in theology. With his electronic and amplified experience, he earned a minor in theater, working with the many programs done at Gonzaga. He was close to finishing his master’s degree in theology, and tried several monasteries, without finding the right calling.

Returning to the farm, he started to develop large and expensive tube-based high end sound systems, and his TRL systems sold around the world. They were all hand-crafted, and he used only special and high end parts, hand winding some transformers to reduce any and all hum and stray sounds. He also came up with improved turntables, record cleaners, and transistorized lower-cost systems. The financial bust of eight years ago greatly reduced the high end world-wide market. He was recognized in the electronic industry as a genius. Paul had a business in George, then Quincy, and two years ago, moved his operation to his parents’ place on North Frontage Road, south of Ephrata. It was a great help to Mom and Dad, and more time for him to join in as family came by. He was cooperative, enthusiastic, enterprising, and fun! On one of his trips around the world, he caught Hepatitis C from a drink served on an aircraft. That led to pancreatic trouble, which went into cancer. He lived through it for more years than was expected, always with a good sense of humor and a willing hand. Death did end the suffering, and he is being rewarded for his life now in the Heavenly home he so richly deserves.

Paul is survived by his parents, Jim and Dorothy Weitzel; by brothers James A. Weitzel (Vicki), Randolph M. Weitzel (Pam), Michael K. Weitzel (Angela), Brian D. Weitzel (Wendy); loving sister Rebecca Susan Schoultz (John); and many cousins, nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts.

Holy Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, both being held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Ephrata, Wash. Concluding services and internment will follow mass in the adjacent St. Rose of Lima Cemetery.

Paul was very active in the Knights of Columbus, and supported the annual 4th Degree Charity Golf Tournament for Pregnancy Support Systems of Grant County. If desired, contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Knights of Columbus, Assembly 2440 c/o Mike Montaney, 204 Maringo Road, Ephrata, WA 98823.

Please leave a memory for the family or sign their online guestbook at www.scharbachs.com. Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, Wash., is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.