Paul John Doedtman (93) of Effingham

Paul John Doedtman, 93, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away on April 22, 2023 at his residence in Effingham.

He was born January 29, 1930, the son of Herman and Rose (Nieman) Doedtman. Paul grew up in the Green Creek area. After graduation, he joined the National Guard/Army and served as a M-1 Rifle Instructor during the Korean War. In 1953, he married Diana Smith and in July, they would have celebrated 70 years of marriage together. Paul followed in his father’s footsteps as a carpenter which then led him to becoming a contract builder, first starting his business with Harold Bushur building numerous houses in the Effingham area. Paul later went out on his own and began Doedtman Construction to which he went on to build more houses and eventually apartment complexes, which he ran for several years. Paul was a music enthusiast and loved listening to his collection of old records. He was also an avid reader of literature and history. He was a sponge of knowledge and took several night college courses throughout his lifetime. He never knew a stranger and would be the first person to tell you a story or give his advice. He was a smart businessman and was always there to help anyone out, whether it be a tenant down on their luck or a family needing guidance in their business or life endeavors. He was the one you would talk to for guidance. He was active in the community and served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Heartland Human Services Board as well as a co-inspector for the City of Effingham. In Paul’s later years, he enjoyed taking his wife Diana on drives in his truck Old Blue around town, checking on his apartments, his children’s building projects, as well as grabbing coffee and a bite to eat at Niemerg’s and Country Kitchen.

Paul is survived by his wife, Diana; children, Gary (Mary) Doedtman, Angie (Rich) Neu, Deb Doedtman, Vic Doedtman, Jessica (Tim) Moreton, Julie Doedtman, and Jake (Faith Griffin) Doedtman; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marie Mader.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Loretta Schlanser; 3 children, John Doedtman, Toby Doedtman and infant Ben Doedtman; and 2 daughters-in-law, Margaret Doedtman and Debra Doedtman.

We should have all been so lucky to have known Paul and strive to be the good-hearted man he was. He was loved by many and was the type of person who would show up when needed and cheer you on. He was wise and caring and would help anyone who was seeking advice in life.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Green Creek with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Effingham Child Development Center in Effingham. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.