Paul T. Schonstrom, Jr.

09/19/1938 - 12/15/2022

Paul T. Schonstrom, Jr., age 84, of Fort Morgan, passed away December 15, 2022, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood of respirator y failure induced by COVID.

Paul was born September 19, 1938 to Ted and Florence (Senter) Schonstrom in Denver. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1957 and on August 11, 1960 he married Margaret Leavitt. He enlisted in the Army and embarked on a 22 year career serving as a Military Intelligence Officer. His service took him and his family to Germany, Bolivia, Afghanistan, and El Salvador as well as stateside where he served at NORAD, the Pentagon, and the 82nd Airborne Division. He retired as Chief Warrant Officer 3rd Class in 1982 and returned to Denver.

Finding a new career post-Army was challenging. Paul became purchasing officer for a local office supply and equipment retailer; later a store manager for a national retail chain; co-owned a small services company with his wife; then worked for Great West Financial where he found reward and satisfaction as a project manager until his second retirement in 2006.

In his free time, Paul enjoyed serving through music and leadership. He started learning to play the organ and piano at age seven and as a youth he once accompanied Judy Collins. Paul mastered the steel guitar and enjoyed playing in several country and western bands as a young man. He dedicated his life to leading worship music, playing the church organ, and directing church choirs. At his last church, United Presbyterian, he served as an elder and on several committees. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his son, Ted; and his daughter, Seva. He is survived by his daughter, Katrina; son-in-law, David, and grandchild, Azran Starkweather of Fort Collins; his step-daughter, Deb Schonstrom; grandsons Jeffrey and Adam Garvey, and their families.

A memorial service will be held May 13, 2023 at United Presbyterian Church 1300 E. Riverview, Fort Morgan, CO . In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association or Colorectal Cancer Alliance.