Paul J. Fangman was born on Oct. 25, 1922 in New York State. He came by orphan train to Nebraska in 1923 and was adopted at nine months of age by Andrew and Anna (Halbur) Fangman. He attended grade school and high school at St. John Berchmans in Raeville, NE and graduated in 1940. He attended St. Lawrence College at Mt. Calvary, WI for three years, studied his philosophy requirements at St. Louis Preparatory Seminary in St. Louis, MO, and completed his thological course at Kenrich Seminary in St. Louis, MO.

Fr. Paul was ordained on April 25, 1949 at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha, NE, by Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan D.D. He celebrated his first Solemn High Mass at St. Bonaventure’s Church on Monday, May 2, 1949 at Raeville, NE.

On May 12, 1949, Fr. Paul began his first assignment as Assistant Pastor at St. Frances Church in Randolph, NE. He also served as Assistant Pastor at St. Wenceslaus Church and Assumption Church in Omaha, NE (1952-1953). He served as Pastor at St. Anthony’s and St. John's Churches in Platte County, NE (1953-1963), St. Mary’s Church in Primrose, NE (1963-1984), St. Peter’s Church in Clarks, NE (1984-1991), St. Peter and Paul’s Church in Butte, NE (1991-1993).

On Oct. 29, 1993, Fr. Paul retired to Platte County, NE. He moved to Lindsay, NE and lived at the rectory of Holy Family Church with Fr. Novotny until moving to the Wolf Memorial Good Samaritan Center in Albion, NE on Jan. 11, 2007.

Fr. Paul was a very learned man; in both religion and worldly news. He was deeply involved with the Orphan Train and attended many conventions on its behalf. He also mastered the art of “Junk” collecting; acquiring a substantial collection over the years.

He is survived by cousins, other relatives, former parishioners and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Fr. Paul was great at counseling people in their troubled times. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.