Paul William Onesti passed away at the age of 85 on December 12, 2025, at Sauk Prairie Health Care with family by his side throughout his hospital stay. He was born on November 9, 1940, in his home on the family farm in Shawano County, WI to the late Scivio and Loretta (Kranig) Onesti. Paul attended a one room schoolhouse and eventually graduated Salutatorian from Bowler High School.

His growing up years were spent working on the farm, helping in the garden, picking berries for his mom, and many other outdoor activities. In High School, he was known as a great dancer and especially loved Polkas. He was elected prom King his junior year. After graduation, Paul attended college at UW Steven's Point where he earned a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.

While in college, he played a major role in the musical Brigadoon, where he met his wife, the late Bonnie (Dupuis) Onesti, mother of his children. After graduation from college, Paul worked at American Motors for three years before moving to Sauk City to work in the Chemistry lab at Badger Army Ammunition plant. While there, he helped start the Conservation Club and made some lifelong friends. Paul was laid off a month shy of tenure when the plant closed. Paul did a variety of jobs in electrical, maintenance and restaurant management including working for York Steak House, Devil's Head, Bluffview and some area electrical companies. He spent his last 20 years at Alkar as an electrician.

Paul ended up extending his retirement date quite a few times before finally finishing in 2006. He was a jack of all trades and always kept busy following retirement. Paul enjoyed anything that involved the outdoors including hunting, fishing, gardening, landscaping, and berry picking. He kept bees and enjoyed giving honey away to friends and family. He was known around the area for his fabulous pecan pies! He loved going on many adventures hunting and fishing with family and friends in Canada, the Dakotas, Colorado, and Alaska to name a few. His biggest adventure was flying over to Africa. He hunted animals he never experienced here in the states, bringing home many prize trophies. This was a trip of a lifetime! Most of all, Paul loved his family and friends and would do anything for them! He is greatly loved and missed!

Paul is survived by his 3 children: Kim (Mickey) Morgan, Kelly and Scott; grandchildren: Sean, Erin, Kevin (Kalya) and Cory (Olivia); great grandchildren: Holly and Phinehas; his little sister Rose Mary Putnam; brother-in-law Don Paullin and sister-in-law Susan Onesti. In addition to his parents and the mother of his children, he is preceded in death by siblings Leroy Onesti, Jullian Barroso, Marion Onesti and Richard Onesti as well as brothers-in-law, Francois Barroso and Joseph Putnam and sister-in-law, Janet Onesti.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Sauk Prairie Health Care for their excellent care and kindness shown to both Paul and his family. Thank you, also, to all of the family and friends who have supported us during this difficult time.

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, there will be a visitation at GraceWay Church in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin from 9:00 – 11:00 am, funeral at 11:00 am, and a light lunch following the service in the church fellowship Hall.