BESSEMER, Mich. - Paul J. Modjeski, 48 passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021, at home in Bessemer. Paul was born in Milwaukee, in September of 1972. His parents are James and Sabina Modjewski. James was from Bessemer and Sabina (Dimitroff) Modjewski was from Wakefield. Jim and Sabina were married in Wakefield in 1967.

Paul went to grade school in Milwaukee, attended middle school in Brown Deer, Wisconsin and high school at Milwaukee Boys Tech. Paul took classes in plumbing, electricity, machining and were the focus of his studies among many others.

Paul played organized youth baseball and football in Brown Deer during his middle school years. In high school, he played baseball and football for Milwaukee Boys Tech. Some of his teammates at Boys Tech went on to play for major colleges and some went on to the National Football League.

After high school, Paul went to work doing building and constructing of houses, churches, etc. He later worked in modern factories running machines, driving equipment, wiring, repairing and welding as the job required.

As his skills grew, Paul took a job with Mazak, a large machine tool company manufacturer as a technician repairman and installer. His territory of work took him from Kentucky to Northern Wisconsin helping many customers along the way.

An opportunity became available closer to home in the Milwaukee area where Paul took a job as an electrician at the Master Lock Company. He worked there a number of years until back problems forced his retirement. Shortly after retirement, Paul moved to Bessemer in the Modjewski home owned by his dad James and owned by his Grandpa Chester previously.

Once settled in Bessemer, Paul enrolled at Gogebic Community College and graduated in May of 2017, with double associate degrees in mechanical engineering and in business.

Activities Paul liked are many and his teammates were varied, according to the sport at the time. He also enjoyed deer hunting, staying at camp with Grandpa Chester, his dad, his favorite uncle, Dennis Hill.

Fishing was also a favorite pastime of Paul's. He tremendously enjoyed fishing with his Uncle Dennis for lake trout and walleye. The most prized fish of all for Paul at St. Germaine, Wisconsin, was the muskie with his fishing companion, Jim "Charlie" Slotke, and also billiard games and tournaments with his good friend, Dan "the Mason" Ramstack. Paul also enjoyed four-wheeling with Mike Quartz out at camp.

Paul is survived by his dad, Jim; his older brother, Patrick; and younger brother, Peter. Additionally, he is survived by two nephews, Jacob and Henry Modjeski; Aunt Nola Maki, of Ohio. He is further survived by a very special longtime lady friend, Crystal Laituri. Paul and Crystal took many short trips, enjoyed backyard cookouts and gatherings, birthdays and spent holidays together.

Paul was predeceased by his mother, Sabina, and now is alongside her. Paul's grandparents were Chester and Gertude Modjewski, of Bessemer, and Dimiter and Clarice Dimitroff, of Wakefield. Other relatives are from the Dimitroff family, Dennis Hill, Dave Maki, Scott family and Modjewski families with many cousins. Paul also had a number of local friends in the area.

A Rite of Committal for Paul and his mother, Sabina, will be held on Friday, June 25, at 2 p.m., at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong presiding.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield and Jerald Rocco will be directing the services.

Dad J.F.M.