Paul J. VanNieuwenhuyse age 68 of Keokuk, IA, formerly of Clinton, passed away Saturday Oct. 23, 2021 at Blessing Health Keokuk in Keokuk, IA from COVID complications. A family prayer service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday Oct. 27th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in DeWitt, IA. Cremation rites have been accorded and burial will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Clinton at a later date. The Pape Funeral Home, Clinton is assisting the family. Memorials may be directed to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.

Paul was born on Oct. 25, 1952 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Gaston and Irene (DeVinck) VanNieuwenhuyse. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Clinton in 1971. He was active with the Boy Scouts as a canoe guide and earned his Eagle Scout, where he was awarded the Order of the Arrows Award. He will be remembered by his family as a gentle soul who loved the outdoors. He was an avid bird watcher and was a valued participant in many Christmas bird counts. Paul enjoyed writing poetry.

Paul is survived by his mother, Irene VanNieuwenhuyse of DeWitt, IA; two sisters, Jean (Jim) Adams and Mary McLaughlin both of DeWitt, IA; six nieces and nephews; nine great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Sally.