Paul Edward Buckalew was born Oct. 8, 1933, in Shrewsbury, to Albert and Theresa Buckalew. He passed away peacefully Sept. 1, 2026, at All Saints Memory Care in Madison, Wisconsin.
Paul spent his childhood in Shrewsbury, where he developed a lifelong love of learning. He graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1952, where he served as captain of the tennis team. After high school, encouraged by a nun, Paul attended seminary on Staten Island, where he studied Greek and Latin for two years. He then chose a different path and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving for the next eight years working with missiles.
Following his military service, Paul took on the unique role of ballroom dance instructor at Arthur Murray. He later pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Omaha in 1965. In 1967, Paul began his career with the Madison Public School system at Van Hise Middle School. He continued his education in 1970, earning a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction. He remained at Van Hise as a learning coordinator in curriculum development before moving to West High School, where he returned to the classroom and taught writing and literature until his retirement.
After 34 years working in Madison public schools, Paul retired but remained active. He enjoyed traveling, volunteering, serving as a docent at Monona Terrace, and serving as president of the Madison Area Retired Teachers. He especially enjoyed traveling the world with Friendship Force, forming friendships and experiencing different cultures along the way.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings: George, Harry, Tom, Raymond, Charlie and Ruth.
He is survived by his two children, Michael Buckalew (Joy) of Madison, Wisconsin, and Mary Helen Kunkel (Christopher) of Shreveport, Louisiana. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: James Kunkel (Shay) of Shreveport, Louisiana; Timothy Kunkel (Hannah) of Nome, Alaska; Faith Love (Taylor) of Shreveport, Louisiana; and Amber Buckalew, Ryan Buckalew and Derek Buckalew, all of Madison, Wisconsin.
Paul is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Oliver and Juliette Kunkel of Nome, Alaska, and Beckett, Noa and Mae Love of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Visitation and a service were held Sept. 8 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Madison.
Paul was a devoted family man and lifelong learner. He touched many lives through his work in education, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former students and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service in Madison is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories at cressfuneralservice.com.
The article originally appeared in the September 10 – 16, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
