Paul Wehage

Paul W. Wehage, 78, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, passed away, Tuesday, May 07, 2013 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will begin after noon on Friday, May 10, 2013, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel where the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 11th at the First Presbyterian Church, Mt. Pleasant, with Pastor Doug Darnold officiating. Interment will be in the Burge Cemetery, New London. In lieu of flowers memorials have been established to Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club, Great River Hospice, or First Presbyterian Church. Born May 21, 1934, in Des Moines County, IA, Paul Wesley was the son of Walter Henry and Ada Mata (Bohlen) Wehage. He graduated from New London High School in 1952. He later attended Coe College and Iowa State University. He was married to Carolyn Koble from 1953-1973. The couple divorced. In 1976, he married Janice Thompson Craig. She preceded him in death on April 4, 1994. He married Dorothy Burky Cogswell on March 30, 1996. For 10 years, Paul worked as a district manager for the Des Moines Register Tribune. He then worked as an agent for Prudential Insurance Company, often going door to door, selling life, auto, and home insurance. After 26 years of service, he retired in June 1996. Paul participated in ROTC at Coe College. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he has served as a deacon and an elder. He joined the Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club in 1980 and served as president from 1982-1983. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening, especially nurturing his roses. He was a Spider Solitaire enthusiast. He especially enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; three sons, William (Linda) Wehage of Ankeny, IA, Michael (Paula) Cogswell of Raeford, NC, and Travis (Erin) Cogswell of Marietta, GA; one daughter, Lynne (Keith) Mews of Williamsburg, IA; twelve grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Preceding Paul in death are his parents; wife, Janice; and a daughter, Linda Wehage Gardner.