COLUMBUS, Neb. — Paul R. Schettler, age 93, of Columbus, Neb., died Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 in Papillion, Neb.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, Oct. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Ollie Fullmer officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Monday, from 9:30 a.m. until service time, at the church. There will be a family prayer service at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, at the church. Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Paul R. Schettler was born on Sept. 19, 1933, in Waldersee, Canada, to Rev. Kurt G. and Louise (Schempp) Schettler. His father had immigrated from Germany, graduated Lutheran seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and went to serve as a missionary in Canada. In 1937, Paul’s father was reassigned from missionary work in Canada to pastor a parish in Kansas. Paul grew up in Otis, Kan., and graduated from high school in 1951. In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and volunteered for active duty from 1953 to 1955. After serving in the Army, Paul briefly worked for the Nebraska Game Commission until 1956.

On Sept. 2, 1956, Paul was united in marriage to Norma Jean Robinson at Timber Creek Lutheran Church in Belgrade, Neb., with Paul’s father serving as the presiding minister.

Paul was employed at Emiel Christiansen Architectural firm in Columbus. In 1964, he obtained his pilot’s license, which he used in his work. In 1966, Paul was employed at Reed, Veach, Wurdeman & Associates Inc., Architects and Engineers. In 1972, he went to work at Nebraska Public Power District until he retired in 1996.

Paul actively supported his community through various endeavors during his lifetime. In 1987, Governor Kay Orr named Paul an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska for contributions to community improvement. In 1994, Paul was voted Best Boss of the Year by the Columbus chapter of the American Businesswomen’s Association. In 2001, he received the Nebraska State Patrol Public Service Award for assisting a trooper in making an arrest. Paul served on the Trinity Lutheran Church Council and their Building Committee. Paul coached YMCA basketball and Little League baseball. He enjoyed traveling, flying, boating, and fishing; even combining those loves to plan fishing trips for his coffee group.

Paul is survived by, son: Loel (Connie) Schettler of Omaha, Neb.; grandchildren, Drew Schettler and Paige (Preston) Doerrfeld of Lincoln, Neb.; son, Joel (Sarah) Schettler of Charleston, S.C.; sister-in-law, Karen Scott of Belgrade, Neb. Paul was preceded in death by, parents, Rev. Kurt and Louise Schettler; loving wife of 65 years, Norma Schettle; brother, Alvin (Jeanette) Schettler; sister, Hilda (Ben) Tittle; sister, Helen Schettler.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Gass Haney Funeral Home

2109 14th St.

Columbus, NE 68601

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 17, 2026