Paul J. Abelson Jr 1925-2012

TORREY ABELSON FRANK

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/6/2012 at 14:16:12

Sioux City Journal
April 06, 2012

Paul J. Abelson Jr., 86, of Sioux City passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at his residence.

Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Riverside United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Tanya Scherrill officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites offered by the U.S. Marine Corps and the 185th Air Refueling Wing. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, Friday, with the family present at 6 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.

Paul was born on Aug. 4, 1925, in Sioux City, to Paul T. and Helen M (Torrey) Abelson Sr. Paul was raised in the Prospect Hills area of Sioux City. He worked at Bonnie Behrens Grocery Store as a teen. He received his education at Sioux City Public Schools, graduated from Central High School. He enlisted at age 18 in the U.S. Marine Corps in May 1944, served in the Pacific Theater in Okinawa, Ryukyus Islands, and participated in the occupation of China. Paul received his honorable discharge in May 1946. Returning from World War II, Paul worked for Kutil Refrigeration with his father and uncle. He also held positions at Strategic Air Command and was a diesel operator at the Atlas Missile Site in Beatrice, Neb.

Paul married Helen Frank on Feb. 4, 1949, in Sioux City. He worked at Toller Starlight Room, Pilleys Dairy, Roberts Dairy, Tastee Inn & Out, and Burger Quick. In 1947, Paul joined the 185th Air Refueling Wing, served with the Air National Guard until his honorable discharge in 1968. Paul's claim-to-fame locally is the Billy Boy's Drive Thru which he opened and operated for years before recently selling to family, who continue to operate the restaurant today.

Paul was active within the community, serving as a past commander of the V.F.W., senior vice president of the Marine Corps League, past president of AARP, president of the Sioux City Cribbage League, Siouxland Organ Club, and lifeguard at Riverside swimming pool. Along with being an avid fan and he was a season ticket holder of the Iowa Hawkeye football team. He was the finance officer, and proud member of Riverside United Methodist Church. Paul was a member of the Iowa Restaurant Association, the Democratic Party, and volunteered with Meals-On-Wheels.

Paul is survived by his children, Thomas Abelson of Highlands, N.J. and Sarasota, Fla., Deloris Friebus of Sarasota, Fla., Robert Abelson of Fairbury, Neb., and DeNise Abelson of Sioux City.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Helen in 2010.

Pallbearers will be Chris Abelson, Jason Krommenhaoek, Jonathon Friebus, Aaron Abelson, Todd Boulware, and Doug Brand.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are asked to be made to Hospice of Siouxland.