Paul Russell Buckley

Paul Russell Buckley age 65 of Elma, IA died Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at Saude Lutheran Church, rural Lawler, with Rev. Peter Faugstad officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church.

Friends may greet the family from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, before the funeral service at the church.

Paul was born on March 8, 1960, to Garland and Norma (Boyle) Buckley (both deceased). Paul was the youngest of 4 children.  He is survived by his brother, Thomas, and sister, Patricia.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane.  

Even (and especially) as a young man, Paul marched to the beat of his own drum.  Friends and family would sometimes joke that he got all his wild times out of his system at an early age so he could live on the ‘straight and narrow’ later in life.  

Paul called a number of places home during his adult life, but always seemed happiest at the farm he grew up on and moved back to in the later years of his life.  He loved sharing that joy with his 4-legged companions Oscar and, later on, Oliver.  

Even as Paul experienced some limitations due to medical reasons late in his life, he found purpose in each and every day.  He would always have an errand, a friend to visit, or something to check out.  He always was watching for a sale or auction and enjoyed being on the lookout for something that brought him joy.  

Faith was a large part of Paul’s life.  He discovered and leaned on this faith through several setbacks in life.  Even when life seemed to be at its darkest, Paul trusted in God to guide him and let fate bring the right people into his life at the right times.  

One of Paul’s hallmarks was always calling to say “Thank You”.  He was a firm believer in always saying the words to express gratitude, whether it be for a kind deed, sharing a meal, or even appreciating a job done, which he was paying for.  He always wanted you to know that you…through your actions or words…regardless of circumstance…truly mattered.  

He will be missed by many and will look down on us all.  May he rest in peace.