A. Paul Brownsberger, age 81, of Atlantic, IA, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Hansen House in Council Bluffs, IA.
Allen Paul Brownsberger was born on January 19, 1945, in Anita, Iowa, to Edward and Gertrude Brownsberger.
Like many boys from small towns, Paul was a multi-sport athlete who excelled in football, basketball, and track. He spoke most often, and with great enthusiasm, about his success in pole vaulting. Throughout his adult life, golf was his sport of choice, a source of both great joy and occasional frustration. Among his proudest accomplishments was winning the Nishna Hills Club Championship multiple times.
Shortly after graduating from Anita High School in 1963, Paul married Patricia Ann Hockom on July 17, 1965. From this union came their three sons: Michael Paul, Donald Lee and Scott Wendell. Together, Paul and Pat enjoyed traveling and dancing. They also took pride in turning each house they lived in into a home through various remodeling projects, drawing on the skills Paul developed while working in several trades throughout his career.
In 1997, Paul became a grandfather for the first time, a title he held with great pride. His grandchildren will carry with them memories of his constant singing, knack for unforgettable nicknames, love of the Iowa Hawkeyes, and his unique ability to ride a bike backward.
Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pat; his parents; his sisters, Hazel, Beverly, and Mary; and his brothers, Edward, Fredric, and Dan.
He is survived by his sons, Mike, Don (Tonya Mahan), and Scott (Ann) Brownsberger; his grandchildren, Alison, Leah, Nathan, Noah, Zane, Ian, and Olivia; and his siblings, Joy, Phil, Judy, Avis, Dena, Cecelia “Jo,” and Stephanie.
Public visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Anita, IA, with Fr Brad Robey as the Celebrant. Interment will take place following the Mass at the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Atlantic. A luncheon will be held following the mass in the Reception Room of the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic.
Memorials may be directed to the Paul Brownsberger Family, to be designated in his memory at a later date. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA, 50022.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic.
