Paul Joseph Beaudry
October 12, 2017
On October 12th, Paul Joseph Beaudry, beloved brother and friend, joined his ancestors in the hereafter. Like his parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, Paul suffered from diabetes and its destructive complications. And, like his forbears, he completed his corporeal life as a devout and faithful Catholic.
Paul was born to Brunnell Wilfred (“Jerry”) Beaudry and Henriette Corinne Beaudry (Tetreault) on August 10, 1961 in Des Moines and was baptized in All Saints parish, where he was subsequently a student, an altar boy, a crossing guard, a rectory worker, an usher, a bookkeeper and multi-faceted volunteer of all kinds. He was an officer in the Knights of Columbus and brightened countless lives during his 56 years in the parish.
He attended All Saints Elementary School in Highland Park and earned the Aquinas Key at Dowling High School before graduating with honors from the University of Iowa and permanently returning to Des Moines. He played the accordion and loved Navy stories, classic rock, and spectator sports, faithfully following his favorite teams from Dowling and the University of Iowa as well as his beloved Minnesota Twins and Vikings.
Paul was a pillar of the high school debate community. Known affectionately as “Blurb,” he is fondly remembered and will be very much missed by the countless students and teachers whom he helped over the years. After debating for Dowling, he went on to work there as a debate coach and judge and was even hired to help rival Valley High School in West Des Moines. In addition to coaching and judging, Paul travelled with teams, ran debate tournaments and received awards for his contributions both in Iowa and around the nation.
Paul had far more friends than he knew, and although he never married, he was devoted to family. He was a faithful son who cared for his mother throughout her final days and a kind and thoughtful brother, uncle and brother-in-law. Paul had neither vanity nor malice and never once made an enemy of anyone. He could be frustrating but never hostile, and was compassionate to all who knew him. Blurb’s example, if not his body, is indestructible.
He is survived by his brother, Carl Beaudry, his sister-in-law, Melissa Houghton and his nephew, Maxton Chance Beaudry of Fort Washington, Maryland.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Paul’s name to All Saints parish.
Services will be held on Monday October 23rd, 2017, at 10 a.m. at All Saints church, 650 NE 52nd Ave Des Moines, IA 50313.
Online condolences may be made to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Ann Marie (Tallman) Mahoney
11/29/2017
Paul was a real role model. Always kind and thoughtful. And, boy, brilliant! I will always remember him holding up the Nationals debate trophy during a Dowling assembly and everyone cheering and him roaring! Priceless. Carl, I am very sorry for your loss. And, to learn about your parents, as well. All super lovely people. Just saw the news in Dowling newsletter. Take good care. Ann Marie
Carolina Munoz
10/27/2017
thanks God for giving us the opportunity to have Paul as a friend. even in the distance he was so supportive to me in very bad times. Paul, you will live in my heart for as long as I live... my dear Pau.
Francis Kahler
10/20/2017
Shared many Sunday meals and afternoons with Paul as Brothers on the Knights of Columbus second and third Degree team.
Paul was a fabulous gift from God!
Thank you God for allowing me to experience your special gift!
Tony Seliquini
10/20/2017
Paul was a man I never felt uncomfortable around, and I wish I'd spent more time getting to know more about him.
God bless you, Brother Paul! I will miss you, and especially the conversations we shared while spending time in the kitchen preparing meals for others.
Ed Faber
10/18/2017
Paul was the quiet, smart kid in the back of the classroom at All Saints who always new the answer but seldom volunteered it. Always kind and polite even to those who weren't respectful to him, a true Christian who lived his faith. Farewell to a good man!
Ray Danz
10/17/2017
My brother Knight, you will be sorely missed. Though I've only known you a few years, you were someone I truly enjoyed working with and spending time with.