Wilma Jean Paup

Wilma Jean Paup, 89, formerly of Cedar Falls, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Meadowview in Johnston, Iowa. She was born in Cedar Falls, August 15, 1936, the youngest daughter of Walter and Alta (Moore) Wilson. Wilma graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1954, then attended Iowa State Teacher's College (UNI). On June 16, 1956, she married Harrison "Dean" Paup at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls. Wilma and best friend, Jean Dobson, as Junior League members served as co-chairs and Black Hawk County representatives for the planning of the 1976 Bicentennial event which evolved into the annual Sturgis Falls Celebration. She was also a charter member of the Cedar Falls' Historical Society and president of the Jaycee-ettes in 1963. Wilma supported Dean in his real estate and construction ventures frequently traveling with him to conventions. All of this in addition to raising four children and being involved in their activities at school. Her final position before retirement was as Financial Analyst with Harley Davidson Financial, in Plano, Texas, where they lived for many years before moving to   McKinney, Texas, and then back to Iowa in 2023.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 69 years, Dean; and sisters, Marjorie (Don) Blair and Dorothy (Robert) Lakin. She is survived by her children: Susan (John) Clark of McKinney, TX, Kathleen (Tim) Goranson of Johnston, Douglas (Sheila) Paup of Orange, CT, Ross (Vicky) Paup of Alpharetta, GA. Five grandchildren: Benjamin (Racquel) Hardesty of Canyon, TX, Jackson (Jessie) Hardesty of Prosper, TX, Lauren Paup Alarcon of New Canaan, CT, Harrison Paup of Brooklyn, NY and John Goranson of Johnston; five great grandchildren: Nathanial, Adalee and Olivia Hardesty, Chloe Paup Alarcon, Noah Harrison Holland and Charlie Hardesty.

Wilma's family will host a Memorial Service at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:30 am with Visitation one hour prior to the service. Private family inurnment at Fairview Cemetery of Cedar Falls at a later time. Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Falls Historical Society.