Obituaries

MADISON, WI - Paul D. Amend, age 53, passed away unexpectedly on July 29, 2024. Paul was born on October 10, 1970, in Madison, WI at Madison General Hospital, the son of David and Kathleen (Bingham) Amend, and brother to sister Paige Amend.

Paul's family moved to Portage, WI in 1974. His parents worked for the family casket business, Bingham's, Inc. From a young age, after moving to Portage, Paul was interested in electronics and how things work, even amusing his grandpa by taking apart his radio and putting it back together. That maybe inspired Paul's interest in becoming a Ham Radio Operator. He studied, took the exam, and obtained his Amateur Radio License. Paul set up his radio equipment in the business office his dad built in their basement.

In 1989, Paul graduated from Frederick Jackson Turner High School in Portage, WI, in the upper 10% of his class. Paul was chosen to participate in PEER (Portage Educational Enrichment Resource), a program for gifted and talented students, and the National Honor Society. Paul also enjoyed playing the trombone in band. Paul definitely was gifted and talented!

Paul started his work path with American Family Life Insurance Company (Life Co) in Madison, WI, on June 7, 1989, in Underwriting Support. Paul left the insurance industry in 1995 to pursue a career in the radio industry. Paul worked for Seehafer Broadcasting (WYCO/WXCO Radio) from 1995-1996, then Enterprise Media of Madison (WWQM–Q106/WHIT Radio) from 1996-1997.

On January 20, 1997, Paul landed the same job back in the Life Co and continued his total 32-year career with American Family (AmFam) until the date he left this earth. Paul held numerous positions in the Life Co, Marketing, Actuarial, and Personal Lines. Paul was very passionate about his work and was the best at what he did in all the jobs he held. Paul's diligence and analytical mind earned him the respect and appreciation of many colleagues and customers he served. In 1989, Paul obtained his Wisconsin Insurance License (Agent's license) and kept it active. In 2015, Paul was featured on AmFam's internal Compass page for UNSUNG HEROES, where employees were chosen to be highlighted. In 2019, Paul was nominated and chosen for a spot on the All 4 OneAmFam award. The winners were taken to Boca Raton, FL for a couple days to celebrate.

Paul was an avid photographer. He picked up a camera and started taking breathtaking photos that all of us enjoyed seeing on his daily posts. Paul also enjoyed reading; taking drives; going to concerts where he met many singing legends; learning new things; and staying under the radar.

Paul was kindhearted and always made time for others. Paul was always available to help family, friends, and neighbors with whatever they needed. Paul always saw the best in people. Paul had a delightful sense of humor, and a beautiful/contagious laugh. Paul will be remembered as gentle, caring, loving, extremely intelligent, and quiet natured.

Paul will be forever missed by those of us still on Earth: From Lutz, FL: Paul's sister Paige (Andy) Erwin, their two sons, two daughters-in-law, and five grandkids. From Madison, WI: Paul's words: The love of his life, Elizabeth (Beth) Gray (Paul was the love of Beth's life too!); Aileen Gray, Paul's second mom; and Dianne (Stuart) Graham. From Rio, WI: Karen (Randy) Kleinfeldt; and Aunt Grace (David) Hinzman. From Mishawaka, IN: Aunt Sara (Jerry) Kuker. From Paris, France: Aunt Annie Brown. Cousins from the Amend and Bingham families; along with friends and co-workers. In Heaven with Paul are: His parents, David and Kathleen (Bingham) Amend; Frank Gray, who always tried to buy Paul two brats at Brat Fest, but Paul only wanted one!; five grandparents; aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Amend and Bingham families; and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Paul on his birthday, October 10, 2024, at Ryan Funeral Home located at 2418 North Sherman Avenue; Madison, WI from 5:00-7:00 P.M.

We kindly request no flowers. Memorials may be gifted in Paul's name to a charity of your choice, or one of his passions: Caenhill Countryside Centre in the United Kingdom (Caenhill Countryside Centre - Ways to help (caenhillcc.org.uk). They rescue animals. Paul loved watching their daily "Rush-Hour", which has many animals running out of the barn to start their day. Paul especially loved the 'White Arrows', which are three white geese; Mo, the runner duck; and Oreo, the border collie, that doesn't like to work. Love You, Love You More!

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257