2013 information from Darlys
Paul W. Vollstedt was born September 13, 1936, near Irwin, son of Raymond and Melvina (Kuhl) Vollstedt. In 1939, the family moved to a farm near
Manning where he attended country school and graduated in 1954 from Manning High School in the "Top Ten" of his class academically and was a member of
Quill and Scroll and National Honor Society. Paul participated in high school basketball, football, and FFA. He was offered a football scholarship to Simpson College,
but chose to spend most of his adult life farming in the Manning area. Paul earned a Diploma post-high school from ASI in Chicago to be certified as a mobile engine
service technician. Paul had one sister, Darlys (Vollstedt) Bean, and five nieces and nephews.
Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was inducted into the Navy Seabees on January 5, 1959. He received his basic training in San Diego where he served as apprentice petty officer second class chosen from the ranks of the seaman recruits to assist company commanders. Selection was based on individual aptitude and leadership qualities.
Following basic training, he was stationed at Brown Field Naval Auxillary Air Station at Chula Vista, California, as a mechanic from May 1959 to April 1960. As a member of the U.S. Naval 3rd Class Seabees Mobile Construction Battalion 10, he was stationed in Guam where he was a heavy equipment operator from April to December 1960. Paul received the rank of EOH3 while serving in the Navy. Following his discharge on December 11, 1960, he returned to farming and part-time agriculture-related employment in the Manning area.
Clothes washing 1959 Chula Vista
Paul on right - Chula Vista
Ship that took Paul back to Guam
View of other warships at sea - unknown location
Lutheran medallion
2012 Lutheran recognition of military service
Paul's various service patches
1959 Petty officers
USN Barrett - troop ship that brought Paul back home
February 20, 1959 - Paul 2nd row 8th over from left
Darlys with her brother, Paul 1981 Manning Centennial
Graveside services for Paul
1981 Manning Ceremonial Team