Paul Frederick Staniszewski

Paul Frederick Staniszewski, 77, of Paw Paw, passed away on April 6, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on February 13, 1948, to the late John and Eleanor Staniszewski in Lawrence, Michigan. Paul spent many years managing Shangri-La Resort on Three Mile Lake and served as the Head of Maintenance at Paw Paw Public Schools for thirty-two years.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Angela Staniszewski, and her children, Jade Johnson, Ayanah Edwards, Kadin Edwards, and Xavier Edwards of Normal, Illinois, along with his great-grandchildren Navy Davis, Ryen Keith, Noah Ayers, and Giana Edwards; Skyler Hall of Palmetto, Florida; Megan Myrick of Kalamazoo, Michigan; his brother John Staniszewski of Aiken, South Carolina; his brother Dominic (Carolyn) Staniszewski of Rosharon, Texas; his sister Rebecca “Becky” Loveless of Mattawan, Michigan; his four-legged companion, Cat; his loving friends and caretakers, Kevin and Shannon Oxley of Paw Paw, Fidel, Maria, Fidel Manuel III, Giovani, and Damien Solis, of Paw Paw, and Luke Butler of Paw Paw. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his daughter, Tiffany Leigh Tate; his twin brother, Charles "Chuck" Staniszewski; his brother, Anthony "Tony" Staniszewski; and his sister, Judy Gauthier.

Paul served his country in the United States Army as a Sargeant and was a Military Working Dog Handler for Vietnam K-9 Soldiers. He received the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Badge, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal before being honorably discharged in August 1968.

For over forty years, Paul ran Shangri-La Resort on Three Mile Lake, where he took great pride in renting out the cabins and maintaining the grounds. Guests enjoyed fishing, boating, swimming, and gathering around the bonfires, and Paul welcomed multiple generations of families from the local area and Chicago. In addition to his work at the resort, Paul was a dedicated farmer, spending long hours planting crops and regularly donating to those in need. He was always ready to lend a hand, whether helping friends fix something or offering a loan of a dime or two.

One of Paul’s most cherished roles was his work as the Head of Maintenance at Paw Paw Public Schools, where he worked for thirty-two years. Paul was known for his ability to fix anything-whether it was floors, roofs, or playground equipment. He took pride in keeping the school grounds immaculate. During his time there, Paul formed many lifelong friendships and treated each student like his own child, offering kindness, a firm but loving voice, and a caring presence. The students gave him the nickname of “Mr. Pickleman”. He remained connected with many students and faculty over the years, whether through visits to the lake, chance encounters at the hardware store, or meetings at the grocery store.

Paul enjoyed visiting local hardware stores to pick up supplies and spending time at Teapot Dome for coffee with friends. He was an exceptional man-kind, sincere, and tireless in his work. His legacy of generosity and warmth will live on in the memories of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

In place of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Eleanor’s Pantry, 221 Drew Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079; American Legion Post 68, 115 N Niles St, Paw Paw, MI 49079-1304; the Animal Rescue Project, 219 Peekstok Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49001; or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held in July at the family farm.