Paul Robert Rauner

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Paul Robert Rauner, 46, of Parker, CO passed away September 10, 2023. Born October 11, 1976, in Lincoln, NE to Robert and Yvonne (Reinke) Rauner.

Paul loved archery, sledge hockey, shooting sports, and hand bike racing.

Paul was baptized on October 24th, 1976 at Faith Lutheran Church and was confirmed on May 5th, 1991 at Christ Lutheran Church.
Paul attend Kahoa elementary school, Mickle Junior high, and graduated from Lincoln Northeast high school in 1995. He then went to SCC for an IT associate degree and followed that up with a Bachelor of Science degree from Bellevue University.

Paul loved Colorado and after his son Brendan graduated from high school, he moved there in 2018 and spent the rest of his life in a place that was always near and dear to his heart.
Paul had his life affected by Adrenomyeloneuropathy. This is the adult form of the disease that took his younger brother Kevin’s life 20 years ago. Progression of this disease eventually forced him to require the use of a wheelchair to help his mobility. This did not stop him from being determined to live the most active life that he could. He didn’t let the disease define him, he defined himself. Many interests of Paul were: Archery in which he was invited to try out for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic games in Archery. Covid stopped that effort. Participated in the Lincoln Marathon and Omaha Marathon and won the hand bike division most years. He had a great interest in Sledge(sled) hockey. He held educational opportunities to show those that didn’t have lower body function that they could participate in this sport. He traveled to Denver and played with members of the USA Para Ice Hockey team. He also enjoyed spending time at the shooting range. This was another activity he could do that his health challenges couldn’t stop him from doing.

One of Paul’s dearest friends made an appropriate comment,” I’m glad that he’s free of this body. Like my son, his body was his prison”. Paul will be missed by his many friends, His family including his aunts and uncles and his cousins that are too many to list. We are thankful for his faith and that he has been welcomed into the heavenly realm with all who believe in eternal life.

Family members include his son Brendan; parents Robert and Yvonne Rauner; brother Brian (Angie) Rauner and their children Preston (Hannah), Rylee, Cameron, and Blake Rauner; grandmother Rose Rauner. Preceded in death by his brother Kevin, grandparents Francis Rauner, Martin and Dorothy Reinke, and uncle James Reinke.

Memorial service: 10:00 am Saturday, October 21, 2023, Christ Lincoln Church, 4325 Sumner Street.

Memorials to United Leukodystrophy Foundation or Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Cremation/No visitation

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Services

October21

Memorial Service

10:00 am CST

Christ Lincoln Church

4325 Sumner Street, Lincoln, Nebraska

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Share a Memory or Condolence

October 21, 2023

Paul and I were friends in high school, but we became good friends as adults. He would visit my church from time to time and my boys thought he was a really cool guy. Paul had a giant heart of gold and was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him, but I’m thankful it’s not goodbye, just see you later. ❤️

– Nicki Beckman

October 21, 2023

Paul was a good friend and a good man. Always upbeat and uplifting to everyone around him. He had a way to put people at ease and make them feel good about themselves. There was never a day he didn’t have a smile on his face and something fun to say! The practice of archery brought us together and we spent many hours on the range training. I always enjoyed our time together and our mutual pursuit of the same sport. Dedicated to the craft of archery, he developed into a mighty fine archer, and he truly enjoyed helping other people. I am so happy to have known Paul and his friendship was enriching and special to me in my own life. For all the laughter and jokes, smiles and good works, thats what I think of when I think of Paul.

– David Wolfe

October 18, 2023

It is with heartfelt sadness that we write this note of condolence to Bob, Yvonne and the family. We remember Paul well from the many years of attending ULF conferences. You will be in our hearts and our thoughts this week. Sending you much love.

– Marla and Ron Chapleau

October 16, 2023

Paul and I met after stealing glances at each other at the outdoor education center where he taught my children how to shoot archery. My breath was taken away by his beautiful eyes and his fun spirit. We dated on and off over the last five years and shared an unconditional love that I’ve never had with another person. More importantly he was a best friend and always reliable. He often would bring me little gifts to my workplace, coming to visit me with Imo at his side. We spent a lot of fun evenings, watching endless Peter Cetera, Toto, and Journey music videos, singing along, and just being dorks together. He was the first and only man to shoot my deceased husbands service weapon – teaching my son how to shoot and helping him with things that only a man could. My children adored “Bald Paul” they affectionately nicknamed him. He gave the Best hugs. I will miss our sushi dates, late night texts, and plans for Colorado adventures we waited too long to take. I am grateful he is with his Creator.

– Rainee Penfield

October 16, 2023

I will always have fond memories of my (little bro) Paul who managed to wrangle his way into the hearts of so many of the ALD/AMN community moms, but especially mine. He was an inspiration to so many other patients and their families just by showing that he never gave up because of his disability. He had an enormous heart and drive which he exhibited by living his true self. He will be missed by many and he will always have a tender spot in my heart.

– Janis Sherwood

October 16, 2023

Tribute for Paul The first thing I noticed about the day I met Paul. He was standing tall, using one crutch to assist with his walking. He was quiet and shy at first, then he started to open up and enjoy himself, with his new friends. We attended several ULF conferences over the years. Our friendship grew stronger and stronger as time went on. At one conference, I was unable to return to my room, my roommate had company. Paul sat outside talking with me for hours and bours. Finally, he offered me a place to rest my head. From that conference we developed a great friendship. After a few years AMN started showing up more and more. Paul was now in a wheelchair to get around. He got known for giving rides on his lap to get the girls (woman) from place to place. The women would pimp his ride and make it special. We kept in touch regularly. He would text and or call me every few weeks, letting me know his new news and I would share mine. Over the past few years, our contact became daily. The day would start out as a simple text Good Morning. We would share what we had planned for the day. Paul would call me every time he was driving somewhere, to work, on the way home, getting dinner through a drive through, grocery shopping, etc.… We would Facetime several times a week. Sometimes watching a program together. He would help me with my projects, giving his opinion and recommendations. Paul was a special kind of friend. I loved him dearly.

– Jamie D Barlow

October 13, 2023

Such an incredible man who I met in 2016 ULF conference❣️in Nebraska. he brought his German Shepard service dog IMO and my service dog stayed home. He never gave up and would often share stories with me about his activities he still pursued🙏

– Laura Lee Luhrsen

October 9, 2023

Sending condolences. I was indebted to Paul for referring me to a reputable garage for my car in Lincoln besides getting to know him at ULF Conferences.