Paul Edward Buckalew was born in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, on October 8, 1933, to Albert and Theresa Buckalew. He passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at All Saints Memory Care in Madison, Wisconsin.

Paul spent his childhood in Shrewsbury, where he developed a lifelong love of learning. He graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1952, where he served as captain of the tennis team. After high school, encouraged by a nun, Paul attended seminary in Staten Island, New York, where he studied Greek and Latin for two years. He then chose a different path and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving for the next eight years working with missiles.

Following his military service, Paul took on the unique role of ballroom dance instructor at Arthur Murray. He later pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Omaha in 1965. In 1967, Paul began his career with the Madison public schools at Van Hise Middle School. He continued his education in 1970, earning a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. He remained at Van Hise as a learning coordinator in curriculum development before moving to West High School, where he returned to the classroom and taught writing and literature until his retirement.

After 34 years with the Madison public schools, Paul retired but remained active. He enjoyed traveling, volunteering, serving as a docent at Monona Terrace, and serving as president of the Madison Area Retired Teachers. He especially enjoyed traveling the world with Friendship Force, forming friendships and experiencing different cultures along the way.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings: George, Harry, Tom, Raymond, Charlie, and Ruth.

He is survived by his two children, Michael Buckalew (Joy) of Madison, Wisconsin, and Mary Helen Kunkel (Christopher) of Shreveport, Louisiana. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: James Kunkel (Shay) of Shreveport, Louisiana; Timothy Kunkel (Hannah) of Nome, Alaska; Faith Love (Taylor) of Shreveport, Louisiana; and Amber Buckalew, Ryan Buckalew, and Derek Buckalew, all of Madison, Wisconsin.

Paul is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Oliver and Juliette Kunkel of Nome, Alaska, and Beckett, Noa, and Mae Love of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Services will be held on September 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 2121 Rowley Avenue, Madison. Visitation at church from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m.

Paul was a devoted family man and lifelong learner. He touched many lives through his work in education, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We express our deepest gratitude to All Saints Assisted Living and Memory Care, along with Agrace Hospice. They treated our dad like he was a part of their own family. The care, compassion, kindness, and love shown to him were truly outstanding—every single person who cared for Paul made a difference in his life and in ours. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking such good care of Paul and for making his final years so comfortable, dignified, and filled with love. We will be forever grateful.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434