Paula S Spotanski

Paula Spotanski, 78, of Grand Island passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025, at CHI Health St. Francis, following a stroke. She left us peacefully, with her loving family by her side. Paula was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, and will be deeply missed.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 212 W. 12th St., Grand Island with Pastor Adam Snoberger officiating. Burial will be at 2 PM Friday at the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the start of the services on Friday, April 11, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation. Online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com

Paula was born on July 2, 1946, in Grand Island, the daughter of Ivan and Marjorie (Ernst) Paulson. She graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1964 and then attended Kearney State College. Paula was united in marriage to Gary Spotanski on January 25, 1975, at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was the proud mother of Mark Spotanski and Kerry Hatzenbuehler. She found immense joy in her grandchildren, Grant and Ethan, and they were the light of her life. Paula loved every moment spent with her grandkids, watching their sports and creating memories that will live on forever.

For many years, Paula worked as a legal secretary before transitioning to the role she cherished the most, mother. She finished her career with various roles at Home Federal Bank, where she built lasting relationships.

Paula had a love for travel with her family, especially to Florida, where she also spent many winters with Gary. She continued to enjoy playing bridge, watching Husker athletics, having coffee with friends, and serving the church in various ways being a member of the choir and altar guild for many years.

Those left to cherish her memory are children: Mark of Omaha, and Kerry (Todd) Hatzenbuehler of Wichita, KS; grandchildren: Grant and Ethan; and many other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Gary; parents; twin brothers; and parents-in-law, Stanley and Helen Spotanski.

Paula’s spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Her kindness, warmth, laugh, and love will never be forgotten, and her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.