Paul Wright

Paul Norman Wright, 65, of Waverly passed away peacefully at his home early Wednesday morning, Feb. 25, 2026.

Paul was born in Storm Lake on June 10, 1960. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1978, Paul went on to develop above average pool skills along with his finance degree from Buena Vista University. He honed his fishing and golfing skills he learned as a young boy.

Paul was united in marriage to Nancy Pomrenke on June 25, 1982. The two of them shared 43.5 years of marriage, and over 45 years together.

Paul enjoyed golfing, fishing, “putzing” in the garage and “riding shotgun” wherever Nancy wanted to go. He religiously cheered on the Hawkeyes and Vikings. He always looked forward to preparing and hosting the annual ACE Card Club Dinner. His career in insurance made him very knowledgeable in most things mechanical, structural and electrical. Paul was “Google” to his kids when they were working on their own homes or DIY. Because his travels as a claims adjuster took him all over Iowa, Paul seemed to know of every town and road, he was his family’s “Google Maps.” Paul was known to tease, but was able to laugh at himself, too, often his quotes were adopted by his kids as a “Paulism.” Paul also had a special place in his heart for the discount emails he would get from his good friends John Menard and Jeff Bezos.

Paul fiercely loved his children and loved being a dad. He was so very proud of each of them. He encouraged them, cried with them and celebrated with them. Paul was a role model for his family through his steady presence, straightforward manner and strong work ethic. Paul eagerly looked forward to the daily calls from each one of his kids, reminding them they were on their “sibling’s time” if they called outside of their “usual time.”

Paul wanted his children to have great memories of their childhood with many trips made to the Dells, a trip to Disney World and costal Texas. Paul’s favorite times of each year were “Fish Week” and “Okoboji Week.” Fish week was just for Paul and his kids. No Nancy, no in-laws, just the kids and him. Many memories shared, many stories told (and untold) and lots of good food and drink. Paul taught his children early on to please the “Fishing Gods” whenever they were fishing. Okoboji Week was a family tradition, going on 31 years. Paul loved to spend the morning fishing and the rest of the day was for family fun. He would captain the speedboat for skiing, tubing and cruising. When the speed boat was replaced with “Nancy’s Pontoon” he was fine giving up the captain’s hat and sitting back and relaxing. When not on the water, he was happy lying on the beach or playing “bags” on the sand. Margarita Pails at Barefoot, ice cream from the Nutty Bar stand and shopping at the Emporium were activities that turned into traditions. Hawkeye football and tailgating were always family events. Paul was so excited to take each grandchild to their first Hawkeye game. He wanted to be in Kinnick Stadium rain, shine or snow, “cause it was just better football.”

Paul also found great joy in watching his children compete, faithfully attending Go Hawk sporting events. He supported them wholeheartedly and celebrated every accomplishment, big or small.

When Paul became a grandparent, he embraced it. Paul loved being Papa. He loved holding babies, (The babies often falling asleep against his chest listening to the rhythmic clicks of the artificial heart valves); playing with them as toddlers and board games and cards as they got older. He passed along to them his love for all things summer, and spoiled them as they were known to say “Well, I’ll just have Papa get it then” if they were told no.

Paul battled many years with health issues, but refused to let them define him. Paul’s love, laughter and wit will be missed by all who knew him. Paul set the bar high for courage, hope and living life to the fullest. As we grieve our loss, we also celebrate a wonderful life. We encourage anyone attending the visitation /funeral to wear either Hawkeye gear or bright colors for this celebration of life.

Paul is survived by his wife and best friend Nancy; his beloved children: Andrew (Blair) Wright of Alleman, and their children Henley, Holten, Hayes, Luke (Chelsi) Wright of Ankeny, IA and their children McKenna, Brooklyn and Jace; Joshua (Kalley) Wright of Rice, Minn., and their son Ripley, Kathryn (Payton) Kennedy of Ankeny and their son Weston. Paul is also survived by his mother Ruth Wright of West Des Moines; his mother and father in law, Roger and Kathy Pomrenke of Storm Lake; and his brothers and sister: Pat, Sue, Mike and Jim, and his brother- and sisters-in-law: Sandi, Carol, Denise and Jason; as well as many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his fathers, Norman Drey and Jerome Wright; his sister Denise Fleming; and brothers-in-law: Tom, Doug and Dan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation in Paul’s name and online condolences can be left at www.kaisercorson.com.