Paul Reece Fleischacker
March 20, 2014
Paul R. Fleischacker died surrounded by family on March 20, 2014 at home in Johnston, Iowa. Deeply beloved husband of Susan, beloved father of David, Michael, Melissa and Anita, dearest brother of Marcia; adored grandfather of 12 and great grandfather of one, with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins, and many deeply treasured friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mary, and his brother, Joe Leroy.
Paul grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Dowling Catholic High School (class of 1960) and Drake University (class of 1965). At Drake, he studied actuarial science. Between high school and college, he studied at Conception seminary. In 1965, Paul started his actuarial career with Stennis & Associates in Minneapolis. Then for many years he worked for Towers-Perrin, managing their actuarial consulting health care practice in Minneapolis. In 1989, he transferred to New York City to setup their first health care practice. In 1990 he met Susan and they married in 1993. That same year, he accepted a position as Chief Actuary and Vice President for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York City. In 1998, he accepted the Chief Actuary and Vice President position at High Mark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pittsburgh.
Paul retired in 2002 and resides in West Palm Beach, Florida. He continued to be an involved actuary as a private arbitrator for the Actuarial Society of America. Throughout his career, he moderated and co-authored a number of sessions on the health insurance industry for the Actuarial Society of America. He was a long time member of the American Academy of Actuaries and the Society of Actuaries, and served as Vice-Chairman for the Academy. In both, he was an active member serving on committees, hosting sessions, and co-authoring reports. He was appointed to the Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline in 2008 and was elected Chairman in January 2012. He returned to his home state of Iowa to be with family where he passed away.
Since childhood Paul had a love of the outdoors, particularly lake fishing. From fishing with his siblings on Storm Lake in Iowa, to fourth and fifth generations of family spending quality time each summer at Ten Mile Lake in Minnesota, Paul and his former wife Brenda raised their children to love the outdoors and fishing. For 33 years, he was part of a motley fishing crew that each spring stormed the waters of Rainy Lake in northern Minnesota. They called themselves the “Rainy Lake Eight.”
He loved his family and friends. He was a staunch friend to all, always going out of his way to help and take care of others.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2014 at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Pine Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church Sunday evening from 5 to 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. Vigil.
Condolences for the family may be offered at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Kathy Mample
04/03/2014
Dear David, Mike, Missy and Anita,
My deepest sympathy to all of you upon the loss of your father. How wonderful that he could have all of his dear children surrounding him for his last days. What a genuine gift you gave him by being with him. May all of your memories sustain you during this difficult time.
In sympathy,
Kathy Mample
( a friend of your dear mother)
,
Lynn & Dennis Williams
03/29/2014
Sad for your loss. We hope your loving memories will help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Bill and Diane DeVito
03/26/2014
Losing a loved one is always difficult. May Paul's soul be at peace.
Jim Peterson
03/26/2014
It is hard to put so many thoughts in a small place. I received a phone call on a Sunday in 1988 to have coffee. He confided to me that he was getting a divorce. We talked for a longwhile. A nember of months later I called Paul with the same sad message about me. Our friendship became that of roomates. We consuled each other while trying to keep our spirits up inspite of the pain. We also had wonderful times up on the boat on Rainey Lake, but what I remember most is that Paul was a friend that was a kind, caring and generous man whom I respected greatly. Rest in Peace, my friend, rest in Peace
Jon Caruso
03/25/2014
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Richard and Grace Caruso
03/24/2014
Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss.
Doug & Alyssa
03/24/2014
Dear Fleischacker family: So sorry to hear of your loss and our prayers and thoughts are with your family. God Bless.
Jo Ann De Vito
03/24/2014
May God be with you through this difficult time. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Cherie Anderson
03/24/2014
Dave, Mike, Melissa and Anita, I am very sorry for your loss. I am very thankful for your family taking me under your wing and that I was able to experience the house boat, fishing in Canada, skiing at Lutsen and camping. Thank you Paul for all the great memories!
Debbie and Dale
03/24/2014
Dear Sue, We feel so blessed to have shared such good times at dinner with you and Paul. He had such a loving, caring, and infectious personality that will be sorely missed. Cherish the special memories. He truly was a special man. God bless you, Debbie and Dale
Jack Clarey
03/23/2014
Last June I flew my plane from Chicago to Des Moines for a wedding and had arranged to meet Joe Emerson for lunch. As Joe met me on the tarmac who was with him but Paul with his enthusiasm and infectious smile! I expected Joe to be alone and Paul only knew that he was to accompany Joe to the airport to meet someone. What followed was an incredible lunch sharing memories of the three of us including the uncountable six-packs and laughs at the drive-in.
Paul walked slowly with a cane and stumbled once entering the restaurant but was completely lucid and upbeat. I had been unaware of his condition but except for his balance he was the incredible Paul I so remember. I will never forget the day. We agreed to meet again this summer, but alas it will not happen.
My thanks to Joe for arranging the surprise and to Paul for just being the wonderful Paul. He is one of those few people who despite his intellect retains down-to-earth values and human qualities we can all admire.
Eternal rest to our friend,
Jack Clarey
Krystyna Gorzelska
03/23/2014
David, Chris and Family,
For Lords faithful people life is changed, not ended.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during these sad, difficult days.
With heartfelt sympathy.
Krystyna Gorzelska
Cathy Backes
03/23/2014
Missy, Mike, Dave and Anita - I am so sorry for your loss. My brothers, mom and I have great memories of Paul. He was a really fun dad. He didn't get nearly as mad at us kids for all of our bad behavior as he should have! Sending thoughts and loving energy your way.
Judy Swindle
03/23/2014
Dear Sue, I am so sorry that you have lost the love of your life and your best friend. He was an amazing man and a loving husband. May God fill you with peace and the love of family and friends during this difficult time. My sincere condolences to you and the whole Fleischacker family. Love and prayers, Judy
Tim Seaworth
03/22/2014
Dear David, Christine and family:
Marlene and I send you our deepest sympathy. Please know that we will be thinking of you and remembering you in our prayers.