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.
Ike and Sandee Shaw
03/22/2014
Unfortunately we only got to meet Paul several times for some special evenings in WPB, but loved him the minute we met him. Such a sincere and genuine person, as is his wife, one of my BFF since college. It is easy to see their love and devotion to each other. They were true soul mates. God Bless all the Fleischacker family!
Fr. Al Sherbo
03/22/2014
Sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I really enjoyed seeing him and playing golf with him on his recent visits back to Iowa. And the one party he had 2 years ago.He was an intelligent, generous kind person. God be with him and with all of you.
Robert Chersi
03/22/2014
My hope is that Paul went peacefully and that you will be comforted by friends around you. Be well Sue and continue to stay strong.
Doug Hebeisen
03/22/2014
To Fleischacker Family:
I'm very sorry for your loss!! As a member of the "Rainy Lake 8 " I had an opportunity to get to know Paul much better!! Had many great times with Paul on these trips that will stay with me for a long time.I'm presently in Florida and will not be able to attend but rest assured you will be in my thoughts and prayers!!
Paul will be missed greatly buy our group!!
cindy mannings
03/22/2014
Dear Sue, my deepest sympathies in your sorrow. Paul was an amazing person, so kind, so funny.
Margaret Nordlie
03/21/2014
Dear David, Chris, and family: I am very sorry for your loss. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that your special memories of your dad will bring you comfort at this time.
Travis Wolf
03/21/2014
Dear Dr. Fleischacker and Family:
My deepest sympathies for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Nita Ritzke
03/21/2014
Dear Fleischacker family,
Know that we hold you in our thoughts now and in the days to come.
Dr. Heather Devich
03/21/2014
Dearest Dr. David,
May Our Father hold your father, you, and all your family close and warm in His heart. Please know you are in wrapped and rocked in the prayers of so many at this time.
With Christ's love,
Dr Heather
Becki Chalmers
03/20/2014
Dear David, Christine, and all members of the Fleischacker family, please know that I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers, especially as you navigate the next few days. Take great care of each other.
Becki Chalmers
University of Mary
Mark Springer
03/20/2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything you need help with back in Bismarck while you are away.
Jeannine Saabye
03/20/2014
Dear David, Christine and family, and other members of the Fleischacker family: Please accept my sincere condolences and know of my prayers for you at this time and in the coming days. Jeannine Saabye, Univeristy of Mary