Paul James Andrashko, 73, of Eau Claire, passed away unexpectedly on August 26, 2024, after a sudden cardiac event.

Paul was born on May 20, 1951, to Francis and Lois Andrashko in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Paul graduated from Oshkosh North High School in 1969 and went on to study History at UW-Oshkosh. In 1973, Paul enlisted in the US Army where he trained as an operating room specialist – the start to what would become a four decades-long career spent in operating rooms caring for patients alongside trusted friends and colleagues. He spent thirty-five years with Luther Hospital and Mayo Clinic Health System after beginning his career at Sacred Heart Hospital in 1974.

In 1994, Paul met and fell in love with Sonja Gail in the hospital halls at work. On a mountain top in California, they married on August 8, 1997, blending their respective families of girls and creating a beautiful life together with Melissa, Jennifer, Jennifer, Rebecca, and Susan. On August 8, 2024, they celebrated 27 years of marriage.

Paul had a gentle way about him. Whether at work, the grocery store deli counter, the dog park, or at home, he was present, loving, and warm – putting everyone he encountered at ease. Few things in life matter as much as knowing that we belong; Paul created a sense of belonging for each of us with his genuine smile and his most gentle heart.

Things he loved the most: his family and friends, his beloved pups, golf, reading, making brunch, blueberry picking, milk, shoes, antiques, headlamps, camping, tulips, roses, Jeopardy, and the Green Bay Packers.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Lois Andrashko; brothers Peter, Marcus, and David Andrashko; sister, Mary Ellen Schuhart; father-in-law, Hartwick Hanson; and mother-in-law, Shirley Hanson.

Paul is survived by his wife, Sonja Andrashko; five daughters Melissa (Chris) Gunnes-Sanchez, Jennifer Andrashko, Jennifer (Kevin) Holz, Rebecca (Brandon) Kratzer, and Susan (Gregory) Feit; twelve grandchildren Drique, Hazel, Cecelia, Curran, Archer, Ellis, Braxtin, Shantell, Jillian, Jacquellyn, Julia, and Journey; brother John Andrashko; brother-in-law Jerry Schuhart; brother-in-law, Wayne (Sandy) Hanson; his beloved nephews, especially Scott, Kent, and Kevin Schuhart; and his most special friends, Jim and Gail Olson.

Following a private burial service at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services in Eau Claire, a celebration of life and open house will be held on Saturday, August 31 from 2pm – 6pm at the VFW Post 305, 1300 Starr Avenue, Eau Claire, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that cash donations be made to Bobs House for Dogs, E3015 County Road HH, Eleva, WI 54738.