Paul Mark Natwick

Paul Mark Natwick…

was born on September 4, 1935 to Pastor George and Bertha Marie Natwick in Sioux City, IA. Paul was the youngest of the couple’s six children. His siblings included four brothers (John, George, David, Phillip) and a sister (Clarice). The family moved to Meckling, SD, and then Nunda, SD. Paul graduated from Rutland High School in 1953.

Paul enrolled at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD, in the autumn of 1953. While attending Augustana, he was involved in many activities including the Gladstonian Society, dorm council, and the Augustana A Cappella Choir. He was privileged to have participated in Augustana’s renowned choir during all four years of his attendance. A highlight of his choir career was singing at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Upon completion of his business degree in the spring of 1957, Paul began basic training for the U.S. Air Force. He was appointed Second Lieutenant Reserve. Following his basic training, Paul returned to Sioux Falls and worked at Northwest Bank.

In the autumn of 1962, Paul moved to Palo Alto, CA, to work at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). This was the beginning of a career that would span more than 40 years within the Stanford community. During that time, Paul worked at both the University and Hospital Medical Center. He was a program designer for payroll systems and was responsible for analysis and implementation of financial systems.

Paul met his wife, Janet (nee Madetzke), while living in Sioux Falls. After a four year courtship, the two were married in April 1963 in Palm Desert, CA. Paul’s brother, Pastor David Natwick, officiated. The young couple resided in Palo Alto until they purchased their first home in Mtn. View for a price of $19,000.

Paul and Jan welcomed their first child, Karin Marie, in August 1966. Three years later, in June 1969, Mark Paul arrived and their family was complete. The family moved to the Almaden Valley in 1977. Paul and Jan were drawn to this area because of its wide open spaces that included many orchards and cattle grazing in the fields. It reminded them of their Midwest roots.

Paul was a doting “Poppa” to his precious granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth. He would always kiss Lauren on her forehead. He taught Lauren about her Norwegian heritage and they enjoyed making lefse every Christmas.

Paul was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2011. During the next six months he would face many medical complications. He never ceased to amaze the medical staff with his resilience to fight back. He was well liked by the nursing staff at Good Sam. One nurse told the family, “He is our favorite patient. He calls everyone by name and always says ‘thank you’…even after receiving shots!”

Paul died peacefully at his home on November 20, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was ready to enter into his heavenly home and anxious to meet his Savior. Although he will be missed by all who loved him, we are comforted in the assurance of the Lord’s promise that this is but a temporary separation. We shall meet again when this life is done. Thanks be to God through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Paul is survived by his wife, Jan; and their children, Karin and Mark (Jennifer); granddaughter, Lauren; and one brother, Phillip.