Paul Henry Vinmans, 84 of Batesville, Arkansas formerly of the Madison, Wisconsin area passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday morning, May 3, 2007, at Little Rock Veterans’ Hospital. He was born to Dorothea Ziebarth in 1924 and celebrated his birthday December 31st. A decorated WWII Army Air Corps veteran, he served as radio operator and gunner, flying out of Africa on a B25. He wore the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon. His many awards included the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action and the Purple Heart. He also was a member of the Flying Boot Club, an unofficial club for airmen shot down in enemy territory who walked to freedom. He was honorably discharged holding the rank of Tech Sgt.Paul enjoyed wood working, books and movies about WWII, classical music, and was always tinkering with another hopeful invention. His inventions often centered on environmental causes and fuel efficiency. He held dear the saying "Are you working on the solution, or are you a part of the problem". He had an incredible soft spot in his heart for caretaking of animals and loved playing the harmonica, accordion and organ. In his younger years, he enjoyed flying and was known to the houses of friends and family in his Piper Cub. Paul was a 29-year member of the Lutheran Church in McFarland, Wisconsin before his move to Arkansas in the 1990's where he became a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Batesville. He was preceded in death by his mother, two brothers, Alan and Carl Medrow, and one sister, Barbara Denure; and his children, Peter Jan Vinmans, Paul Martin Vinmans(in infancy) and Nona JoAnne Vinmans. He is survived by one brother, Gerald Moore of Madison, Wisconsin, One sister, Johanna Offerdahl of Clintonville, Wisconsin: Two sons, Peter John (Jaclyn) Vinmans of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Steven Paul Vinmans of Black Earth, Wisconsin; Four daughters, Paulette Faye Vinmans of Saint Mary's, Georgia, Julie Alice Kenyon of Monona, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Maree Rude of Belleville, Wisconsin, and Suzanne Kay Vinmans of Albany, Wisconsin; 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. The family wishes to express its gratitude to Paula as a very special caregiver and friend, Estelle Rucker of Batesville, Arkansas. Memorial services for Paul Vinmans will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2007. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home. Interment services will follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery 1501 W. Maryland Ave. North Little Rock, Arkansas with Military Honors. Arrangements entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home 8821 Colonel Glenn, Little Rock. "IN YOUR TIME OF NEED....... WE CARE".
