Paul Francis Iwanski

(June 16, 1956 - December 23, 2025)

Paul Iwanski of Rowlett, Texas left our realm on December 23, 2025, after a courageous battle against Alzheimer's.  Born June 16, 1956 to Ted and Mary Iwanski in Dallas, Texas, the fourth of six children.  In his youth he was an altar boy at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, an Eagle Scout, attended Bishop Lynch high school and then transferred to Bishop Dunne in Oak Cliff until his graduation in 1974.  It was in high school where he fully immersed himself in the performing arts as an actor on stage becoming an accomplished 'triple threat', easily transitioning between musicals and dramas by singing, dancing and acting.  He continued honing his craft after graduating and was active many years at Shakespeare Festival of Dallas and throughout DFW theatres such as Stage West, Irving Community Arts, Dallas Repertory, and Mesquite Arts Theatre.  He was accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Lee Strasberg Institute.  Over time he found his "niche" as a project manager and business analyst for card operations and worked many years at EDS and lastly at USAA in San Antonio.  In later years he proudly earned his degree in Business Administration at UT Dallas.  Paul loved to travel, became a self-taught foodie and chef, never afraid to try new foods and share the experience with others.  He was also a movie buff and could recite from memory details of hundreds of great movies and he loved sharing this passion with family and friends.

Paul lived with a gentle spirit – calm and kind, steady and true.  A peacemaker by nature, he carried a quiet strength that brought comfort to all who knew him.  He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his best friend and wife, Laura Schaeffer, his sister Charlotte and her husband Dale Williams of Rockport, Texas, brother Stephen and his husband Daniel Sanchez of Garland, Texas, sister-in-law Debra Primavera of Sulphur, Oklahoma, nephew Jesse Iwanski, niece Rachel Iwanski, nephew James Harding, and his great-niece Blake Iwanski as well as numerous other family and friends.  Surrounded by his family at the end he was welcomed into a celebration of eternal life by his parents Ted and Mary and his brothers John, Jim and Tony.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul's honor can be made to Resource Center Food Pantry, 2603 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75235.

There will be a celebration of Paul's life held on January 23 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home, 1600 S. Garland Avenue, Garland, Texas.