Paul Louis Fergot

Paul L. Fergot, age 94, of Oshkosh passed from this life on Thursday, November 3, at Parkview Health Center after living with Alzheimers Disease for several years. Paul was born on September 21, 1922 in Embarrass, WI and lived a full life of service and sacrifice for family, friends, community and his country. After marrying Loa Hutchins of Neenah in September 1942, Paul enlisted in the Army Air Corps, was commissioned, and served as a B-24 Navigator in WWII. He received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during a bail-out and was later shot down over Italy. He was harbored by an Italian family for 2 months before turning himself in to German soldiers and spending the remainder of the war as a POW.Upon returning home to Loa, Paul got his degree in Mechanical Engineering at UW Madison and began his career as an engineer and plant manager, first at Deltox Rugs in Oshkosh and then at Appleton Mills. While raising their family, Paul and Loa were very active in the First Congregational Church and in community theater. As President of the Oshkosh Community Players, Paul was involved behind the scenes in many local productions. In 1986 Paul and Loa were asked to produce The Bohemian Girl, the inaugural production of the renovated Grand Opera House. After retiring in 1989, Paul continued his service to the community delivering Meals on Wheels, serving as a docent at the EAA Museum, and continuing his role in the Lakeshore Kiwanis Club where he served as an officer at both the local and state levels. He shared his WWII story with many local students, helping to inspire them to value the lessons of history. He partnered with Loa artistically by learning to frame and mat her watercolors; he later shared this skill with others in a class at the Senior Center. He was also active in the Wisconsin Chapter of Ex-POWs and served as the state commander. Paul is surely an example of a life well-lived.Paul is survived by his wife Loa; son Dion (Jacqueline) of Indianapolis; son Gary (Diane) of Oshkosh; grandchildren Kennan, Lauren, Alex, Andrew, Kristen, and Tristan; and great-granddaughter Adelle. He is also survived by his adopted family, Hossein and Mina Ghannad and their children Mary, Mehdy, and Leila. Preceding Paul in death were his parents Bertrand and Florence and his brother Howard.Per Pauls request, the family will hold a private service; a celebration of Pauls life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. The family would like to thank the staff of Evergreen ShareHaven and Parkview Health Center, especially those on Lakeside 1, for their excellent care.