Paul Joseph Wrabec

Sugar Creek, Missouri - Paulie Wrabec's 65 years of service, stories and mentorship ended unexpectedly at his home the morning of October 20, 2021. A lifelong resident of Sugar Creek, Mo, PJW was extremely proud of his Croatian, Slovak and Sugar Creek heritage. When asked if he'd move out of his lifelong town he'd joke "when they take me to Woodlawn Cemetery." Sadly, that time has come.

A grandson of working immigrants he spent his adult life fighting for the ideals of equality, workers, and union rights within his beloved Democratic Party. Beginning his lifetime of local politics, Paul started at the bottom by losing his first race for local committeeman. Never afraid of losing he'd say "you can't catch fish without getting your bait wet." He succeeded in 1978 and later became the Committee's longest serving chairperson of the last century. Paul also became Sugar Creek's youngest City Alderman ever elected.

Growing up making wine with his grandfather and Uncle Jake, Paul expanded on the family tradition with his mother Irene by planting vineyards and starting VinoGrad Winery. Paul won numerous first place medals in his Concord and Chardonel varietals.

After retiring from environmental remediation in 2005, Paul and his son Cyril opened and managed the Sugar Creek, Independence and Kansas City License Offices. Paul, Cyril and Josko still operate the Sugar Creek office where Paul can be remembered greeting customers and making after-hour house calls delivering DMV services to hundreds of local elderly, disabled and infirm citizens.

Paul loved fishing, hunting and being at his lake cabin. But more so, he loved passing those traditions down by mentoring dozens of relatives and friends in outdoorsmanship. Most recently, PJW has been proudly raising his grandson Palko and teaching him these skills on almost weekly lake trips.

Paul shook the hands of presidents and traveled with governors, but he was equally happy with the average stranger. An infectious smile and tender ability to welcome the most derelict and down-and-out, Paul picked up hitchhikers, gave money to streetside homeless, and happily assisted anyone needing anything. He especially helped those who were disabled. When you called Paul, he answered.

Although Paul sadly lost his daughter Daniella six weeks ago, he leaves behind his sons Cyril Wrabec and Josko Wrabec, grandsons Corgon Thomas, Kruno Thomas, and Palko Captain Cruze Wrabec, great-granddaughter Aveya Thomas, and his hunting dog Zuska, close friends Janet Bock, Brianna Corso, Brenda Scharnhorst, and his right hand man Mark Mikula.

Those who loved Paul most are grieving now but know "It will be a magnificent outcome."

The family will receive visitors Wednesday Oct. 27, 4-7pm, 1501 Lexington Ave, Independence, MO. Mass and burial on Paul's 65th birthday Oct. 28, 11AM, St. Cyril Church, Sugar Creek, Mo.

In lieu of flowers you can honor Paul by donating to civic relief, CCRC, 103 S Sterling, Sugar Creek, MO 64054, Community Services League, or a charity of your choice.