Paul H. Billsten, age 81, moved from St. Charles to his glorious heavenly home on November 6, 2021. He made this transition peacefully in the care of his devoted wife, laying aside the burden of a long illness.

In 1940 he brightened the Chicago home of his parents, Henry and Kate Billsten. When a baby sister arrived later, he became her loyal protector and entertainer. He experienced newness of life in 1945, when he came to faith in Jesus Christ. That commitment shaped him into a person of integrity who honored God and cared about people.

After his family moved to Wheaton in 1950, he made wonderful lifelong friends. Two of them urged him to swap his paper route for raising chickens and selling eggs. The young entrepreneur then built a chicken coop in the backyard, starting a long tradition of hard work.

By age 16 he worked 40 hours a week for grocery stores as a Wheaton Central High School student (class of 1957). He broadened his experience while studying at Wheaton College (class of 1961) and Northwestern University Law School (class of 1964) by teaching himself several building trades. By putting these to use he could offer jobs to many who needed them.

In 1964 he married Laura Penner, also a Wheaton College graduate, and began serving in the United States Army. After completing active duty as a captain, he worked for several Chicago-area businesses before opening his own law practice in Wheaton. Along the way, two sons were born into the family, to his great delight.

For the rest of his working life Paul continued as a contractor who could make small repairs or build entire houses, all while managing a practice in commercial and estate law. A born bargain-hunter, he could re-imagine old equipment and vehicles, which sometimes became welcome gifts or fodder for hilarious stories.

He modeled a strong work ethic for his sons, supported their activities, and participated in church and civic activities. He was a member of College Church in Wheaton. In summer he treasured family time at Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference in Michigan, which provided decades of inspiration and fellowship.

He is survived by his wife Laura of 57 years, whose extraordinary help enabled him to live at home for the past 16 years; his sons Nels (Leigh Ann) and Kurt (Julia); his grandchildren Claudia, Jacob, Roberta, and Henry; his sister Rhoda Sneller (the late Lowell); his sister-in-law Robyn Welch (Steven); a nephew, two nieces and several cousins.

A private family service will be held at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.