Paul Henry Aken, of Beach Park, Illinois, passed away September 6, 2024 in Waukegan, Illinois. He was born January 16, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to parents Paul and Regina Aken.

Paul grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has also previously lived in Parma, Ohio and Waukegan, Illinois before settling in Beach Park, Illinois for the last 56 years. Paul married his wife, Irene Aken June 5, 1965 in Mauston, Wisconsin.

He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Bachelors and then a Masters Degree. Paul was employed at the Waukegan School District from 1967 until 1977 before starting his career of 28 years at the Lake County Area Vocational Center from 1977 until his retirement in 2005. Paul was a proud member of the Amalgamated Printer’s Association, the Craftsman’s Club, the Mid-west Tool Collectors Association, and the Teacher’s Union.

Paul was incredibly proud of his museum, The Platen Press in Zion, Illinois. He loved teaching, bowling, playing softball, and square dancing from 1989 to the 2010’s. He also coached Girls Little League, the Aken’s Angels, and received numerous awards over the years. Paul has a strong faith background. He was an active member of Our Lady of Humility for many years.

Paul is survived by his wife, Irene Aken; daughters, Jeanne’ Aken and Rita Hickman; sister Pat (Sharon) Aken; sister-in-laws, Jan (Mike) Aken, Judy (Jim) Baird, and Mae (Borden) Buelow; brother-in-law, Bud (Mary) Schultz; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and thousands of students whose lives he touched.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Regina Aken; brother, Michael Aken; sister, Adele Ewing; James Benard (JB) Aken; and brother-in-law, Borden Buelow.

In lieu of flowers please donate in support of the UW Stout Graphic Communications Program at https://www.uwstout.edu/support-uw-stout-graphic-communications