Paul W. Altena

George, IA

Paul Altena, age 70, of George, Iowa, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 2nd, with the family present, at the Hope Reformed Church, rural George, IA.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 3rd, at the Hope Reformed Church, rural George, with Reverend Steven De Haan officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the GLR Bread of Life Food Pantry.

Paul Wayne Altena was born July 14, 1955, in Sibley, Iowa, the son of Sam and Wilma (Wynia) Altena. He grew up on a farm south of George and continued to live there all his life. He attended school at Hull Christian and graduated from Western Christian High School in 1973.

Paul was united in marriage to Kathy Kelderman on September 10, 1975, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this last September. Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, cattle feeder and crop farmer. He loved watching his granddaughters show their cattle and lately their bunnies. His granddaughters always brought a sparkle to his eyes. He lived a life of service to his church, community and especially GLR Bread of Life Food Pantry.

In October of 2025, Paul was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which he courageously battled until this past Tuesday, June 20, 2026, when he died at the age of 70.

Left to cherish his memory, his wife, Kathy Altena of George, IA; son, Cory (wife, Shelly) Altena of George, IA; two granddaughters, Kinsly and Keilahny; sister, Eloise Healy; mother-in-law, Gert Kelderman; siblings-in-law, Carol Kelderman, Peg (husband, Junior) Pollema, Mark (wife, Donna) Kelderman, Bob (wife, Twila) Kelderman, Sue (husband, Sam) Wisse, Lori (husband, Ed) Koedam, and Jerry (wife, Nikki) Kelderman; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Wilma Altena; father-in-law, Art Kelderman; sister, Lorna Altena; brothers-in-law, Ron Healy and Arn Kelderman; and nephew, Scott Healy.