Obituary of Paul Alan Gause

Paul Alan Gause, biological age of 70, with an everlasting spirit of a child, of Iowa City, died January 17, 2026, after a short illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 11, 2026, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City.  A reminder will be sent closer to the event.

A private burial will be at Memory Gardens in Iowa City.

Memorials may be made to Systems Unlimited “Giving Tree Fund”, Iowa Donor Network, or Faith United Church of Christ.  Special note:  Paul was able to donate his liver, and both kidneys via the Iowa Donor Network and the University of Iowa Health Care.

Paul was born on December 3, 1955, in Iowa City to David E. and Patricia A. (Pietersma) Gause.  He attended classes in the CSA Hall (now known as the Preucil School of Music), the Nelson School for Retarded Children, and The UI Hospital Schools, formerly known as Pine School, in Iowa City.

Paul was one of the first residents to live in a Systems home, as his parents were part of the strong leadership and forward-thinking group who founded SUI.  He enjoyed his time at SUI Employment Services and with Pathways until his “retirement.”

Paul was a member of Faith United Church of Christ and was involved in church activities as a young child / youth and he became active again as an adult.  He participated in Special Olympics multiple times and had the joy of lighting the torch at one Olympics meet in Cedar Rapids.  His favorite colors were Hawkeye Black and Gold and Chicago Cubs Red, White and Blue.  He enjoyed travelling with his family, through Systems and the Iowa City Recreation Center.

Over the years Paul loved to sing, listen to music (favorites:  Elvis Presley and Madonna), eat peanut butter sandwiches and Pagliai’s pizza, collect superheroes (especially Batman), go on vacations to Disney World and Camp Courageous, bowling, play basketball and video games (especially Mario Bros.), hold babies and kittens, and get dressed up.  He fancied teasing family, friends and staff, would jump at the chance to go shopping, and he loved getting cards in the mail and all holidays or anytime there were gifts involved.

His mother, father, and sister, Leah Gause Howk, housemates Chuck and James, Pastor Bob, and many other family and friends, preceded him in death and will be welcoming Paul home.

Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Debra Gause Borgstahl (Gordon) of Iowa City; nephews, Adam Borgstahl and Benjamin Borgstahl of Iowa City, and Nathan Hudek (Destin) of Porter, Texas; brother-in-law Michael Howk of Bloomfield.  Also, three great-nieces, Kristina Borgstahl (fiancé Andy), Abigail Hudek (husband Ty) Tew and Danielle Hudek; two twin great grandnieces, Delainey and Delilah Tew; two aunts, Aunt Louise Crews and Aunt Marcia McFall; many cousins, his housemates and staff (current and past); and countless friends.

Paul taught us compassion, acceptance of one another, laughter, being ornery, no limits to what you can do, and the gift of appreciating the simple things in life.

Paul’s family would like to recognize and thank the loving, caring, and compassionate staff (both current and past), who became his “other” family and provided Paul with years of care, support, and love (You know who you are!!).