Memorial

Paul N. McIlrath, 98, of Cedar Rapids passed away Friday, February 11, 2022, at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy due to complications following a recent fall. 

Visitation: 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Memorial Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A livestream of the memorial service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for Paul N. McIlrath, under the video tab starting at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 14th. Inurnment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Paul was born on June 16, 1923, to Azel and Gay (Huston) McIlrath in Grinnell. He graduated from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids and attended Coe College and Iowa State University. 

He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a 35-year employee of Rockwell Collins, working as a mechanical engineer in communications and aviation.

On April 27, 1951, Paul and Mildred Beranek were married in Iowa City. He affectionately referred to Mille as “his bride” for the next 69+ years. Paul was a loving and dedicated husband and father, freely giving his time and energy to Millie and their four children. He made sure their needs were met before his own. His family was his top priority. 

Paul’s life-long love of aviation and model-building was sparked by his mother. She gave him his first model airplane when he was eight years old.

Over the years, Paul designed and built countless rubber-powered balsa model planes. He designed kits for Sig Manufacturing and wrote numerous articles pertaining to model-building and aviation. He was highly regarded in the field, and fellow modeling enthusiasts from near and far often reached out to him with questions. A modest and self-effacing man, he was always a bit surprised that others would ask his advice. 

Survivors include his children Gail (Glenn) Davis, Paul J. (Karla) McIlrath, Kaye McIlrath (John Nirschl), and Scott (Mary Cay) McIlrath.

Also surviving are grandchildren Shay, Micah, Phil (Jessica) Leah, Ian, Joy, Milo, and Rita as well as great grandchildren Brayden, Aria, Emily, Brenna, Briar, Ruby, and Natalie.

He is survived by sisters Sara Whelpley and Nancy Preston, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his loving wife Millie, his mother, father, step-mother, and sisters Mildred Moses and Peggy Liddle.

Memorial donations may be made to the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Horizons-Meals on Wheels program, or the charity of donor’s choice. 

Paul’s family thanks the staff at Oldorf House and Mercy Hospital for their compassionate care.