Paul J. Pasternacki, 87, died quietly in his home in Flagstaff, AZ on Feb. 11, 2011. He was born May 17, 1923 in Stevens Point, WI to Paul P. and Johanna (Stefaniak) Pasternacki.

Early in life Paul had an adventuresome spirit, residing with his wife and growing family in 12 different homes in 7 states. In his long work career, he was a US Merchant Marine, taught biology, Civilian Conservation Corp worker, guided at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and was a professional photographer. Ultimately he became a management analyst for the US Air Force and moved to Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, NM in 1960. He achieved the rank of CMSGT before retiring in 1983 with 26 years of service.

He married Marion M. Zagzebski on June 6, 1946 and had 5 children. He and Marion were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clovis, NM for over 50 years. His life-long love of cars eventually culminated in making an internationally broadcast television commercial for the Toyota Motor Company with his family in 1990. In 2007, he and Marion made their final adventurous move to Flagstaff, AZ to reside at "The Peaks" where he thoroughly enjoyed the dining room and the caring staff.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1947, his father in 1954. He is survived by his wife, Marion Pasternacki; his sister Marie (Pasternacki) Simkowski of Fort Smith, AR; his children Linda Pasternacki of Albuquerque NM; JoAnn Fitzgerald (Bill) of Campbell, CA; Jacque Pasternacki (Dawn) of Albuquerque, NM; Mary Pasternacki (Stuart Tuttle) of Flagstaff, AZ and John Pasternacki of Camp Verde, AZ. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at The Peaks on Wednesday, Feb 16, 2011 at 5pm followed by dinner in Paul's favorite dining room. He will be buried with a private service at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.