Paul J. Halbur, 61, of Omaha, died on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, two years and two months after being diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, at home surrounded by family.
On January 15, 1964, in Carroll, Iowa, Paul Jerome was born the seventh of nine kids to Robert W. and Mary Halbur. He grew up on a farm near Willey, Iowa, and graduated from Kuemper Catholic High School in 1982. He was celebrated for his sports acumen, including state wrestling, all-conference football, and all-star Shiners Bowl. Paul was on prom court and crowned homecoming king. He was a member of student council, honor roll, swing choir, chorus, school plays and musicals.
Following high school, Paul attended Creighton University in Omaha, where he met his wife, Maureen Power. Paul met Maureen, “in the library,” as he told his children, since he spent so much time there dedicated to his studies. When Maureen finally slowed down enough for Paul to catch her, the couple started dating their senior year. Paul earned his BA in Finance from Creighton in 1986. He was an active member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and was fraternity president in 1985.
He continued his education at Creighton Law School, where he earned his JD in 1989. Maureen agreed to marry Paul after he passed the Iowa and Nebraska bar exams. Thankfully, he was admitted to the practice of law in Iowa and Nebraska in 1989.
On September 2, 1989, Paul was united in marriage to Maureen Power at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Gladstone, MO. The couple made their home in Omaha, where they welcomed three children: Daniel, Megan, and Michael.
Paul practiced law for over 35 years. He worked at several law firms in Omaha, including Nelson Harding and Kutak Rock, before joining Fraser Stryker in 2000. There he counseled clients, big and small, local, national, and international, on corporate, real estate, commercial, and transactional matters. He was known for his integrity, humor, and dedication. He was direct, thoughtful, and sometimes grumpy, but his advice was invaluable. In the later part of his career with Fraser Stryker, Paul was regularly listed as one of “The Best Lawyers in America,” a yearly recognition by Best Lawyers based on peer review.
Ever the dedicated agriculturist, Paul spent his entire life deeply rooted in farming. He found joy in all aspects of agriculture, whether it was watching “Market to Market,” actively marketing his corn and bean crops, or enthusiastically reminding his children to complete the yard work he had assigned them the day before.
Paul’s passion for agriculture began in his youth with the Iowa 4-H club, the Willey Rockets, where he participated for nine years. He held various positions at the county, area, and state council levels, showcasing his leadership and commitment. His efforts and dedication were recognized through his success at county fairs and state conferences, where he proudly earned Blue Ribbons for his livestock.
Beyond his agricultural interests, Paul enjoyed the thrill of hunting pheasants and ducks, the adventure of traveling, and the tranquility of spending time at Okoboji with his dog and family. His life was a blend of hard work, humor, and cherished moments with loved ones.
A man of many talents and titles, Paul was a proud member of the Iowa State Bar Association and the Nebraska Bar Association. Previously, he was active on the Young Lawyer Executive Committee, served on the board of Fontenelle Forest, and was a member of the Saint Cecilia Cathedral Parish.
Those left to celebrate Paul’s remarkable life include his wife of 35 years, Maureen Halbur of Omaha; his son Daniel; his favorite daughter Megan; his son Michael; and his beloved granddaughter Vivienne.
Also surviving Paul are his siblings: Dr. Marty (Dee) Halbur of Carroll, Kyle Halbur of Carroll, Claudia Halbur of Carroll, Jim (Barb) Halbur of Carroll, Mary Ann (Bert) Borkowski of Carroll, Dr. Pat (Dr. Therese) Halbur of Ames, Dr. Greg (Dr. Johanna) Halbur of Sioux City, and Corinne (Greg) Dougherty of Omaha. He will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. Halbur and Mary (Spellman) Halbur; his brothers Mike Halbur (2012) and Joe Halbur (2016); his mother-in-law Margaret (Davitt) Power (2012); and his father-in-law John Power (2017).
Paul’s wit, wisdom, and way with words, whether in the conference room or the cornfield, will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
VIGIL SERVICE: Sunday, March 30, 2025, 5:00PM with VISITATION beginning at 3:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
SERVICES: Monday, March 31, 2025, West Center Chapel, at 10:30AM to St. Cecilia Cathedral located at 701 N. 40th St., Omaha for MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 11:15AM.
INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery
