J. Paul Green, Jr., age 91, of Milton, WI, passed away on September 23rd, 2025. Son of J. Paul and Elizabeth (Johnson) Green, Paul was born in Cambridge, NY on March 8, 1934. Paul grew up first in Salem, NY, where his father taught agriculture. Soon they moved to Corning and then to Trumansburg, both in New York. In 1944 the family moved to Milton, WI, where Paul lived until 1955, except for five months in 1945 when he lived with his grandparents, Paul and Alyce Johnson, in Clarkston, WA. He had many good memories of growing up on farms in New York and Wisconsin. He graduated from Milton Union High School in 1951 and Milton College in 1955 with a double major in biology and chemistry.
Immediately following graduation, Paul married Denise Kagarise of Salemville, PA, at the Milton Seventh Day Baptist Church. Paul felt the call of God to serve in the Christian ministry, so the newlyweds went to Alfred, NY where both attended Alfred University. Paul graduated from the School of Theology in 1960.
He served as pastor of Seventh Day Baptist Churches at Alfred Station, NY, Bridgeton, NJ (Marlboro Church), and Salem WV. Paul and Denise moved to Wisconsin in 1981, where he served as Dean of Ministry for the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference at Janesville, WI and finally as pastor of North Lima Presbyterian Church, Lima Center, WI. All of the churches he served were rural or small-town churches.
Paul especially enjoyed telling stories to children, youth work, church camping and singing with quartets and other singing groups. Through the years, he and Denise sang with: Singing City of Philadelphia, PA; Madrigal Singers of Clarksburg, WV; Sanborn Festival Singers and Choral Union of Janesville, WI, and church choirs. He was always singing or whistling and had a song for every occasion.
During his retirement years he enjoyed singing with his quartet, working in his yard and garden, going on Natural Resources Field Trips with his brother, and trips with Denise to visit their children and grandchildren. He also served on several boards of directors.
Paul was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Denise and their children: Carl Green, Columbus, OH; Steve (Cindy Bielke) Green, St. Paul, MN; and Laurie (Debbie) Green-Lauber, Columbus, OH; five grandchildren: Richard (Emily) and Charles Dornfeld of Minnesota; Sam (Arianna Semilia); Luke (Ashley Stephens); and Ione Green-Lauber of Ohio; a great-grandson: Clark Dornfeld; and a brother, Frank Green (Liz) of Milton. He was predeceased by his parents and sisters Helen Ruth and Georgia (Colflesh).
Funeral services will be held Sunday, Oct. 5 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation preceding starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Milton Seventh Day Baptist Church, with Rev. Nate Crandall officiating. Paul will be interred at Milton Junction Cemetery privately by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Seventh Day Baptist Historical Society (contact sdbhistory.org) or the Janesville Choral Union (contact janesvillechoralunion.org). The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements.
