John
E. Paas, Jr., P.E., Class of '41
Mr. John E. Paas came to Michigan Tech from Grand Rapids Catholic
Central High School and earned his baccalaureate degree in
civil engineering in 1941. During his student years, he served
as Steward of Kappa Delta Psi, as Treasurer of Blue Key and
was involved in winter carnival, the Flying Huskies, ROTC,
ASCE and other groups.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps
Flying Cadet Program, was commissioned as a second lieutenant,
and subsequently became Squadron Commander and Group Commanding
Officer. He was released from active duty in 1945 and remained
in the reserves where he holds the rank of Lt. Colonel (retired).
He joined Owen-Ames-Kimball in 1945 as a construction engineer
and became job superintendent and general superintendent on
several major projects. Among his projects were: the Aquinas
College Science Building, the Coopersville General Motors
Plant, the Grand Rapids Convention and Entertainment Center,
and the Gerald R. Ford Museum. He was appointed to the Owen-Ames-Kimball
Board of Directors and later served as Vice President of the
Company until his retirement in 1982.
John served as a Director of the Grand Rapids Engineer's Club;
as President of the Grand Rapids Chapter of the Professional
Engineers' Society; as a director of the Michigan Society
of Professional Engineers; and, in 1982, was recognized as
Michigan Construction Engineer of the Year. He is active in
his church and in several other civic organizations. John
is a member of the Michigan Tech Dean's Club and served as
a volunteer for the Michigan Tech Century II Campaign. John
and his wife, Winifred, have five children and reside in Grand
Rapids. Their son, Thomas, is a 1971 mechanical engineering
graduate of Michigan Tech.
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