Karlstrom, Paul (1920-2014) | University of Illinois Archives

Paul Karlstrom (1920-2014) was born January 3, 1920, in Peoria, the son of the Rev. Ossian Leanard and Mabel Olivia Karlstrom. At a young age, his family moved to Rankin, IL, where his father passed away in 1926. Karlstrom began his music career while in high school, playing trumpet at dances in the area with a small group from Hoopeston, IL. He attended the University of Illinois, graduating in 1942. As an undergraduate, Karlstrom performed in ballroom dance bands at balls hosted by Illinois fraternities, sororities, and the University at Huff Gym. He also performed in many local ballrooms, including the rooftop of Robeson's Department Store and regionally in Colorado and Michigan.

Shortly after graduating, Karlstrom was drafted into the Army. He began his service aboard an army vessel bound for Japan soon after the US bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After being discharged at the rank of first lieutenant in 1946, he formed his own band, Paul Karlstrom and His Orchestra, which performed throughout the Central Illinois region until 1959. In that same year, he entered the U of I Law School, graduating in 1950. Also in 1950, he married Doris June Case of Arcola, who passed away in 1998. The family would have three sons, Ron, Scott and Kirk (Pam) Karlstrom; two grandchildren, Krista (Clayton) Overstreet and Kai; and one great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn.

In 1951, Karlstrom opened his law office on the U of I campus, becoming a member of the Illinois Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. In his spare time, Karlstrom served as a member and president of the Champaign Exchange Club, was past president of the University Club, served as the first president of the Campus Businessmen's Association, was a member of the Champaign Kiwanis Club, and aerved on the Board of Trustees of Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. From 1937 until his death, he was also a member of the Champaign Chapter of the American Federation of Musicians, serving as the organization's secretary in 1966.

In 1963, Karlstom was hired to teach courses on engineering law at the University of Illinois, retiring as lecturer emeritus in the College of Engineering in 1990. In his later years, Karlstrom performed on valve trombone with Medicare 7, 8 or 9, entertaining local nursing homes weekly. He passed away on March 19, 2014.