Karl Paulig, Urbana native and local attorney, died at age 87 on Tuesday in his home in Urbana.

During his life, he had been a member of and volunteered for several organizations.

Dedicated to historic preservation, Paulig and his wife, Georgia, rehabilitated five historic downtown Urbana structures.

He was a member of Champaign County Preservation Alliance and volunteered at events sponsored by the Champaign County Historical Society.

Paulig volunteered for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and at one time did educational presentations for schools and community organizations on the dangers of smoking.

He was a past chairman of the Champaign County Library and a former member of the Lions Club.

Paulig was a member of the vestry of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany for several years and served as a lay leader.

Appointed by the governor on June 1, 1958, he served as the local municipal court judge through Dec. 31, 1959.

“Karl Paulig was a fellow member of the Bar, at times a mentor, and, most importantly, always a friend,” said Allen R. Maurice, Urbana attorney. “He was a highly intelligent lawyer and an accomplished litigator with a quietly effective courtroom demeanor. If you engaged in a conversation with Karl at a social gathering, the topic was never the weather; it would most likely be a philosophical discussion about a complex issue of the day. Karl will be long remembered for his contributions to the legal profession and to the Urbana, Champaign County community.”

Paulig is survived by his wife, Georgia; three daughters, Kristin Paulig, Gretchen Paulig and Heidi Paulig Singer; and several other family members. Paulig’s obituary is inside today’s Daily Citizen.