Donald Paulsen, 84
Donald Ray Paulsen, 84, Red Oak, passed away Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at his home.
Don was born March 20, 1939, to Ray and Lois Stevens Paulsen in Albion, Neb. He was baptized in May of 1939 at Zion E. Lutheran Church, with Sponsors, Mr. & Mrs. Ted Allen. Don was confirmed on April 11, 1954, at Zion E. Lutheran Church.
He was raised in Albion, Neb., where he excelled in sports throughout his primary education. Don transferred to Central High School, Omaha, Neb., his senior year and graduated on June 7, 1957. Don enlisted in the Marines on July 11, 1957, and proudly served until receiving an honorable discharge as Lance Corporal (E-3) on July 11, 1963.
He was united in marriage to Carol Tomandl on June 8, 1963. Upon discovering they could not conceive children of their own, they proudly adopted a one-month-old daughter, Sandra Jean, in August 1967.
Don worked as a press maintainer for Crown Cork & Seal over 42 years and retired on Jan. 1, 2001. He received a commendation for repairing a “Penn” tennis ball can machine that no other press maintainer was able to repair. This is one example of his work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Don always enjoyed hunting duck and geese, as well as fishing. He ceased hunting but continued to enjoy nature. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the local birds. He was notorious for building sculptures for the birds to enjoy. Don didn’t like to travel, because he felt he knew all the good places to eat and where to go in his local surroundings.
He divorced on Aug. 6,1982, and continued his life and career in Omaha, Neb.
Don always believed in giving back to his community and being of service to others. Don became a friend of Bill W. on June 17, 1989, and committed his life to serving and building others in this community. Don was highly revered and loved by others.
He later moved to Red Oak in search of small-town country living and a home on an acreage. Once again, Don embedded himself into the community and had a whole town who loved him.
Don had a soft heart for animals and could not bear to see an animal caged in any fashion. He was always honest, full of integrity, had a heart for giving, and was very modest and never claimed any fame for himself. Don was loved by family, friends, and especially friends of Bill W.
Don is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Charles) Scholwinski; brother, Gary (Marilyn) Paulsen; niece, Kim (David) Neumann; nephew, Steven (Kelli) Paulsen, and his beloved cat, Fang.
How do you sum up a life of love, generosity, selflessness, outreaching to others, love of nature and animals, pride in heritage and service to God and Country? That is Don Paulsen.
A celebration of life service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at the Red Oak Presbyterian Church. A meal and visitation will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following the service until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Court of Honor.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.