Esther Paulsen

Paulsen, Esther U.
Passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014. She was born Dec. 11, 1928 in Tyler, Minnesota to Christian and Johanna Johansen. She grew up on her father's farm and then attended Grand View College in Iowa. After two years at Grand View, she transferred to the University of Minnesota where she graduated in 1950 with a teaching degree. At Grand View, Esther met a handsome, returning World War II solider named Howard Paulsen. They were married June 17, 1951 at Danebod Church in Tyler, MN and moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They were blessed with three boys (Kevin, Alan and Eric) and moved to Bloomington, MN in 1959. After Howard's passing in 1996, Esther continued to live in Bloomington and finally moved to Becketwood of Minneapolis in 2012. Esther taught during their early years of marriage, and then stopped when Kevin was born. She gradually returned to teaching full time as the boys grew older. She quit teaching in 1962 and eventually started a new career as an investment planner. She continued in this career until her late 70's, faithfully serving people she cared about. Church activities were a large part of the Paulsen family activities. Esther served in many capacities and was even church council president for several years. Esther enjoyed sailing, traveling and gardening. Esther and Howard spent many hours sailing each of the boats they owned. Even after the last boat was sold following Howard's passing, Esther still was able to periodically sail with friends and family. Esther has traveled to many places in the world with family and friends. Her sons still talk about the four week family trip to Europe that occurred when they were teenagers. Her farming roots gave her a love for gardening. At every placed she lived there was a garden. Even at Becketwood her dinner included vegetables she grew in one of the facility's shared garden areas. Esther will be dearly missed by her sons, Kevin (Debbie) Paulsen of Batavia, IL, Alan (Lori) Paulsen of Midland, MI, and Eric(Kim) Paulsen of Loveland, CO; her grandchildren, Karl (Erika), Bryan, Kayla, Sydney and Jordan; and great grandchildren, Howard and Josephine; sister, Milda (George) Ruud and brother-in-laws, Eugene (Marilyn) Paulson, Norm (Edith) Brakken. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; sister, Edith (Norm) Brakken; and brother, Arild (Lu) Johansen. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 3 at ST PEDER'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4600 East 42nd Street, Minneapolis, with Pastor Julie Ebbesen officiating. Visitation Monday, June 2, 4-8 P.M. at BRADSHAW (McDivitt-Hauge), 3131 Minnehaha Avenue South and also one hour prior to the service at church.