Alvin Verner Paulson passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2024 after a short, 10-day struggle with heart failure. He was 94 years old. Born on April 22, 1930 to Newell and Hertha Paulson, Alvin grew up as the oldest of 5 brothers (Ivan, Don, Carl, and Loren.) Alvin was raised on a dairy farm in Clayton Township of Wisconsin; he was baptized and confirmed through the West Clayton Covenant Church. As a first grader, Alvin started school only knowing the Swedish language.  He learned English and went home and taught his mother, a Swedish immigrant, how to speak English. He went on to graduate from Clear Lake High School in 1949.  He received a State Farming Degree also in 1949, and an American Farmers Degree, awarded in Kansas City in 1952. During his schooling in Clear Lake, Alvin met his best friend and lifelong partner, Phyllis Weinberg. They were married September 8, 1950, at the Clear Lake Methodist Church. Alvin and Phyllis shared a marriage that spanned over 70 years and was rich in faith, family, friends, and countless memories. Together they raised five children: Bradley, Rickey, Cynthia, Tammera, and Kimberley. They were blessed with 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way!

Alvin and Phyllis purchased their own dairy farm in 1950. Along with farming, in 1967 Alvin added construction to his plate, and joined the Carpenters Union in the Twin Cities.  He later worked for Derrick Construction, before starting his own construction company, Paulson Construction in 1974, he built many homes in the surrounding area.   He had a passion for both farming and construction work all his life.

Alvin was a Godly man. He had deep faith, and he used his gifts in life to share it with the world. As a talented singer, Alvin, alongside his friends (Alger Monson, Don Stewart, and Kenny Elmer) created a gospel quartet, The Missionares. For over 60 years this gospel quartet spread their faith in the Lord throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. Alvin was also incredibly active in his local church, United Covenant of Clear Lake. It was here that he volunteered countless hours, from being a staple bass in the choir to holding roles on the church board and everything in-between. He was always willing to lend a hand.

Alvin had many hobbies, it could be said that even up until the last ten days of his life, he wasn’t one to waste a minute. He and Phyllis had a passion for travel; seeing six continents and countless countries/cities. He loved to write stories, this started with writing out a Christmas letter years ago that he would send to family and friends.  Everyone commented that they enjoyed his letters each year, this prompted him to start writing memories that will be cherished by his family for years to come.  Alvin enjoyed snowmobiling and camping with friends and family. He especially enjoyed the yearly family camp weekend with the grandkids.  He also enjoyed waterskiing (even at the age of 75!) He spent many hours on woodworking projects, benefiting both his community and his family and friends. Alvin adored time spent fishing, whether it was sunny summer weather or ice fishing in the winter; he’d even encourage the grandkids to join in. Alvin was known as a prankster; he was always up for a good laugh, whether it be on him or a beloved family member or friend!

Alvin wasn’t a stranger to volunteering. He truly believed in giving back and donating his time, energy, and talents. He not only volunteered at church but also to the Gideons, Clear Lake Food Shelf, and was very active with keeping the Clear Lake Park beautiful.  Alvin was also a member of the Clear Lake Lion’s Club, he enjoyed  recruiting new members, telling them what a wonderful organization it was to be a part of.

Above all else, Alvin loved family. He cherished his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. This was evident right up until his very last day when his greatest smiles and biggest joy stemmed from the hugs, giggles, and love shared with him by his littlest of great-grandchildren.

Alvin is proceeded in death by his wife, Phyllis Paulson; daughter, Dr. Tammy Paulson & son-in-law, Pat Lasecki; daughter-in-law, Sue Paulson; parents, Newell & Hertha Paulson; in-laws, Monfred & Ruth Wienberg; brothers, Irvin Paulson, Ivan Paulson and Carl Paulson; sister-in-law, Rozy Holtz; brother-in-law, Jim Holtz.

He is survived by his children, Brad (Rhonda) Paulson, Rick Paulson, Cindy (Chad) Kressen, Kim (Glen) Gorres; grandchildren, Stacy (Dan) Matson, Jeremy (Janelle) Paulson, Ross (Molly) Paulson, Brent (Kacey) Paulson, Alex (Caitlyn) Paulson, Mike (Kim) Paulson, Janelle (Joe) Baarsch, Kristie (Chris) Taffe, Bethany (Corey) Gansen, Kali Conrad, Jackson Conrad, Nick (Jill) Gorres, Chase (Courtney) Gorres, and Mitch (Kalee) Gorres; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Cameryn Matson, Chelsey and Cayden Paulson, Jackson and Kamry Paulson, Deklan and Rowan Paulson, McKenna, Melvin, and Merle Paulson, Dominic and Lilly Paulson, Annabelle and Tristian Baarsch, MacKenzie and Carter Taffe, Jupiter Gansen, Lucy Conrad, Beckham and Tyson Gorres, Carstin, Caysen, and Waylon Gorres, Dean and Charli Gorres; brothers/sister-in-laws, Don & Phyllis Paulson, Muriel Paulson, Ethel Paulson, and Loren & Lynda Paulson, and many, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Alvin’s family invites you to join them in a time of celebration of his fully lived life and an opportunity to mourn the loss of such an important person in so many lives. A visitation will take place on Friday, May 31 4:00-7:00 pm at the United Covenant Church. The funeral will take place on Saturday, June 1 at 11:00 am also at the United Covenant Church, with visitation held one-hour prior.

Last Update: May 24, 2024 12:15 pm CDT