erry Ellis Paulsen, age 86, of Barron, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Cambridge Senior Living in Rice Lake surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born on June 30, 1933 in Stillwater, MN to Harvey and Mildred (Holloway) Paulsen.  He graduated from Barron High School in 1952 and married Charlotte Zimmer on July 9, 1955 at First United Methodist Church in Barron.  Jerry and Charlotte were married for 64 years.

Jerry served his country in the US Navy from June of 1952 until April, 1956.  He was active duty in the Korean Conflict.  Following his military service, he worked at Decker Distributing.  In 1965, he was hired as a fireman for the Rice Lake Fire Department, where he was employed for 26 years.  In 1991, he retired and joined the Minong Fire Department, where he served as a volunteer fireman and EMT for 18 years.  Jerry had many side jobs through his career to include electrician, carpenter, postal worker, plumber, rabbit farmer, and fire extinguisher business.

Jerry loved spending winters in Arizona with friends playing volleyball in the pool.  He loved taking his family camping and hunting at his cabin.  Jerry enjoyed donuts, sinkers, pie, and potato noodles.  Most of all, he loved his Charlotte along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jerry had two speeds, fast and faster.  He was determined, hardworking, compassionate, giving, loving, strong, and courageous.  He was always there when you needed anything offering help to his children and grandchildren.  In his later years he loved feeding his little dogs candy and ice cream.

Jerry is survived by his precious wife, Charlotte; 2 sons and 5 daughters, Patricia (Phil) Awker of Maple Grove MN, Yvonne (Kim) Ritchie of Rice Lake, Cynthia (Mike) Bever of Prairie Farm, Jerry (Brenda) Paulsen of Baltimore, MD, Sandra (Dave) Nichols of Somerset, Daniel (Robyn) Paulsen of Wisconsin Rapids and Pamela (Mike) Donohoe of Somerset; 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Harvey and Mildred Paulsen; and aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Barron on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Mary Anne Conklin officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 at the church on Saturday morning.  A private burial will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Nov 08, 2019 6:48 am CST