Gerald Ray Paulsen of Oakland, Nebraska entered eternal rest on November 4, 2023. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey September 28, 1943, to Zonia and Raymond (Anderson) Paulsen while his father was stationed at Fort Dix prior to his deployment to the battle of Normandy (D-Day) and the European Theater of World War II.
Gerald settled near Poy Sippi, Wisconsin and later attended Waupaca High School. He attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska where he met his wife of fifty-two years, Mary Lousie Hansen. They graduated together and later moved to Denver, Colorado where Gerald attended graduate school at the University of Denver obtaining his Master of Social Work.
Gerald served the city and county of Denver as a director of social services for the betterment of sexually abused children. He later transferred to become a director of social services for Douglas County, Colorado to develop child welfare programs. He continued working there until his retirement and later settled in Oakland, at the family farm, to continue over one hundred years of family heritage.
Gerald “Jerry” was passionate about everything outdoors, hunting, fishing, farming and spending time with family. He loved life and served his community well. He and his wife “snow birded” in Edisto Island, South Carolina over several cold Nebraska winters, spending time on the beach. His passion for keeping the family farm going and learning to become a good steward of the land for future generations was important.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Gloria Weinman; and wife, Mary Paulsen.
He is survived by sisters, Glenna Newport and Gwen Murrow; children, Cindy Paulsen, Chris Paulsen and Fritz Paulsen; and grandchildren, Quentin and Evan Corich and Calvin and Kira Paulsen.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Friday, November 10, 2023, 11:00 am at Uehling Cemetery in Uehling, NE
VISITATION: Thursday, 5-7 pm at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland
MEMORIALS: First Evangelical Lutheran Church – Oakland; American Cancer Society
