A kind and loving heart quit beating when Roger (Jerry) Paulson, age 77, of Kemmerer, passed away on April 10, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer.
Roger was born to Leonard and Nanna (Hansen) Paulson on October 5, 1940, on the family farm near Irene, South Dakota, where he grew up. He attended grade school and helped on the farm. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0036 in Kemmerer.
Roger met the love of his life, Violet Anderson while home on leave in 1960. They were married at the Trondhjem Lutheran Church, in Valin, South Dakota, on September 30, 1961. They began their life living on a farm, and Roger also worked for Curtis Moen driving truck and helping husk corn. To this union three children were born: Jeffrey, Julie and Chris.
Roger farmed from 1961 to 1970. The family moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1970, and Roger drove truck until 1973. He then joined Millwright Local Union #2834 in Denver, Colo., and the family lived in Colorado for two years, until they moved to Kemmerer where they raised their children. After their children were raised, the couple went on the road together for 21 years, working all over the United States, until Roger retired in 2010.
Roger enjoyed playing softball, bowling, square dancing, playing pinochle and five-point pitch. He enjoyed watching western films, listening to country and Christian music, hunting, camping, and attending many sporting events for his children and grandchildren. He also loved going to football and basketball games in Laramie. He loved John Deere tractors and enjoyed having a few cows and calves over the years. After retirement he loved woodworking, and he made many bird houses.
Roger was a hard-working man all his life and wouldalways help anyone who needed help. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather and was so happy to see his last grandson born carrying the Paulson name.
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Violet Paulson, of Kemmerer; sons Jeff (Janet) Paulson, of St. Clairsville, Ohio and Chris (Sheri) Paulson, of Kemmerer; grandchildren Amanda Meacham (Brandon Metz) of Shadyside, Ohio; David (Kristina) Paulson, of Gillette; Cody Paulson (Molli Rosenbaum) and Nichole Paulson (Preston Black) of Layton, Utah; Courtney Paulson (Gil Lowrey) of Laramie; great-grandchildren Matthew and Michael Meacham of Shadyside, Ohio; Brady Paulson of Gillette; sisters, Verona Hybertson and Norma MacArthur of Centerville, South Dakota; sister-in-law, Gloria Snoozy of Yankton, South Dakota; Uncle Vernon Hansen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Aunt Helen Iversen of Mesa, Ariz.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Roger is preceded in death by his loving daughter, Julie Paulson, his parents, Leonard and Nanna Paulson, his in-laws, Oliver and Eline Anderson, brother Richard Paulsen and sister-in-law Marian Paulsen; grandparents Chris and Christina Paulsen; Jens and Hanna Hansen; brothers-in-law Erling and Eldean Anderson and Harlan Snoozy; nephews Gordon Paulsen, Larry Hybertson and Kevin Snoozy and niece Linda Snoozy.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 20, 2018, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. At Hansen Funeral Home in Irene, South Dakota. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. At Calvery Lutheran Church in Irene, South Dakota, with Pastor Mark Osterm officiating. Roger will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Irene, South Dakota beside his sweet daughter Julie who welcomed him home. Full military honors will be held at the cemetery.
