Norman Paulsen, 86, formerly of Atlantic, Iowa, died Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha.
Norman Eugene Paulsen, the son of John and Irma (Petersen) Paulsen was born on June 30, 1934, in Brighton Township, Iowa. He grew up in the Atlantic area and graduated from Atlantic High School in 1952. On February 19, 1953, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and served overseas in Germany as a Staff Sergeant. A story he shared frequently with his family, likely the reason he was scared to fly, was his experience of an engine going out over the Atlantic Ocean on a twin-engine aircraft he was flying.
After his honorable discharge on December 19, 1956, he settled in Omaha and started working at the United States National Bank. While there he met his future wife, Betty Lou Curran. The couple was married on August 11, 1961, at the First Lutheran Church in Omaha and were blessed with five children. Following their marriage, they made their home in Atlantic and he began employment with Walnut Grove as their Chief Accountant. After 35 years, he entered semi-retirement and worked for the Atlantic Community Schools as a bus driver and custodian. Norman also ran errands for the Atlantic Department of Transportation office. Always one to be busy, he also dove into multiple housebuilding and remodeling adventures. Norman was meticulous in his work, never satisfied, so the touching up of a so-called finished project never ended. This was probably true to his personality as he was a bit ornery, stubborn, and set in his ways. He did most of the work himself, but at times he would call in his family for back up.
Norman enjoyed playing golf and was a member of Crestwood Hills Golf Course in Anita. His love of the outdoors led to many camping and fishing trips to local and far-away destinations. The family took a yearly trip to Minnesota; Norman selecting a different lake, usually farther north, to explore each year. Norman and Betty looked forward to trips to the Casino and playing cards with friends and Betty’s sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jo and Jerry; sometimes into the wee hours of the morning. A few of their favorite games being Euchre, Pinochle and Cribbage. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge in Atlantic and was on a traveling dart league. And last but not least FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT FOR IOWA, GO HAWKEYES!!
Norman is survived by his children, Michael (Cyndi) Paulsen of Chicago, IL, Julie (Steve) Driggers of Omaha, NE, Brian (Denise) Paulsen of Des Moines, IA, Mark (Jessi) Paulsen of Atlantic, IA and Joshua (Cissy) Paulsen of Omaha, NE; 16 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Karwal of Atlantic, IA; brother, Mick Paulsen of Kimballton, IA; and sister-in-law, Mary Jo (Jerry) Jurgensmeier of Cedar Rapids, IA.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; daughter-in-law, Rebekah Wagonner Paulsen; grandson, Blake Paulsen; and brother, Gene Paulsen.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2020, at Evergreen Cemetery in Anita. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Evergreen Cemetery.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Norman’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
