Gary W. Paulsen

GARY WILLIAM PAULSEN was born on October 8, 1946 to Robert and Rita (Wathen) Paulsen in Pipestone, MN. He was raised on the family farm north of Pipestone, attended country school, and graduated from Pipestone High School in 1964. Throughout his youth, he was active in 4-H and FFA along with helping on the family farm. He attended college in Mankato, MN, where he met his future bride, Kathy Paulis. A year later, he enlisted into United States Air National Guard and completed his service – wearing his blue suede shoes. He then went on to enroll in the Broadcasting program at Brown Institute in Minneapolis, MN, graduating in 1971. On May 29, 1971, Gary was united in marriage to Kathy at St. Francis Cabrini Church in Minneapolis. Gary then took a broadcasting job in Fairmont, MN and the two moved there in June 1971. He broadcast for stations in Fairmont and Winona until late l972, when he then returned to the family farming business in Pipestone. He and his brother, Kevin, joined forces and formed Paulsen Angus Farms in 1978 and in 1989 they received the Minnesota Commercial Cattleman’s of the Year by the Minnesota State Cattleman’s Association. Gary’s son, Jeff, joined him as a business partner in 1999, and the two of them farmed together until the present. In April 2018, Gary was diagnosed with lung cancer. After months of a hard and honorable fight against this disease, he passed away on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Pipestone County Hospice House at the age of 72 years, three months and two days.

He was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone, Pipestone County Cattlemen’s Association and served on Farmer’s Coop Elevator Board for a number of years. He enjoyed using his broadcasting baritone voice at KLOH radio station in Pipestone writing and recording commercials and also as the voice of the Pipestone’s A’s in the 90’s. With all of the challenges farmers face, as a self-taught skilled welder, electrician, fabricator and mechanical engineer there wasn’t a challenge that he didn’t take head on, which led to one of his classic sayings, “It’s always a struggle, but in the end, I always win.” He had a love for music, in particular the Beatles, and later in life was inspired by them to learn how to play the guitar. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren and cherished going to their activities and games. He will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and laughter.

Gary is lovingly remembered by his wife, Kathy; two children, Tracy Paulsen (significant other, Scott Szybala) of Minneapolis and Jeff (Nicole) Paulsen of Pipestone; two grandchildren, Cameron and Cohen Paulsen; mother, Rita Paulsen of Pipestone; four siblings, Susan (Craig) Manke of Fort Collins, CO, Deborah (Richard) Wahl of Scottsdale, AZ, Kevin (Barb) Paulsen of Pipestone, and Dana (Dan) Melcher of Chandler, AZ; and so many close aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Paulsen; and two nephews, Jason and Tyler Manke.

“Let it be.” – Beatles

Memorials may be directed to Pipestone Hospice House or to any organization of your choice.