Rita Paulsen

1. Rita’s late daughter, Deborah, had the privilege of writing 
2. her mom’s life history before her passing in June of 2025.
3. 
   

It is with profound sadness yet gratitude for a long life well-lived, that we announce the passing of our mother Rita Paulsen, at the age of 99 years, 10 months and seven days.

Rita Lucille Wathen was born on a farm south of Pipestone to Victor and Marie (Horrell) Wathen on May 30, 1926; as a small child the family moved to Hatfield, MN where she and her seven siblings attended country school. Upon completion of her education, Rita lived in Pipestone where she cleaned for area families and businesses, and later became employed at the J.C.Penney Department Store. Rita was known for her artistic abilities and soon became responsible for much of the store’s signage and displays. It was during work hours one late afternoon that a handsome young man came into the store specifically to buy a pair of gloves from this cute brunette (he did not really need another pair of gloves). After a romantic courtship, on Thanksgiving Day November 22,1945, despite the below zero temps and raging blizzard, she was united in marriage to Robert Paulsen.

Bob and Rita lived on the Paulsen family farm in Troy Township and were blessed with their five children: Gary, Susan, Deborah, Kevin and Dana, taking pride in watching their children perform in school sports and 4-H activities. Together they enjoyed their monthly Card Club group and dances in Hatfield. Unfortunately, with Bob’s untimely passing in 1973, Rita found herself a widow at the young age of 46 and she became responsible for continuing to support and raise the family on her own. In 1979, she moved to town where she continued to host family gatherings, participate in community activities and socialize with the ladies in Sewing Club. Rita eventually took a position at the local Hallmark Thoughtfulness Shop where she worked for 20 years. Once again, she put her personal touch on store displays, giving personalized services to the store’s many customers who often referred to her as “Mrs. Hallmark.”

Rita was a lifelong member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church; in January 1945 she became an original charter member of the Catholic Daughters and later she joined the church choir. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school, serving on numerous church circles, and baking their famous donuts with sister Thelma at the annual church bazaars. Rita spent years supporting her children in their 4-H activities; she was a natural leader, an accomplished seamstress and a great cook, sharing those skills with many while serving as a 4-H leader to the Troy Toilers 4-H club. In the late 70s, she was a founding member of the local chapter of THEOS, a support group for widows and widowers that over time extended their grief support services to any family experiencing loss.

Rita was a longstanding active member (1980) of the Pipestone Chapter of P.E.O., where she worked to promote continuing education and philanthropy to young women; she served as Chapter C President. She truly loved her PEO involvement. In 2010, Rita sold her home and moved to Ridgeview Estates where she enjoyed the new community of friends and social activities, serving as President of the Tenant Committee for two years. After experiencing a stroke in January 2018, Mom moved to the Good Samaritan Community where she lived until 2024. Rita became a resident of the Pipestone County Hospice Home until her passing.

Rita’s life was full of family, friends and relished experiences. In 2000, she joined Father Marty and other members of St. Leo’s for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Rome, Jerusalem and Bethlehem; a trip she talked about often over later years. Mom enjoyed teaching and performing as a member of the “Wathen Sisters” dance troupe with her sisters Thelma and Patricia; a line-dancing performance was a natural part of every family wedding reception. She once bowled a perfect 300 game, and received her 50-gallon pin from the American Red Cross for her blood donations over the years; that was one of her most meaningful gifts.

Rita’s faith in God was her source of strength throughout her life. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Susan Manke, Kevin (Barb) Paulsen, Dana (Dan) Melcher, daughter-in-law Kathy Paulsen and son-in-law Richard Wahl, seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Paulsen, her son Gary, her daughter Deborah, her grandsons Jeff Paulsen and Jason and Tyler Manke, son-in-law Craig Manke, and her parents. Rita was the last living sibling of the eight Wathen children: Lorraine, Mary, Thelma, Cecil, Patricia, Howard and Bernadine.

Mom loved black pepper, shoes, crossword puzzles, Christmas and the Minnesota Twins. But most of all, she loved her children unconditionally. That is her life and legacy. Having somewhere to go is a Home. Having someone to love is a Family. Having both is a Blessing. Mom was blessed and our lives were blessed to call her Mom & Grams.

If memorials are your intention, please direct them towards the Pipestone County Hospice House.