Joan Paulson

Joan Paulson, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Oct. 27, 2024 at the age of 85. 

She was born on Feb. 28, 1939 in Cheyenne Wells. Joan was the eldest of five children born to Wally and Josephine Bruce and raised in Haxtun with her siblings John, Barb, Carol and Bob. Joan graduated from Haxtun High in 1957, Kahler School of Nursing (Rochester, Minn.) in 1960 and the University of Colorado in 1964 (Master's of Nursing). Then she started her career in Minnesota as a nursing instructor at Rochester Community College (RCC) and later at RCTC.

Joan and Delano Paulson were married on Dec. 27, 1968. They had six children, 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. They raised their family in their country home near Dodge Center, Minn. Her family was her pride and joy. She loved to cheer her kids and grandkids on in their interests and activities. Joan's faith in Jesus Christ defined her life. She prayed daily for her family, church and community. She studied the Bible and asked God for His grace to be a faithful servant.

Throughout her life she served in her local churches of First Baptist Church (now Faith Community Church) in West Concord and New Life Church in Wanamingo. She also served with the Gideon's International Auxiliary. Joan was an avid reader and she loved to travel with Del. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and playing piano. Volunteering at the West Concord Historical Society gave her joy because she loved history and genealogies. She created many special memories for her family with delicious food and fun activities including celebrating her Swedish heritage and traditions. Her home state of Colorado held a special place in her heart along with the many family members there.

She is survived by her husband Delano Paulson, Kasson, Minn.; children Brad and Susan Paulson, West Concord, Minn., Sonja and Gary Cowles, Staples, Minn., Glenda and Dave Andrews, West Concord, Lance and Kristen Paulson, Chaska, Minn. and Bruce and Kathy Paulson, Woodbury, Minn.; sister Barbara and Mac Brown, Holyoke; brother Bob and Karolyn Bruce, Eaton; grandchildren, great and great-great; and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by infant son Timothy Paulson; parents Wallace and Josephine Bruce; brother John and wife Marilyn Bruce; and sister Carol and husband Dick Loftis.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 1 at Faith Community Church, in West Concord, Minn. Burial is at the Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, Minn.