Howard E. Paulson

Howard Eugene Paulson, 87, Fargo, ND, formerly of Moorhead, MN, and Rothsay, MN, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at Bethany on University in Fargo.

Howard was born in Fergus Falls, MN, on June 11, 1926. He was a graduate of Moorhead High School, Concordia College, and the University of Minnesota Law School. He played football and basketball at Concordia and was an Eagle Scout. Howard served in the United States Army, first in Belgium and then in Japan, from 1945-47. He married Marlys Stenson of Pelican Rapids, MN, on September 5, 1953, at Hamar Lutheran Church in Rothsay. They remained in Rothsay for nearly 40 years, raising four children and operating Farmers State Bank of Rothsay.

Howard loved his family, friends, church, farming, nature, music and travel. He always took time to attend his children's athletic or musical events and went on many hunting and fishing trips with his boys. He relished time with his grandchildren. He always had time for coffee with his friends, many of whom where banking clients and farmers. He treasured his lake home on Lake Lida. He enjoyed planting trees, visiting Itasca State Park, and skiing in Colorado. He sang in the church choir and always attended the Concordia College Christmas Concert. With his wife and children, he traveled to Israel, Norway, and various countries in Europe, including his ancestral home, Denmark, where he would visit relatives. He toured Normandy Beach and had great respect for veterans, especially those who served in World War II.

Howard sold Famers State Bank in 1991 and retired to Moorhead in 1992. He was a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, active in Moorhead Kiwanis, a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, and a member of C400 at Concordia College. In later years, he was a devoted caregiver to Marlys, who suffered from Parkinson's disease.

He is survived by four children, Mary Beth Paulson, Rollinsville, CO, Bruce (Lori), Wayzata, MN, Wayne (Susan), Crystal Lake, IL, and Karen Thompson, Castle Pines, CO; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marlys; and his parents, Lawrence and Esther Paulson.

Visitation: Sunday, January 12, 2014, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a 2:00 PM, Prayer Service in Korsmo Funeral Chapel in Moorhead.
Funeral Service: Monday, January 13, 2014, at 1:00 PM, in New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay.

Interment: Hamar Lutheran Cemetery, Rothsay.