Leo J. Paulson

Leo J. Paulson, 72, Browns Valley, MN, died Monday, March 15, 2010, at his residence on Lake Traverse.     Funeral services were Friday, March 19, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Sisseton, SD, with Father Norman Volk O.M.I. officiating. Organist was Missy Heinecke and vocalist was Sandy Jaspers.    Burial will be in the New Effington Community Cemetery at a later date. Pallbearers were Jeff and Randy "John" Paulson, Michael and Austin Boller, Mike and Jason Dallman and Josh Haus.     Visitation was Thursday, March 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m.     Leo John was born May 5, 1937, to Albert and Anna (Pirmantgen) Paulson at Sisseton, SD. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. He attended school in New Effington, SD, and graduated from New Effington High School in 1955. Leo then attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD.      On September 28, 1957, Leo was united in marriage to JoAnn Ahrens at his parents' home in New Effington. Leo worked as a bulk milk delivery driver in Browns Valley and later at Golden Cream in Morris, MN. He then worked at Union State Bank in Browns Valley and owned and operated a ceramic business in Browns Valley. In 1975 they purchased Duehr's in Browns Valley and operated Paulson's Food Center for several years. Leo also worked as a bus driver for Bill Duffield and was an insurance adjuster. After retiring, he continued to live on Lake Traverse.     Leo was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered on the Browns Valley Ambulance. He never missed a horse sale at the Sisseton Livestock Auction. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and playing softball. He also loved watching Westerns on TV, woodworking, and spending time with his grandchildren.     Leo is survived by his children, Jeanne (Michael) Boller of Willmar, MN; Jeff Paulson and special friend Robin of Morgan, MN; Peggy (Mike) Dallman of Spicer, MN; and Randy "John" (Mary) Paulson of Fergus Falls, MN; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Kay (Cleo) Nelson of West Fargo, ND, and Joan (Dave) Gilbraith of Fargo, ND; and one brother–in-law, Merv Zabel of Browns Valley, MN.     Leo was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Donna Isaacson and Patty Zabel; and special friend Bernice.