1916
Elmer
2008
Elmer Paulson
October 20, 1916 — July 22, 2008
Elmer Ole Paulson was born on October 20, 1916 in Hegbert Township, Swift County, Minnesota to Alfred Sr. and Emma (Larson) Paulson. He was baptized at home and confirmed in 1931 at the Drywood Lutheran Church, both in Hegbert Township. Elmer attended Drywood Country School Dist #30 through the 8
th
grade, before attending the Extension School in Appleton. In 1941, Elmer entered the U.S. Army, serving during WWII. While in the service, he was stationed in Italy, Africa, France and Ireland before being discharged in 1945. Elmer was a Charter member of the Appleton VFW. He continued to maintain relationship with his comrades throughout his life. On June 9,1946, Elmer was united in marriage to Fern Kohlman at Shible Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in the Appleton area, where Elmer drove gas bulk delivery truck for Albert Wold. In 1948 he purchased the business which was then called Paulson’s Super Service “Where Elmer Is”. In 1954, Elmer purchased Olaf Lehne’s farm, where Elmer lived and raised his family until 1998. That summer, Elmer suffered a severe heart attack, which required him to undergo triple by-pass surgery. He then moved to Chokio and resided with Bly Jallo, who helped with his recovery. In 2006, Elmer moved to Sioux Falls for Alzhemier Disease Care. He returned to Minnesota in 2007, making his home at the Nelson Gable Assisted Living in Alexandria. In January 2008, Elmer entered Bethany Home in Alexandria, where he has continued to live since that time.
Some of Elmer’s favorite hobbies included attending to his dogs, hunting, watching and participating in sports activities and dancing the waltz. Above all, he loved spending time with his family.
Elmer died on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at Bethany Home in Alexandria, having lived to reach the age of 91 years.
Elmer is survived by his life companion: Bly Jallo of Chokio and by his family; one daughter: Valerie (Bob) Jerzak of Alexandria; one son: Gary (Cori) Paulson of Apple Valley; six grandchildren: Melysa (Justin) Rehms, Mitch Helgerson, Megan Helgerson, Mickey Helgerson, Eric Sende, and Brady Paulson; two great-grandchildren: Ian and Jackson Rehms; one sister: Carol Rohloff of Golden Valley; one brother: Alfred Paulson Jr. of Alberta and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents: Alfred and Emma; brother: Ben Paulson; sisters: Ruth Buntje, Jenny Bakken and Eleanor Tofte.
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