website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Donna Paulsen
1927-2003
Donna
M. Paulsen, 75, of Watertown, died
Funeral
was held at St. Henry’s and burial was in the parish cemetery.
The
former Donna M. Herman was born on
Donna
was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, Watertown Senior and Community
Center, American Legion Post No. 1189 Auxiliary and AARP Chapter 3056.
Donna
enjoyed crafting, making handmade greeting cards, playing cards, baking and
spending time with her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren.
SURVIVORS:
Husband Philip
Son Gary (Sharon) Paulsen of Dousman
Son Russ Paulsen of Post Falls, Idaho
Son Tom (Jill) Paulsen of Watertown
Daughter Linda (Bob) Boettcher of Watertown
12 grandchildren
five great-grand-children
Brother Richard (Pat) Herman of Walnut Creek, Calif
Brother Russell (Dolly) Herman of Oshkosh
Sister Nancy (Lloyd) Zeller of Ocala, Fla
PRECEDED IN DEATH:
parents
brother
sister
daughter-in-law
Philip H. Paulsen
October 12, 1922 - April 30, 2022
Philip
H. Paulsen, 99, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2022 at Sunset Ridge Assisted
Living in Johnson Creek, WI.
He
was born on October 12, 1922 in Waupaca, WI, son of Barney and Helen Paulsen.
He was the first of 10 children. The family moved to Oshkosh where Phil
completed his education. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1942.
He served in the South
Pacific arena during World War II on both Coast Guard and Navy ships.
Serving his country was one of the highest honors of his life. Following the
War, Phil and Donna L. Herman were married and later moved to Watertown, WI to
raise their growing family where Phil managed the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store
for over 35 years.
Phil
was a devout member of St. Henry's Catholic Church, involved in the Watertown
Chamber of Commerce, a 65+ years active member of the American Legion, Veteran
of Foreign Wars and member of the Toastmaster's Club. He was the ultimate
storyteller. We were all mesmerized when he would tell of his experiences. He
had seen and lived so much history.
An
avid outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter, he passed his knowledge and passion on
to his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren were especially interested
in his model train collection which he diligently showed them how to operate
with care and respect for their enjoyment. We believe and Dad often said that
his family was his greatest legacy. He left us all with so much of his wisdom
and we are grateful for all the time we had with him. Words cannot express the
love we have in our hearts for this amazing dad, grandpa, brother, uncle &
Friend.
He
leaves behind 2 sons, Gary (Sharon) and Thomas (Jill), daughter Linda (Robert)
Boettcher. 12 grandchildren, Bryan, Debbie (Curt) Pederson, Chad (Katie)
Montalbano, Rick Paulsen, Ken Paulsen, Tony (Kerrie) Paulsen, Kelly Paulsen,
Kerry (Brad) Mesner, Adam (Stephanie) Paulsen, Tammy (Adam) Nichols, Heidi
(Davis) Schumann, and Candice (Jack) Boettcher. 20 great-grandchildren, Brianna
(Mike) Smith, Eric Pederson, Jax Pederson, Molly Montalbano, Jenna Montalbano,
Natasha Paulsen, Kent Paulsen, Jasmine Paulsen, Jake Paulsen, Cody Paulsen,
Tanner Paulsen, Susie Edghill, Talyn Mesner, Gavyn Mesner, Andi Paulsen,
Beckett Paulsen, Julia (Jimmy) Busshardt, Sophia Sommers, Jaxsen Schumann,
Kylie Schumann, and 2 great-great grandchildren, Miriam Smith and Phoenix
Paulsen. Phil is further survived by 2 sisters, Nancy (John) Embs and Sue
Kosmer, sisters-in-law, Marion Paulsen, Pauline Paulsen, Shirley Paulsen and
Janet Paulsen, many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
He
was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna, his son, Russell, his
brothers, Bob, Bill, Don and Jack, his sisters, Jean, June and Carol and his
beloved companion, Jeanne Hoevet.
The
family would like to thank all those who cared so well for Phil at Sunset Ridge
and the Rainbow Hospice Staff and Volunteers for their dedicated care and
expertise.
A
memorial mass will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at St. Henry's
Catholic Church with Fr. Vince Brewer presiding. Visitation will be held at the
church from 10:00am until the time of service. Burial with full military honors will
follow the service at St. Henry's Catholic Cemetery.