Jeff Paulsen

Jeffery Robert Paulsen was born in Sioux Falls, SD on October 9, 1978, to Gary and Kathy Paulsen. He was baptized and confirmed in St Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone, MN. He was raised and attended school in Pipestone and was successful in athletics, playing basketball and was also a member of the track team. He made the high jump look easy and went on to set a new school record of clearing 6 feet 7 inches and was the 1997 MN State High Jump Champion.  He was also involved in FFA and 4-H where he showed cattle and became a skilled showman in the ring winning showmanship awards. It is here where he found one of his passions – the cattle business. He graduated high school in 1997 and attended college at Minnesota West in Worthington, MN.  In 1999, Jeff joined his father in the farming business and partnered in running Paulsen Angus Farms.  He moved to the Century Paulsen family farm in 2001. Jeff was involved for several years with the local Cattlemen’s Association and enjoyed grilling at various community events. He found himself at home with the comradery he had with fellow cattlemen. 

In 2005 Jeff was united in marriage to Nicole Rozeboom, and from this union they had two children, daughter, Cameron and son, Cohen.  It is here he found his other passion – his children.  Jeff loved coaching his kids’ teams in their youth athletic programs. He also enjoyed getting them involved in 4-H and teaching them about showing cattle. He loved watching them in the show ring. His kids were his pride and joy, he truly loved being their dad. Jeff and Cohen had a shared bond and deep love of the cattle and agriculture business. He was so very proud of Cameron’s passion and motivation to help others as she began her collegiate career at The University of Iowa this past fall.    

Jeff and his family enjoyed camping and the outdoors. He was a sports enthusiast and was the Kansas City Chiefs’ #1 fan.  He loved mastering the art of great barbeque and smoking meats on his Traeger.  Anyone that knew him knew that his quick wit was strong and he always had a comeback. He truly loved joking around.   

Jeff went on to work at ADM in Holland, MN, and most recently at the Pipestone Livestock Auction Market.

On March 5th, 2024 Jeff was admitted to Pipestone County Medical Center and unexpectedly passed away on March 7th at the age of 45. Simply gone too soon.  

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Gary Paulsen; grandparents, Robert Paulsen and Tom and Lorna Coderre; and cousins, Stephen Reinhard, Jean Stramer, Jason Manke and Tyler Manke. 

Jeff is survived by many loving family members including his daughter, Cameron Paulsen of Iowa City, IA; son, Cohen Paulsen of Pipestone; son, Cole Zephier of Brookings, SD;  ex-spouse, Nicole Paulsen of Pipestone; his mother, Kathy Paulsen of Pipestone; his sister, Tracy Paulsen and her significant other, Scott Szybala of Bloomington, MN; his grandmother, Rita Paulsen  of Pipestone; and so many close aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.