Melvin F. Paulsen

MELVIN FLOYD PAULSEN was born June 14, 1929 to Fred and Laura (Aukes) Paulsen in rural Steen, Minnesota. His parents settled on a farm northwest of Steen when he was six months old. He spent his childhood on the farm and attended school in Steen and Hills, Minnesota, graduating with the class of 1947. Following graduation, he continued to help his dad on the farm. On July, 13, 1951, Melvin enlisted with the United States Air Force and served his country during the Korean War. He married Jo Ann Schoonhoven on February 5, 1954 at the Calvary Reformed Church in Ripon, California. The couple lived in North Syracuse, New York where Melvin was stationed with the Air Force. Upon his honorable discharge on July 13, 1955, the couple returned to the family farm northwest of Steen. Here they made their home and their life, farming and raising their family. Melvin’s love was farming but he also found work as a school bus driver for over 58 years. He retired in October of 2008. During the 1980’s, Melvin also drove an equipment truck for gospel singer Sandi Patti’s tours. Additionally, he found time to drive tour bus for Jack Rabbit Bus Lines on a part-time basis. During retirement years he remained active with his fishing and gardening. With joy and celebration, heaven received a new resident on January 16, 2016 when Melvin died at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home with the comfort of hospice care at the age of 86 years, 7 months and 2 days.

Melvin was baptized and confirmed at the Steen Evangelical United Brethren Church. He was a charter member Pitcher Hill Reformed Church in North Syracuse. When Melvin and Jo Ann returned from New York, they joined the Steen Reformed Church. Melvin served as the Sunday School treasurer for 25 years. The couple stayed active at church being RCYF sponsors and also coordinators for “Open Doors for International Friendship”, an exchange program with the Reformed Church and a high school in Tokyo, Japan. They hosted a number of boys and teachers when they visited the United States and were group leaders for three trips to Japan. In his younger years, Melvin was active in the 4-H Club. In the summers, he enjoyed playing with the Steen Softball Club and the Luverne Baseball Team. Melvin also served on the Steen School Board. Melvin loved animals. Throughout the years, he raised many exotic chickens and fed numerous sheep. Locals referred to the Paulsen place as the “sheep farm” on the corner. In later years it became the “flower farm” on the corner as he was known for his beautiful flower beds. Besides their travels abroad, Melvin was able to visit all 48 lower states and visited Hawaii and Alaska with friends.

Melvin is lovingly remembered by his wife of over 61 years, Jo Ann of Luverne; his children, Floyd (Marianne) of Alexandria, IN, Mark (Lisa) of Marshall, MN, and Glen (Marla) of Harrisburg, SD; ten grandchildren, Riley (Amanda), Emily, Jen (Cameron), Ryan, Bryce, Bryant, Tavvy, Mykel, Grant and Morgan; two great-grandchildren, Jaylen and Ayda; his sister, Shirley Longnecker of Auburn, WA; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Randall of Mora, MN and Otis Wells of Hilmar, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Laura; his sister, Donna Randall; his in-laws, Henry and Marie Schoonhoven; brother-in-law, Gilbert Longnecker; and sister-in-law, Joyce Wells.