Richard J. Paulsen

Richard J. "Dick" Paulsen Jr. passed away peacefully at home on January 11, 2024, at age 85. 

Dick was born in California, to Jean (Gray) and Richard Paulsen, Sr. His family moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, before settling in St. Cloud. He graduated from Cathedral High School, completed his undergraduate degree at Saint John’s University (SJU) in Collegeville, and earned a master’s degree in music education from Saint Cloud State University.

Dick and Nancy Gohman were married in 1961 and began their life together in the St. Cloud area before moving to Lino Lakes when Dick started his career as a band director in the Forest Lake School District. Dick enjoyed sharing his love of music with his students and spending time with his fellow teachers, including some who became lifelong friends.

Dick’s love of music was a constant throughout his life. He played trumpet in a dance band during college and beyond. Later in life, he enjoyed listening to jazz music and attending the concerts of his children and grandchildren.

There were plenty of concerts to attend as Dick and Nancy raised six children and were blessed with 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. When asked what brought him the most joy, Dick responded, “When the children and grandchildren were born.”

Dick enjoyed being outdoors and active. He played tennis for most of his life and moved to pickleball in the later years where he would, on occasion, let his children win. He loved spending time on the golf course and was able to continue playing through the spring of 2023 with the help of his golf league buddies.

Dick got his pilot's license while in college and flying was a lifelong passion. Having his pilot’s license allowed Dick to follow his adventurous nature. He loved taking friends and family on trips, sometimes providing more adventure than his companions were expecting. He would always say “The air is safer than the road.” This was just one of many life lessons he shared with his children.

Dick had a zest for life. He was a dessert-first (and second and third) sort of person. He craved adventure and novelty yet valued life-long friendships. Dick stayed in contact with his SJU friends, meeting up for pizza as recently as 2023. Dick had a curious mind and never lost his love of learning. He mentioned a wonderful new educational program he had discovered just the week before he passed. 

Thanks to the amazing care he received, Dick lived longer than was expected given his prostate cancer diagnosis. He was grateful for that gift of time as were all of those who loved him. Dick passed peacefully at home in his sleep just as he hoped he would. He will be missed by many.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Sr. and Jean (n. Gray) Paulsen of St. Cloud, MN. He will be greatly missed by Nancy, his wife and partner of 62 years; his sister Patricia (Don); children, Marie (Tom), Kathy (Larry), Mike (Nancy), Theresa (Greg), Bob (Stacy), and Mark (Michelle); his 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

We would like to thank the many wonderful staff and providers at MN Oncology for the skilled and compassionate care they provided. A special thanks to Dr. Eric Weinshel, Marynne Kopischke APRN, CNP, AOCN, Dr. David King, and Dr. Emily Schafhauser.

Memorial visitation from 5 - 8 PM Friday, January 26 at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME – LINO LAKES, 7050 Lake Dr. (County Hwy 23).

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Habitat For Humanity or the charity of your choice.