Joan Paulson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024 at the age of 85. She was born on February 28, 1939 in Cheyenne Wells, CO.
She was the eldest of five children born to Wally and Josephine Bruce and raised in Haxtun, CO with her siblings John, Barb, Carol and Bob. After graduating from Haxtun High School in 1957, she attended the Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, MN where she earned her RN. Next she attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. She moved back to Minnesota to become a nursing instructor at Rochester Community College (RCC) and later at RCTC.
Joan and Delano Paulson were married at the Free Church in Rochester on December 27, 1968. Joan was married to her loving husband, Del, for over 55 years and they had 6 children, 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. They raised their family in their country home near Dodge Center, MN. Her family was her pride and joy. She loved to cheer her kids and grandkids on in their various interests and activities.
Joan’s faith in Jesus Christ defined her life. She passionately prayed for her family, her church and community. She faithfully studied the Bible and asked God for His grace to be a faithful servant. Throughout her life she served in her local churches of First Baptist Church (now Faith Community Church) in West Concord and New Life Church in Wanamingo. She also served as a member of the Gideon’s International Auxiliary. She touched the lives of all who knew her, and her legacy of love and service will live on in our hearts.
Her hobbies and interests were diverse as she had an active mind. In addition to her Bible studies, she typically read multiple books at once. She loved to travel with Del to learn about new places and cultures. Music was a passion of hers as she enjoyed singing in the church choir and playing piano. She played clarinet in her high school and in the University of Colorado pep band. The West Concord Historical Society was a place she enjoyed volunteering because she loved history as well as researching and updating family genealogies. She created many special memories for her family with delicious food and fun activities during holidays and special events including celebrating her Swedish heritage and traditions. The West Concord Study Club and the Investment Club allowed her to learn new ideas and share with friends over several decades. Her home state of Colorado held a special place in her heart along with the many family members who she would visit there and on their visits to Minnesota.
She was preceded in death by infant son Timothy Paulson; parents Wallace and Josephine Bruce; brother John (Marilyn) Bruce; and sister Carol (Dick) Loftis.
She is survived by her husband, Delano Paulson of Kasson, MN; her children Brad (Susan) Paulson of West Concord, MN; Sonja (Gary) Cowles of Staples, MN; Glenda (Dave) Andrews of West Concord, MN, Lance (Kristen) Paulson of Chaska, MN; and Bruce (Kathy) Paulson of Woodbury, MN; sister Barbara (Mac) Brown of Holyoke, CO; and brother Bob (Karolyn) Bruce of Eaton, CO; her grandchildren, great & great-great grandchildren; and her many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Joan's life was held at Faith Community Church, in West Concord, on Friday, November 1st, 2024. With a visitation at 12:30 PM. A service followed at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Community Church (West Concord, MN) or New Life Church (Wanamingo, MN).
