Donald "Don" Paulson

MADISON - Donald “Don” Paulson, age 85, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Dec. 21, 1935, in Madison, Wis., the son of Henry and Agnes (Endres) Paulson. Donald graduated from West High School in 1953. He then attended UW-Madison where he received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1958. Donald was a partner at Arnold & O’Sheridan Engineering Consulting firm for his entire career. Don was the president of the Wisconsin Land Survey Association in 1979 and he was also the treasurer for 18 years. He married Pauline Johnson on Sept. 7, 1957, in Madison. Together they raised their children, Richard, Sandra and Cynthia. Pauline passed on May 12, 2003. Don married Ione Larson on May 26, 2007, at St. Dennis Catholic Church. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Four Lakes Yacht Club. Donald loved boating and sharing the experiences with friends and family. He was an avid hockey fan and enjoyed going to the UW Badger hockey games as a season ticket holder for over 45 years. He also loved going to his grandchildren’s games and competitions to cheer them on. Don was also an avid golfer. Don was a devoted long-time member of St. Dennis Catholic Church. Donald is survived by his wife, Ione; son, Richard (Denice) Paulson; daughters, Sandra (Tom) Bennett and Cynthia (Richard) Rothwell; brother, Gerald (Mary) Paulson; grandchildren, Jena and Ashley Paulson, Chase and Lance Ott, Jessica (Keith) Reilly, Lyndsay and Briana Meisel; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pauline Paulson; and sister, Darlene (Gene) Marazzo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, and at St. Dennis Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. Friends and family who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Donald’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on he Watch Webcast link at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s name to the Ronald McDonald House or St. Dennis Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420