George Paulson

Paulson, George Milan MADISON - George Milan Paulson, age 94, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at the HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg. He was born in Hollandale, on Feb. 22, 1913, to Jacob and Clara (Retrum) Paulson. George was educated there as well. On Dec. 2, 1939, he married Cristel A. Jordee. In 1946, they moved to their farm in McFarland, where they raised two children. It was their home for 39 years. Though he held other jobs early on, George settled in at Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, where he worked for 40 years while continuing to farm in McFarland. In 1985, they moved to Groveland Terrace and then in August 2000, to Oakwood Village East, where George lived until his last bout of illness. He gave much in service to his community and church, as a member of McFarland Lutheran Church. George served as custodian, a president and sang in the choir. Later, at Trinity Lutheran Church, he served as sacristan for many years and was made a Steward of Trinity. George and Cristel traveled widely, and even at 91, after breaking his neck at 90, he took a lifelong dream trip to Alaska. George grew his last garden at age 93. His curiosity about the world, his love and reverence for nature, his concern for social justice and a healthy environment were essential parts of his being, as were his graciousness and kindness. We will miss him so much. George is survived by a son, Phillip (Karen) Paulson of Madison; daughter, Jean Paulson of Eureka, Calif.; granddaughter, Kim Paulson; grandson, Mark (Lisa) Paulson; great-granddaughters, Sidney, Madeline and Camryn; brothers, Victor and Norman; sisters, Ruth and Edna; numerous nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Doris Mani. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Cristel; his parents; and siblings, Isaac, Hazel, Ralph, Grace and Beulah. Funeral services will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2007. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, July 27, 2007, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. In lieu of flowers, please send any memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or The Heifer Project. The family wishes to thank Dr. Gregory Motl for his years of kindness and care, Oakwood RCAC and Seasons, 8 Southwest at St. Marys and HospiceCare. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com