George R. Paulsen, 89, died peacefully Aug. 7, 2018, at his Elkhorn home.
He was born July 29, 1929, in Denver, to the late George R. and May (Bielas) Paulsen. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin and quickly married the love of his life, Patricia Knuese, on Sept. 14, 1953, in Madison. She preceded him in death after, in his words, a perfect 57 years of marriage, on Feb. 28, 2011. He worked for AMPI in Burlington, for more than 45 years as a field milk inspector and plant manager. He was an active member of Sugar Creek Lutheran Church.
George had immense pride in the City of Elkhorn, the farmlands of Walworth County, and the majesty of the state of Wisconsin. His tireless volunteerism and civic leadership spanned seven decades. He was a member of the Elkhorn Lions Club for over 60 years and served as secretary. His wife, Pat, was the first woman Lion. George founded and led Lakeland School’s Annual Christmas Program up until the final year of his life.
George was involved with the Walworth County Fair for more than 50 years, running a dairy bar with the help of his girls, serving on the security team, and most impressive, expertly supervising concessions for over 20 years. He was honored as the Grand Marshall in 2006. It was a humbling experience to ride with George on his fair golf cart, being witness to the warm relations he had established over the years with his venders.
Both George and Pat were very active in the Wal-Rock Bowling Association and both are proud members of its Hall of Fame. George was also a member of the Wisconsin Bowling Association and in the 500 Club.
George also served on the Walworth County Tourism Board, the Board of directors of Titans Drum and Bugle Corps and was a Boy Scout leader. Until five years ago, he delivered Beacons to nearly every restaurant and bar in the county, loving the opportunity to be back on the roads, meeting people.
George was a proud, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his four children, Kathleen (John) Ruehlman of Austin, Texas, Georgia (Jon) Paulson of Edgerton, Cynthia Paulsen Treslley of Stone Lake, and Margaret (Steven) Aspinall of Honey Creek; 10 grandchildren, Michael (Carrie), Megan and Kristen Ruehlman, Alissa (Nik) Franciskovich, Andrew (Miranda Carrier) Paulson, Tracy (Sean Richards), Katie, and John III (Natalie) Treslley, Cynthia (Eric Noble) and Brian Aspinall; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two infant sons, Ralph and Richard Paulsen.
A funeral service will be noon on Monday at Sugar Creek Lutheran Church, N5690 Cobblestone Rd. Elkhorn, with the Rev. Dick Inglett officiating. Visitation will be 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Haase-Lockwood and Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory, 730 N Wisconsin St., Elkhorn and 11 a.m. until the service time Monday at church. Interment will follow services at Sugar Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lakeland Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Elkhorn, or Sugar Creek Lutheran Church.
Condolences can be made online at haaselockwoodfhs.com.
