Robert D. Paulson

Robert D. Paulson

Robert "Bob" Duane Paulson, 83, of Milton, ND, passed away Sunday, December 30, 2018, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Bob was born December 27, 1935, to Herman and Laufey (Bergman) Paulson in Montrose Township in northeastern ND. He was the youngest member of his family, joining four brothers and one sister. Bob's father was a first-generation farmer, beginning a legacy of deep commitment to the land and the joy of farm life. Bob graduated from Milton High School in 1953 and attended North Dakota State University. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Flink on June 13, 1959, in Osnabrock, ND.

Together, Bob and Marilyn built a loving home, raising four children on the family farm where he was born and lived his entire life. During their early marriage, they spent a short time working in East Grand Forks, MN, and Milwaukee, WI. Bob also worked on building the structure of the Nekoma (ND) Safeguard Complex. For more than 50 years, Bob farmed his family's land. He farmed with his brother, Bill, until 1978, and the rest of that time, alongside his sons.

Bob strongly believed in community service and held many roles at the Milton Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member. He served on the Milton School Board, Milton Fire Department, Montrose Township Board, and the Milton Curling Club. Bob was also an active Mason and Shriner.

Bob's greatest joy would come from spending time with his family. He enjoyed hunting with family members at an early age and throughout his life. Bob relished holidays, family events and time with his grandchildren-he loved to take them on drives, especially to look at crops. Bob made friends quickly and enjoyed visiting friends, neighbors and most everyone he met. He will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Marilyn, and his four children: Deb (Jeff) McKay, Grafton; Brad (Marcy) Paulson, Grand Forks; Jody (Jay) French, Fargo; and Bruce (Darcy Eszlinger) Paulson, Milton. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his eight grandchildren: Alisa (Jake) Leas, Marisa (Jake) Johnson, Jenna McKay, Robert Paulson, Katelyn (Thomas Vesterso) Paulson, Jolee (Joe Athman) French, Michael Paulson (fiance Chelsey Weigler) and Jacee French (fianc Braden Evers) and one great-grandson, Asher Leas. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers William, Percy, Lloyd, and Harlan Paulson; and sister Vivian Evans Hoel.

Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service and Masonic service at 7:00 p.m. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Edinburg. The funeral will be Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Milton Lutheran Church. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in the spring at Milton Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to the Milton Lutheran Church, Milton Memorial Cemetery, or Shriners Hospitals for Children. Memories can be shared at www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com .

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Edinburg is in charge of the arrangements.