Obit: Paulsen, Dorothy Lucille (1922 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Grosvold, Kim, Nelson, Nitek, Paulsen, Wagar, Williams

----Source: The Leiser Funeral Home (Cornell and Cadott, WI) 7/13/2017

Paulsen, Dorothy “Dot” Lucille (Nelson) (31 OCT 1922 - 12 JUL 2017)

Dorothy “Dot” Lucille (Nelson) Paulsen, 94, Holcombe, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 12, 2017, in her home with family and caregivers at her side.

Dorothy was born Oct. 31, 1922, near Charles City, Iowa. She was the eldest daughter of Henry and Nellie Nelson. Dorothy graduated from Lake Holcombe High School. It was there the musical talents she inherited from her mother were developed. Piano and violin were her strengths, but whenever the school orchestra or band received a new instrument, Dorothy was often counted on to figure out how to play it.

After high school, Dorothy played in a group that performed for dances and events around the area. It was during this time she caught the eye of a handsome amateur baseball player and professional dairy farmer. Dorothy and Ernie were married Oct. 20, 1943.

Together, they worked the Paulsen family farm and raised everything you’d expect to find on a Chippewa County dairy farm, including what they referred to as, “our best crop ever,” their five children.

Dorothy was a worker. She was the consummate dairy farm wife and mother. A normal day for her included cooking three meals, washing the milkers twice, tending her large vegetable garden, and for relaxation, evenings spent weeding and hoeing in her expansive flower ardens. Mondays were the exception, as Monday was bread baking day, in addition to her other daily chores. She made three to five loaves every week. She also found find time to sew and knit. These were skills she passed on to her daughters and to many 4-H club girls. Over the years, she put in enough hours in the Holcombe and Sheldon post offices to qualify her for health insurance and a modest pension.

She did have help at home. Her work ethic and time management were the main traits she passed on to her children. They are all known to be hard workers, and can get more done in a day than most. Dorothy was also a good cook. Without fail, each and every Sunday for at least 50 years, anywhere from eight up to 15 family members or friends would show up for a huge Sunday dinner. Home raised beef, pork or chicken (she butchered them herself, of course), homegrown potatoes and vegetables, homemade bread, and of course, dessert, was always on the menu.

No matter how many came, she always had enough to go around and could always find a spot at the table, and she wouldn’t have had it any other way. She also was that way with the beds in her house. Many a niece, nephew, kid’s friend or exchange student spent extended time on the farm. Many grew up learning from Dorothy and considered her a second mom to them.

Dorothy would want her family to thank MaryAnn Cote, Deb Gilbert, and the folks at Heartland Hospice for the care and devotion they gave to her. Without them and without her children, most especially her devoted son, Mark, she would not have been able to spend her final couple years in the comfort and familiarity of her own home. Dorothy will be missed by many. Goodbye, Dot.

She is survived by her younger sister; constant lifelong companion and best friend – Helen Wagar; three daughters – Sharon (Skip) Williams, Karolyn (Kix) Nitek and Jane (Mike) Grosvold; son – Mark; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her eldest son – Dale; and by her husband – Ernie.

Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, at the Holcombe United Methodist Church in Holcombe, with Pastor Jason Kim officiating. Interment followed the service at the Holcombe Cemetery.

Visitation was one hour prior to the services Tuesday morning at the church.

Arrangements were made by Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell.