Gerald W. Paulsen, age 87, of Chanhassen was called home by our Savior Nov. 12, 2020 after a long battle with Parkinson's. Jerry was born in Milwaukee, grew up on a farm in Huxley, Iowa, and served his country as a F-102 pilot, Captain, in the Air Force. He received his BS in Geology at Iowa State, and a Masters of Geology from the University of Minnesota. While his career started in geology, he went on to be a systems analyst for Lockheed Martin.
His Christian faith was foundational to his life. He met and married his wife Jan at the U of M Lutheran Student Center. They were both founding members of Living Christ Lutheran Church where he served as a teacher, elder, treasurer, and president. He loved to sing in the church choir.
Jerry enjoyed spending time in the outdoors on family camping and fishing trips. He coached all his children's athletic teams. Most of all he loved spending time with family. We will miss his wry wit and gentle kindness.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Donald and Richard. Survived by his wife of 58 yrs, Janet; four children Erik (Kelly), Kirk (Kristi), Josh (Megan), Emily (Ben) Hanson; 12 grandchildren: Cassie (Caleb) Rollins, Briana Tayler, Liesi, Mari, Evan, Peter, Nathaniel, James, Myra, Henry and Oliver.
Private family interment will be at fort Snelling National Cemetery. In memoriam donations preferred to Lutheran Hour Ministries or Parkinson's Foundation.