Duane Lee Paulsen's Obituary
Duane Lee Paulsen, age 76, passed away on April 27, 2022 in Weidman, Michigan. He was born in Carson City, Michigan on December 2, 1945 to Alex Bryce Paulsen and Geneva Mae Sherbahn.
After graduating from Remus High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army for 18 months where he was stationed in Germany. He worked for Buick in Flint , Remus Creamery in Remus and retired after 35 years with Tri-County Electric.
Duane acquired his 1911 Gaar Steam Engine in 1988 which he continued to enjoy at the steam shows.
Collecting John Deere tractors, regular and toy, was his passion.
He took his farming very serious, watching the fields of corn mature, but harvest was his favorite. He had joy in his eyes driving the combine.
Other hobbies included Tiger baseball games, pontooning with the kids, vacations at Higgins Lake, eating ice cream, watching grandkids in sports, evening gator rides to check corn and drink beer.
We all took joy in Duane’s annual tractor drive to Blanchard for the Steam and Gas Show.
Granddaughter Breese interviewed him and found out a few facts. Grandpa’s nickname was ‘Baby Hewey’ and his favorite childhood toy was a hand carved wooden threshing machine.
He was most proud of his grandchildren. His silly little girls made him laugh. His childhood pets were Rusty his dog and Tigger his cat.
Duane was a member of the Weidman Lions Club and Blanchard American Legion.
Duane is survived by his wife Nancy; children Jeff (Lori) Merrill, Scot (Jeanna) Paulsen, Chad (Deann) Paulsen Marty ( Leigh Anne) Howard; thirteen grandchildren; siblings Doug (Vicki) Paulsen, Brad (Verle) Paulsen, Kathy Mayer, and Alex (Conne) Paulsen.
He was preceded in death by Brenda Paulsen; father Alex Bryce; mother Geneva Mae; brother Allan; sister Rhonda; mother-in-law Aletha Chaffee; and stepson Craig Howard.
A memorial service for Duane will be held at Janowicz Family Funeral Home on Sunday May 1 at 11:00am with Patti Hicks officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday April 30 from 4-7pm and on Sunday at 10am until the service time. Luncheon will immediately follow at the Blanchard American Legion Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Blanchard American Legion Post 240 or Weidman Lions Club.
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