Gary H. Paulson

Gary Herbert Paulson, 78, returned to his Savior on Tuesday, May 22, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, surrounded by loved ones. Gary was born October 27, 1945, the fourth of seven children born to Herbert E. Paulson and Margaret (Gustafsson) Paulson of Clear Lake, WI. He was a gentle soul with a gentle laugh, so genuine and caring that he was described by a niece as a Mr. Rogers; Gary would have been honored.

He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1963 and met his first love, Sandra M. Busscher, before joining the Army. While in the Army, Gary trained as an x-ray technician and served at Fort Riley, Kansas; he served proudly but was a humble man who felt his Army service was not as noteworthy as the injured soldiers he cared for. Gary and Sandra married in 1968 and welcomed their first of three sons, Mark (Inver Grove Heights, MN), before moving to Eau Claire, and adding Eric (Jennifer) Paulson, Eau Claire, and Ryan (Suzanne) Paulson, Bronx, NY. Gary was the proud grandfather of Lucienne, Ellis, and Quinn Paulson.

Gary met his second love, Dorothy Hafele, at a spouse loss support group where support turned into companionship and love. They were married in June 2000 in Eau Claire. Gary gained two adult sons, Troy (Gail) Hafele, New Richmond, WI, and Todd (Carrie) Hafele, Madison, WI, and four grandchildren, Morgan, Garret, Angus, and Knox Hafele.

Gary enjoyed traveling wherever Dorothy booked him a seat, reading his Bible and as many good books as he could, and singing with the Northern Lights Chorus, Dunn County Chapter. He loved following local sports teams, as well as the Badgers, Brewers, and Packers, and visiting family. 

Gary was preceded in death by his father, mother, and siblings Tim, Barb, and Dennis, and his first wife, Sandy. He is survived by his wife of nearly 24-years, Dorothy Paulson (Eau Claire), and siblings Pat (Jack) Broecker (Woodbury, MN), Jim (Gwen) Paulson (Hudson, WI), and Joy (Dick) Reese (Roberts, WI).

Services will be held Tuesday, May 28th, at West Ridge Church in Eau Claire. Visitation will begin at 1 pm with services to follow at 2 pm. Gary will be interred at Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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