Orville Paulson, son of Henry and Emma (Peterson) Paulson, was born September 15, 1923 in Estherville, Iowa. He passed away Saturday, October 20, 2018, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, at the age of 95.
Orville graduated from Estherville High School, 1941. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was in the European Theater from April 1943-August 1945. He survived Omaha Beach. Only in very recent years did he speak of the war—and then only briefly as memories were too vivid. Rather, he chose to tell the humorous antics between him and fellow soldiers. He was honorably discharged.
On April 6, 1947, Orville was united in marriage to B. Marilyn Bolty at United Methodist Church in Estherville. The couple made their home in Estherville and raised their 3 children plus pets. Orville was employed by the railroad for many years, then sold insurance and later was employed as a meat grader by Spencer Packing Co. In his leisure time Orville loved spending time with his family, friends, reading, fishing at the lakes, trapping and hunting. His astute observations underpinned his humor and stories. His cherished wife of 63 years died January 16, 2010. In recent years Orville made his home with his daughter Julie and her husband. He was 95 in years only.
He was a member of United Methodist Church and VFW Post 3388 in Estherville.
Left to cherish Orville's memory are his children, Cynthia Larson of Urbandale, Iowa, Dr. Eric (Barb) Paulson of Stanton, Iowa: Julie (Jay) Happel of Tiffin, Iowa; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents: brother, Kenneth; and sister, Donna.