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    Thief River Falls – Raymond Paulson of Thief River Falls, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by his family at the age of 82.
    Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, September 25, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial followed at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Military honors were provided by the Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post #117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793 and the North Dakota Air Force Honor Guard.  
    Raymond Leroy Paulson, the son of Olaf and Gina (Starren) Paulson, was born on September 2, 1935 in Roseau. He attended country school and later graduated from Roseau High School.  
    Following high school, Raymond enlisted with the United States Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Roseau where he met his future wife, Evelyn.
    Ray was united in marriage to Evelyn Novotny on November 3, 1962 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Badger. They moved to Virginia, where Ray began his career with the Minnesota State Patrol as a dispatcher. Their first son, Michael was born.
    In 1965, Ray transferred to Thief River Falls. Here they made their home and were blessed with three more children, Eric, Bruce, and Kris.
    Along with his career with the State Patrol, Ray also worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. After his 33 years of service to the State Patrol, he retired and continued working for several more years with the Postal Service.
    Ray enjoyed gardening, working outdoors, daily trips to the coffee shops, spending time with family members – especially his grandchildren.  He was an active volunteer with several activities at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Meals on Wheels.
    Ray was a selfless man that would help anybody in need and would always put others first. He was gentle and kind. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Ray will be dearly missed by many.
    Ray is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn of Thief River Falls; children, Mike Paulson of Thief River Falls, Eric Paulson of Tacoma, WA, Bruce (Sharri) Paulson of Thief River Falls, and Kris (Mike) Zimmer of Kenmare, ND; grandchildren: McKinzie, Megan, Kate, Jack, and Aubrey; siblings, JoAnn Hamlin of Montgomery, Shirley Efta of Milwaukee, WI, Bev (Jim) Hedlund of Roseau, and Reuben (Laura) Norquist of Roseau; several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
    Raymond is preceded in death by his infant twin daughters; his parents; and his stepfather, Randy Norquist.
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