Goodridge – Troy David Paulson, 47, of Goodridge, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Troy David Paulson was born November 17, 1977, to David and Diane (Wiseth) Paulson in Thief River Falls. He was raised in Goodridge, with his big sister, Nicole. He was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge. Troy attended Goodridge School and graduated with the Class of 1996.
After high school, Troy attended Northland Community and Technical College, earning an Associate’s Degree, then furthered his education at Southwest State University in Marshall. While attending college and beyond, Troy played wheelchair basketball for various teams, including the Junior Timberwolves, the Mustangs, and the Wallbangers. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his teammates and his time on the court.
On June 24, 2005, Troy was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rachel Demarais, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. In March 2011, they were blessed with their son, Gabriel.
Troy was a proud and loving father, husband, and son. He loved spending countless hours gaming and talking science with Gabriel. Troy, Rachel, and Gabriel enjoyed exploring the Minnesota state parks. They also enjoyed taking family vacations to Florida, Las Vegas, Duluth, and Medora. Troy appreciated a diversity of musical genres and attended many concerts such as Green Day, Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, and Three Dog Night.
Troy enjoyed fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, and spending time at the family cabin cheering and jeering with his uncles during the Vikings and Twins seasons. After long nights of celebrating, Troy and his family were known to take a “walk of knowledge.” The family reminisces about them to this day. Troy was a craft beer connoisseur and excelled at cooking extravagant, experimental meals with his cousins.
Troy leaves a legacy of working hard, playing hard, and loving unconditionally. We are all better to have known him.
Troy worked as a store manager for Verizon and AT&T in Thief River Falls for many years. He was currently working at DigiKey as a sales representative.
Troy is survived by his loving wife, Rachel; wonderful son, Gabriel; parents, Dave and Diane Paulson; sister, Nicole (Jim) Kennedy; in-laws, Karen (Dwight) Hanson; sisters-in-law, Shannon (Jon) Fleischer, Amie Treitline, Rebecca Demarais, and Megan (Heath) Wentworth; brothers-in-law, Joel (Marielle) Demarais and Ryan (Ashley) Demarais; nieces and nephews, Kaylee, Matt, Allison, Isaac, Mason, Mads, Evangeline, Seamus, Samuel, William, Adaline, and Henry; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Troy is preceded in death by grandparents, Harry and Mabel Paulson and Marilyn and Kenneth Wiseth; father-in-law, Keith Demarais; aunts, Lynette Zupetz and Karyl Kveton; uncle, Robert “Gunder” Paulson; and many other relatives and friends.
A visitation was held from 3–5 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with a prayer service at 5 p.m.
The memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, with Reverend Kris Snyder officiating. Visitation was also held one hour prior to the service on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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Troy Paulson, 47
