Eldon Vernon Paulsen

Eldon Vernon Paulsen, 89, passed peacefully into the arms of his loving Savior on March 1, 2012. He was born October 11, 1922 in Snyder, NE, grew up in Fremont, NE, and graduated high school in Whiting, IA.
Eldon was called to duty from Reinbeck, IA to serve in the US Army, 9th Armored Division. While serving during WWII, Eldon was wounded in battle & awarded a Purple Heart, Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, & the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars. In 2009, Eldon was honored again & received the prestigious Bronze Star Medal. After the war, he returned to Iowa & met Myrtle Jensen, a teacher in Dinsdale.
In the summer of 1948, Eldon was one of 54 veterans drawn from a lottery to receive land in Yuma, AZ, as part of the first Gila Veterans homestead project. Myrtle and Eldon married August 14, 1948, at Fredsville Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, IA. In January of 1949, the newlyweds traveled to Yuma, AZ to begin a new life as Yuma Mesa Homesteaders. They were blessed with two children, Bruce and Jane. Originally members of Calvary Lutheran Church, Myrtle and Eldon joined with a core group to form the new Christ Lutheran Church in 1964, where they continued to worship until his death. Eldon was privileged to serve as a board member of the Yuma Mesa Irrigation District for more than 40 years. Eldon's family will miss his subtle sense of humor, endearing smile, and unfailing integrity.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Anna Paulsen, brother Wesley, and sister Dorothy Eriksen. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Myrtle Paulsen, son Bruce (Cynthia) Paulsen of Yuma, daughter Jane (Steve) Reed of Longwood, FL, grandchildren Scott Reed, Jason Campbell, Julie Sullins, Joseph Campbell, Kirsten Reed and Caitlin Reed and 4 great-grandchildren, Owen, Ian, Kylie, & Madalyn. Uncle Eldon was beloved by 8 nieces & nephews and their families. Visitation will be held Monday, March 5 at Funeraria del Angel at 795 West 28th Street from 4-7pm. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, March 6 at Christ Lutheran Church at 2555 Engler Ave. at 11am with a reception to follow.
Suggested memorial donations may be made to the GIFT Fund at Christ Lutheran Church.