Gerald A. "Jerry" Paulsen

Paulsen, Gerald A. "Jerry" 89 years of age, was born on May 1, 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Edina on April 5, 2013 . Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Kitty (Damuth) and Arnold Paulsen, and sister, June Brunskill. Jerry graduated from South High School in 1941, and was awarded a scholarship to the Minneapolis School of Business. His education was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army during WWII, where he fought in Belgium and Germany with the 69th Infantry Division. Within a few months of returning from the war, Jerry married Shirley Ann Lund on June 15, 1946. In 1947, he joined the Grandview Market in Edina working part-time as a butcher while he completed his degree in business from the University of Minnesota. In 1950, he moved to the other side of Vernon Avenue and opened Jerry's Lucky Dollar near the site of the current Jerry's Foods store and corporate offices. From these humble beginnings as a butcher and his lifelong love of high quality meats and foods, Jerry's Foods has grown to today's expansive corporation that consists of 37 stores including Cub, County Markets, Save-a-Lot, and Jerry's Foods, as well as various other commercial and real estate interests. Jerry was ever thankful for his "extended family" of over 3,400 dedicated employees. He was active for many years with the Zurah Shrine, Edina Rotary, Salvation Army and the United Way. Jerry spent much of his time in the summer at his hobby farm on Clearwater Lake near Annandale, Minnesota, where he enjoyed playing tennis with his family, golfing, walking, and tending to his extensive flower beds and gardens. He spent many winters at his home on Sanibel Island, Florida and enjoyed walking the beach with his family, golfing and fishing. He had a special place in his heart and on his lap for his beloved dog, Charlie. No matter where he was, Jerry enjoyed and appreciated all aspects of food and its preparation. He had a collection of thousands of cookbooks, and he owned at least one of every kitchen gadget ever invented. Above and beyond all of his other interests, Jerry was most happy when he was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, and he took great pride in their accomplishments. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Shirley; daughters Charlotte (Robert) Shadduck of Annandale, Minnesota, LuAnn (Brian) Cornell of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Cheryl (Peter) Sullivan of Edina, Minnesota; grandchildren Melissa (Jonathan) Schaefer, Kristin (Marc) Fahey, Amy (Jim) Miller, Adam (Aubrey) Cornell, Sarah (Joel) Ihrie, Allison (Ted) Bickel, Brett Cornell, Kelly Sullivan, Monica Sullivan (fiancé Max Hintz), Michael Sullivan; nine great-grandchildren; nephews Kenneth (Diane) Lund, Jerry Brunskill, and niece Victoria Brunskill. The family wishes to express their appreciation for special caregivers Allan Borg, Scott Gagnon, Tim Long, and Neal Locy. Memorials are preferred to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, or to the charity of the donor's choice. Funeral service Wednesday, April 10, 12:00 noon, with visitation one hour prior at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S., Mpls. Visitation also Tuesday, April 9, 5:00-8:00 PM at: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400 7625 Mitchell Road (1 blk N. of Hwy 5)
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.