Daniel Steven Paulson

Daniel S. "Dan" Paulson, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home with his “darling” Jan by his side on July 29, 2025.

Dan was born on September 29, 1950, in Council Bluffs, IA, to the late Michael and Elizabeth (Geppert) Paulson. He was the second oldest of eight siblings.

In the summer of 1968, Dan embarked on an adventure, working first in Hawaii and then as a pack-boy for a bighorn sheep hunting outfitter on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He returned home just in time to complete his senior year at Lewis Central High School, graduating in 1969. The day after graduation, he proudly began his service in the United States Navy, where he was stationed on a submarine that reportedly spent time in enemy territory.

Shortly after his two years in the Navy, Dan met his future wife, Jan, the "cute girl next door," and they were married six months later on October 2, 1971 at the young ages of 21 and 18, respectively. Their commitment to each other over 53 years, through the highest of highs and lowest of lows, truly exemplified “for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, til death do us part”.

Dan and Jan raised their three children, Barbie, Danny, and Andy, all of whom Dan was immensely proud.

Dan was a well known and respected contractor, owning Cadet Construction and later becoming known as “The Driveway Guy.” His sons, Dan Jr. and Andy, along with some of their friends, worked for him for a time and have many "colorful" and entertaining stories of how he instilled in them a strong work ethic and "real life" lessons.

For the past 25 years, Dan's greatest joys were his 9, and later 10, grandchildren and shared a special bond with his only grandson, Justice. He regularly texted them words of encouragement, always reminding them to trust in Jesus.

Dan was an avid duck and goose hunter. He spent countless hours in duck blinds with his hunting buddies or boys at The Honk & Quack, the Mecca, and finishing his last years at The Greenhead. Although his favorite place to be was at home with Jan, he cherished fishing trips to Pierre, a couple horse racing trips including the Kentucky Derby and two Breeders cups, and his bucket list trip to Israel with mom.

His immaculate yard and garden filled with Irises & Peonies, garlic and onions, were the envy of the neighborhood.

Dad was an unapologetic, committed follower of Jesus Christ, and it spilled out into every part of his life. He recognized his daily need for Jesus and spent many hours studying God's Word, unafraid to share with others their need for more of Jesus in their lives. He truly lived by two of his favorite verses:

Philippians 4:13 “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established”.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jan Paulson; children, Barb Schock (Nathan), Dan Paulson Jr. (Chari), and Andy Paulson; siblings, Mike Paulson, Jane Bridges, Susie Rissman (Dr. Jeff Rissman), Teresa Hoffman, Peg Christensen (Arnie), Andy Paulson and Becky Coleman; grandchildren, Kayla Kouri (Noah), Jaedyn Paulson, Justice Paulson, Ellie Schock, Sidney Schock, Ava Schock, Georgia Paulson, Lola Paulson, Remi Paulson, and Alyse Petersen; nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Saturday, August 02, 2025. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Interment is in the Hazel Dell Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.