Paul was born in Langenhorn, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, August 1st, 1861. In infancy, he was baptized in the Lutheran Faith and later confirmed. He attended the public school in Germany, and later worked as an apprentice in the mercantile business.

In 1881, he came to America and for a short time worked in a store in Aspinwall, Iowa, making his home with his uncle, Lorenz Thomsen. The following year he came to Irwin and worked in the P.F. Cold store. Later Mr. Paulsen and Mr. Allen sold his interest to Peter Steenhusen and Paulsen and Steenhusen continued in business for the next five years. At that time they dissolved their partnership, Mr. Steenhusen going into the Hardware business and Mr. Paulsen continuing in the General Store. He was active in this business until his retirement in 1923.

Up to this time of his retirement, Mr. Paulsen was very active in all civic affairs. He served many years on the Town Council and School Board.

In 1888, he was united in marriage to Maria Gorichs. She passed away in 1918. To this union nine children were born. Those surviving are John A. of Cedar Rapids, Karl of Irwin, Mrs. Anna Larson of Irwin, Mrs. Elsie McMahon of Manning, Alfred and Ted of Manning, Mrs. Alice Gaines of Des Moines. Two children preceded him in death. There were Otto, who passed away in 1896 and William, who passed away in 1930. He also leaves ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In 1925, Mr. Paulsen was married to Mrs. Maria Peterson. She passed away in 1930.

In 1935, he was married to Mrs. Emma Huber. She passed away in 1950.

Mr. Paulsen enjoyed very good health until about a year ago. After a year of declining health, he passed away at his home at the age of 90 years, 3 months, and 26 days.

Funeral services were conducted from St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Wednesday afternoon, November 28, the pastor A. Chr. Itse, officiating. The body was laid to rest in the family lot in Oak Hill Cemetery at Irwin.

The Pallbearers were Robert Larson, Richard Larson, Robert E. Larson, Russell Paulsen, John Paulsen, and Earl Wayne Knudson.