John A. Paulsen was born December 20, 1927 in Lincoln County, South Dakota to Nels and Clara (Andersen) Paulsen. He died January 30, 2016 in Beresford at the age of 88 years, one month and 10 days.

John, the youngest of four children, was raised on the family farm north of Beresford and he attended North Star country school. On his 18th birthday he enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed in the South Pacific. He was part of the post WWII cleanup. Upon his discharge he returned to the Beresford area. John married Betty Henriksen April 10, 1949. The couple settled on the family farm where they raised their four children. He farmed all his life; raising crops and farm animals and operating a dairy. When he started slowing down from farming, John liked to tinker on his tractors and do woodworking.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty; sons, Raymond (Joanne) Paulsen and Leonard Paulsen all of Beresford; daughters, Nancy (Neil) Shuck of Beresford and Linda (Robert) Eschliman of Lincoln, NE; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, sister, Ruth Larsen of Beresford; brother-in-law, Orvin Oien of Wakonda. His parents and two sisters, Marie Oien and Lucille (Clifton) Johnson preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be 2PM Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Beresford Zion United Methodist Church.