John R. Paulson

The Lord called John to his eternal home after a very lengthy illness on October 12, 2017. He was born on May 9, 1932, in Rosholt, WI, the son of the late Myron and Myrtle Paulson. John graduated from Rosholt High School in 1951. While in high school John participated in all sports and finished 2nd in the 1951 Wisconsin State Track Meet in the Long Jump. He was also chosen to attend Badger Boys State at Ripon College, Ripon, WI where he earned various ribbons in athletic events. John served his country in the Korean War in Air Photo Intelligence as a Staff Sergeant with the United States Air Force.
After his tour of duty, he met his soul-mate, the love of his life, Barbara Ratzman, who became his wife on May 23, 1959. John graduated from Stevens Point College in 1960. While in college he participated in baseball, track, and golf.
His first teaching job was at Rudolph, WI teaching physical education from kindergarten through high school from 1960 - 1962. While at Rudolph, John was also the head basketball coach and head baseball coach. In 1962 he accepted a biology teaching position at Winneconne High School, Winneconne WI. Later John started teaching the classroom driver education with behind-the-wheel driving during the summer. Eventually he became the full time driver education instructor during the school year and also taught behind-the-wheel driving at Kimberly High School during the summers. John also coached basketball, baseball, track, and golf. He was proud that he won a conference championship in every sport he coached. John also coached numerous students who participated at the State Tournaments in both Track and Field events and Golf. For 13 consecutive years under his guidance, he had his athletes be Winneconne's representatives at the State Track and Field meet. He was well-known by his peer track coaches for developing kids as pole vaulters. He also served as a W.I.A.A. basketball and football official. John retired from teaching and coaching in June 1990, but taught one more year of classroom Driver Education after his formal retirement.
Although John was active in bowling and softball in his younger years, golf was always his passion. In the late 1970's, he was approached by several Winneconne citizens to start a golf team. With the help of local supporters, he was successful in forming a competitive High School golf team. Personally, he earned numerous Golf League Champion trophies from Lakeshore Golf Course Men's League in Oshkosh and the Senior's League at Lake Breeze in Winneconne. After his retirement from the public school system, John was involved at the start of the new Lake Breeze Golf Course, working in the Pro Shop and as a Ranger. He also was a 19 year veteran volunteer with the Marshals group at the annual US Bank Championship (formerly the Greater Milwaukee Open), the PGA Tour's stop in Milwaukee. John worked as a marshal at Tuckaway Country Club, was promoted to Hole Captain when the venue changed to Brown Deer Park Golf Course, and was later promoted to the position of Marshal Chairman where he finished his last 10 years of his volunteer service at this tournament.
John was a former member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Winneconne, where he served on the Church Council, served as a Deacon and was an usher for many years. He also assisted the pastors with communion. John then joined St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Appleton and enjoyed the pastors' many visits. He was also former president of the Winneconne Men's Club. John also served as the President of the Lake Breeze Golf Club Senior League for several years and was a member of the Wisconsin High School Golf Coaches Association. John enjoyed attending Packer football games, duck hunting, deer hunting at the family cabin, wood working and made beautiful furniture for his family, golf, and attending his grandchildren's school events.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Myrtle Paulson, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Malinda Ratzman; a brother, Donald Paulson; brothers-in-law, La Verne Olson and Kyp Buth; nephew, Bruce Olson; and several aunts, uncles, and many cousins.
John will be sadly missed by his wife Barbara of 58 years; by his son, David (Kimberly) Paulson, of Appleton, WI; his daughter, Lori (Tony) Lewis, of Saukville, WI; and his grandchildren, Michael Viglia, of St. Paul, MN; Mathew Viglia (United States Marine Corps); and Michelle and Steven Paulson, of Appleton, WI. John is also survived by three sisters, Mary Olson, of Janesville, WI; Yvonne (Robert) Wilhelmi, of Sun Prairie, WI; Deanna Buth, of Germantown, WI; a sister-in-law, Pearl Paulson; of Stevens Point, WI; uncles, aunts, several nieces, nephews, and many cousins.
John's family would like to thank Barbara, who was with her husband every step of his long and final journey, enjoying the few highs, and working through the so many lows. The family would like to specifically call-out Winneconne First Responders, ThedaCare Hospice, Cherry Meadows Hospice, Generations Hospice, Home Instead, Rite @ Home, Valley VNA, the staff of Care Partners for all of their care and support, Embrace Care Management & Managed Home Care, and Paul from ADVOCAP for all their help, support, and excellent care they provided for John. A very special thank you to all the pastors for their visits and comfort bringing the word of God after John could no longer get to church. Kathy, for her support and delivering St. Paul church services on DVD. Also thank you to St. Paul's Quilters for the nice handmade quilt/comforter they made for John. Special thanks to Kimberly-Clark Corporation for their employee's Family Caregiver's Network, where David gained so much information and support, and the Geriatric Care Manager they provided.
Per John's request, there was no formal funeral with entombment at Lake View Memorial Park, Oshkosh, WI.
Any memorials can be directed to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Appleton to be utilized to fund their Sunday radio broadcasts which both John and Barb utilized at home Sunday mornings, as John's body slowed in his final years. If you so desire to send a memorial, you can mail it to Barb in Winneconne, or Dave in Appleton, or directly to St. Paul Lutheran Ministries Church Radio Broadcasts, 225 East Harris Street, Appleton, WI 54911 (note: John Paulson radio broadcast memorial).
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our Family Chain is broken and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.