William Scott Paulson

Bill Paulson passed away March 5, 2019 at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 58. William Scott Paulson was born December 12, 1960 at Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis to Jack and Ruth Paulson.  Ruth described Billy as “an early Christmas present”, and placed him under the Christmas tree that first year.  Billy and his family (with brothers Gary and John) lived in Minneapolis for two years, after which they moved to Rush Lake.  While in Rush City, Ruth gave birth to Joy, his only sister.  Soon after, the family business brought the Paulsons back to Minneapolis.  Grandpa “Bub” and Grandma Arlo Paulson soon purchased a small two-bedroom cabin on Rush Lake, giving Billy and his family a life-long attachment to Rush City and the lake. For the next 11 years, Billy and his family enjoyed many 3-day weekends, driving from their home in Minneapolis to Rush Lake and the cabin.  He loved everything outdoors, including swimming, fishing, hunting and walks in the woods looking for deer.  The long weekends kept the family close in every way.  Billy recounted those wonderful times throughout his entire life.  It was on Rush Lake that Billy caught his largest walleye ever at 6 ½ pounds! Billy was an excellent student, earning very high grades in all subjects. He also enjoyed sports and other activities in Minneapolis, and was an excellent athlete, participating in Little League baseball and City League basketball, winning many championships and titles.  Unfortunately, by age 13, Billy was unable to continue participating in the sports he loved due to severe asthma. Jack and Ruth completed the house they were building near Rush Lake in 1973 and moved the family to Rush City again.  The family has remained in Rush City ever since.  That same year, Billy contracted encephalitis and was hospitalized for an extended period of time with very severe complications.  When he was finally released from the hospital, Billy suffered from short-term memory loss and very limited vision.  He was successful in earning his Rush City High School diploma, however. Throughout his life Bill has been a compassionate, loving, caring person.  He never wallowed in self-pity or showed anger as a result of his conditions.  All of the nieces and nephews loved being around Bill. He loved his family, and was always quick to ask how everyone was doing.  Bill especially loved the Lord, and it was apparent to everyone around him during his 58 years on this earth.  He will be missed by all of his family and friends.  There is no doubt about Bill’s salvation, and he is now perfect in every way in heaven.  Revelation 21:4 (KJV) says “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” Bill’s entire family expresses our sincerest gratitude to so many who have reached out with warmth, love and prayers during these trying days.  Words do not properly show our appreciation.  Bill’s light will continue to shine. We also extend a special thank you to Pastor Dave Melin and the Rush City Baptist Church for the love and compassion you always show. Bill is survived by his parents Jack and Ruth Paulson of Rush City; brother John (Cheri) Paulson Sr. of Victoria; sister Joy (Don) Knackstedt of Carver; nieces and nephews Ann Downing, John Paulson Jr., Beth Paulson, Kelli (Travis) Esposito, Bryce (Tessa) Knackstedt, Lindsey (Mitch) Hauge, Joseph Knackstedt, Dustin Paulson, Amanda (Kalen) Flanagan; great-nieces and great-nephews Jack Paulson, Ava Haick, Luella Esposito, Isla Esposito, Emmitt Knackstedt, Etta Knackstedt, Ari Flanagan. Preceding Bill in death are his grandparents John and Arlo Paulson and his brother Gary Paulson.   Pastor David Melin will officiate the funeral service for Bill: 11 AM; Wednesday (3/13/19) at the Rush City Baptist Church in Rush City.  A time of visitation and reviewal is planned for 1 hour prior to the service at the church Bill will be interred in the First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel. www.FuneralAndCremationService.com