Joan A. Paulson, 87, of Clintonville, WI entered eternal life September 2, 2015.
She was born in Iola, WI to devoted parents, Clarence and Gracia (Neil) Paulson. Miss Paulson graduated from Iola High School in 1945, earned degrees in English and History at UW-Stevens Point and an M.S. in English from the UW-Madison. Her teaching career began in 1949 at Tigerton High School. For 35 years she taught English, directed plays and coached forensics at Clintonville Senior High. She was a charter member of Wis. Council of Teachers of English, a member in the National Council of Teachers of English, Clintonville Education Association, AAUW, WEA, NEA and recently received her 60-year pin from Delta Kappa Gamma. Joan was an avid reader and diligent genealogist. Her interests and research took her on many travels, including trips to Norway, Wales, England, Ireland, the Orient, Hawaii, Central Europe, as well as many driving trips with her parents, cousin Margaret, and friend Joan H., into Canada and throughout the United States.
Joan authored writings and books of family and local interest. Titles included “Christian Hanson, 1820-1895: from Gjerpen to Iola,” “Samuel S. and Susan Neil and the Neil girls: the Manawa years and beyond,” “Ole Paulson, 1825-1895.” Joan was co-editor of “Rural Schools of Waupaca County,” and co-authored numerous journal articles on Honors Reading. Joan was a frequent presenter and speaker on these topics as well as many others. The Wisconsin Historical Society has archived her papers and research on WWII Prisoners of War in WI. In addition to her numerous professional activities, Joan was a beloved and devoted daughter, a good neighbor, a faithful friend, a special teacher, an active church member, and an inspiration to many. She was a “sweet constant” throughout each generation of her family. She was “kindness personified.” She never missed an opportunity to celebrate a baptism, birthday, graduation, wedding or a Norwegian supper. The German side of the family was particularly delighted by her Norwegian pastries. And Uff Dah, she taught us how to make krumkake. We celebrate her life and give thanks for the opportunity to have shared her earthly journey.
She is survived by cousins: Chester Krause, Iola; Al Paulson, Green Bay; Kathleen Kuelthau (Robert), Brookfield; Louise Googins, Middleton; Richard Paulson, Florida; David Klug (Gayle), Illinois; Alan Klug (Sharon), Brookfield; Patricia Klug, Iola; Patti Dickhut (Don), Wautoma; Jane Klug (David Skumatz), Oshkosh; Carl Krause (Krystal), Iola; Kris Shurson (John), Montana; Marlan Shanks (Debra), California; Kathy Patrykus (Matthew),Wautoma; J. Patrick Edwards (Jackie), Washington; and Bruce Meagher (Laura), Iola. Joan was preceded in death by her parents. She will be missed by special friends and caregivers: Elaine, Joan, Arlett, Carol and Gloria.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2015 at Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Benjamin Hollingsead officiating. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will take place 2 p.m., Saturday at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Iola, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting her family. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com