Obituary of Melvin R. Paulsen

none Melvin Robert Paulsen Melvin was born in Chicago, Illinois, September 10, 1926 to Melvin Arginal and Helen Theresa Paulsen. He went to Catholic grade school in Chicago at “Our Lady of Victory” and said he was a terror, and always in the office. He attended Schurz High School and Wright Junior College. In later years he became a serious student, but went in the Navy at seventeen. His life was full of many changes and challenges. He would have been too modest to have mentioned them. Being that he was quietly effective. When the family moved to California he went back to college at night at University of California Branch obtaining a Police Science Degree. Starting as an undercover agent with Customs, and then to DEA becoming a group supervisor. He loved the Lord and his church, his fie and children and all his family and neighbors. He believed in prolife and supported them, financial and by picketing against abortion. He was fun a subtle comedian. He loved all animals but mostly George, his dog for the last eight years. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Mardelle Paulsen, sister and her husband Ilomay (John) Sparks, sons, Gary John Paulsen, Gregory Joseph Paulsen and John William Paulsen, daughter Mary Helen Paulsen-Szepski, 5 Grandchildren Stephanie, Regina and Nicole Paulsen and Ricky Szepski and Julie Szepski Hawes,and 9 Great Grandchildern. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin A. and Helen T. Paulsen and son infant James Scott Paulsen. The Family suggests memorials to Dad's favorite charity Boys Town 14100 Crawford St Boystown , NE 68010 Melvin Paulsen Eulogy Mel was from Chicago, Illinois. Mel went in the Navy at 17 in 1943 and served in the South Pacific during World War II. He was part of a crew that went on shore and picked up bodies after the bombing of Hirashima. Back in the states he attended Wright Jr. College in Chicago for two years, obtaining an AA degree. He married Mardelle Weiss, he had met her at Wright Jr. College in 1951. They moved to Michigan where he attended Michigan State University until 1953. He had hoped to obtain a Forestry degree, but dropped out to work and pay the extra expenses incurred when their first child was born in the car on the way to the hospital. Mel and Mardelle moved back to Chicago to take care of his family. He worked at various jobs, and became a maintenance engineer for the Congress St. Express Way in Chicago. He was in charge and often went out at night on snow removal, helping his crew by driving a plow. Next he set up a shipping business planning to go to between Chicago and California, so he moved the family now with two little boys to California. He proceeded to go back to school at the U of C branch at Long Beach, majoring in Police Science and got a degree. He then worked for the US Treasury Dept. first as an under cover agent, for US Customs then for DEA becoming a group supervisor. His life was dedicated to his family, work and to God!! Celebration of Melvin Paulsen’s Life After the gathering the prayers and the tears my heart remembers the wonderful years. Life consists of challenges and adventures which are made possible to accomplish by our love of God the knowledge of his love for us. My buddy has gone to sing in a heavenly choir, but he is unforgettable. Our duet and two steps dance in front of the dog (who howled when we did it), is a fond memory. I have been blessed with a very special husband, who filled our years with happiness. There is no way to thank everyone enough. The crowd of family and friends who came to Melvin’s Celebration of Life ceremonies was very much so heart felt. The gifts of food trays, boxes and bowls that were given and sent to our home that filled two extra refrigerators and people who worked at the reception and the church. All was overwhelming and created a feeling in my heart of being surrounded by love. Thank you to Fr. Joe and Pat as well as the fellas. Thank you everyone deeply from our hearts. God Bless! Please be sure to sign the guestbook below.