Marvin L. Paulsen, 86

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A funeral service for Marvin L. Paulsen will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege, with Pastor Jan Gluth King officiating. 

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Blair Cemetery, Blair, Nebraska with military honors provided by the Herman American Legion Jackson-Peck Post #274 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

The funeral service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Homes Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622

Marvin LeRoy Paulsen, 86 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka, Kan. Marvin was born in Blair on April 23, 1935, the eldest child, born to Harvey Alvin and Mary Cleona (Burkey) Paulsen. Shortly after his birth, he was baptized into the Lutheran faith and remained a dedicated Christian throughout his life. His family made their home in Omaha during his childhood, until Marvin’s father passed away, when Marvin was only 9 years old. Marvin’s mother, Marvin, and his younger brother, Richard, all moved to Holdrege and lived with his mother’s parents for a short time, but later, returned to Omaha. Marvin’s mother, Mary was contacted by a rural school representative to teach at a country school near Sumner due to a shortage of school teachers at that time. The family moved back to Holdrege, where Marvin attended Holdrege Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1953.

In May 1954, Marvin entered into the United States Army and was stationed at Anchorage, Alaska, until his honorable discharge in May 1956. Marvin continued to serve in the National Guards until 1962.

On Sept. 12, 1954, Marvin was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dorothy Irene “Dottie” Paulsen from Arapahoe. Marvin and Dottie raised four children and lived in Holdrege most of their married life, except for an eight year stay in Lakewood, Colo., where he was employed in electric utility work. While living in Colorado, Marvin took flight training courses and became a flight instructor. In Holdrege, he was also employed as a part-time flight instructor at the Holdrege Airport. While in Holdrege, he remained in the utility field, until he became self-employed, as an electrician, and then owned and operated, Marv’s Electric Service for many years. After a number of years, Marvin had the opportunity to become the utility superintendent for the City of Holdrege. After 18 years, he retired from the city position and the couple began to winter in Mesa, Ariz., and continued that lifestyle for many years.

Marvin was an incredibly hard worker and devoted husband and father. He was a lover of all sports and especially enjoyed playing golf. But most of all, Marvin’s family and his relationship with God, were the most important things in his life. He was a faithful member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege, serving in many capacities.

Besides his parents, Marvin was preceded in death by; two brothers-in-law: Gerald Beedle and his wife, Elaine; and Derald Beedle and his wife, Maxine; and one sister-in-law: Shirley Englund and her husband, Paul.

Marvin leaves to celebrate his life; his loving wife, Dottie Paulsen of Holdrege; two sons: Gregg Paulsen and his wife, Kathy of Gilbert, Arizona; Jeffery Paulsen and his wife, Teri of Lavon, Texas; two daughters: Kristen Columbus and her husband, James of Gretna; and Patricia Tilson and her husband, Lincoln of Blair; seven grandchildren: Jody Garrett; Kelsey Laulainen; Alyssa Bargren; Amanda Brock; Erik Paulsen; Megan Thomson; and Zane Tilson; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers: Richard Paulsen of Gering; and Bruce Mellberg of Lincoln; one brother-in-law, Dale Beedle and his wife, Judy of Arapahoe; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Marvin’s honor, and kindly suggested to the Bethel Lutheran Church or the Wounded Warriors.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.