Gerald "Jerry" Paulson

   Gerald “Jerry” Paulson, 80, of Mayville, ND passed away on Monday, April 11, 2022, at his home in Mayville, ND. 

Jerry was born on June 22, 1941, to McLain and Helen Paulson in rural Mayville.  He was baptized and confirmed at Gran Lutheran Church, rural Mayville.  He attended country school 1^st-8^th grade in rural Mayville. Jerry was the oldest of 6 children and was blessed with 5 sisters whom he thought the world of. They were raised on a farm Southeast of Mayville along the Goose River. Jerry helped on the farm with raising numerous animals and crops. Jerry attended and graduated from Mayville High School. After high school, along with farming, he drove the school bus and hauled water commercially.

   Jerry married Ina (Nelson) on November 3, 1962, at Perry Lutheran Church, rural Portland. They made their home, Southeast of Mayville, close to his family farm. They raised 2 children, Kent and Nancy. They farmed for 40 years until his retirement in 2005. 

   Jerry enjoyed downhill skiing and ski jumping, hunting, snowmobiling, tractor pulls, four wheeling through the trails in the woods with his grandchildren, and auction sales. He was proud when he went sky diving at the age of 47.  Jerry was very committed to the Goose River Ski Club, which was located on his farm, from the 1960’s to the 1980’s and loved to reminisce about his ski jumping days and watching others enjoy the sport. Jerry was very proud of his family and had many special neighbors and friends. He enjoyed visiting with others especially over coffee time. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren grow up. Gran Church was very special to him, along with his church family. He was an avid Mayville State fan. Jerry and Ina even went to a National Basketball Tournament in 2007 where his Comets took 2^nd place in the nation. 

   In 2020 Jerry and Ina moved into an apartment in Mayville. Jerry enjoyed driving around the countryside checking on the guys in the field.  He also enjoyed breakfast with family and friends at Paula’s Café. Jerry was known for his friendly nature, infectious smile, and kind compassionate spirit. He will be greatly missed by all. Jerry was anxiously waiting for the birth of his first great grandchild from McKenna and Devon in July.

   Jerry is survived by his wife: Ina of 59 years; children: Kent (Nancy) Paulson and Nancy (Darrin) Bjerke; grandchildren: McLain Paulson, McKenna (Devon) Linder, Brandon Bjerke (Mikayla Johnson) and Blake Bjerke all of Mayville; sisters: Jane (Dean) Nelson of Portland, Karen (Neil) Otteson of Portland, Bev (Dale) Holt of Mayville, Maxine Enger of Northwood and Janet (Tom) Nielson of Mayville; numerous special nieces, nephews and their families.

   He was preceded in death by his parents: McLain and Helen Paulson.

Visitation:  Will be 5–7 PM on Monday, April 18, 2022 with a 7:00 PM Public Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at the Gran Lutheran Church in rural Mayville, ND.

Burial: Will be in the Gran Cemetery in rural Mayville, ND.