West Branch, Iowa

Herman Denis Paulsen, 95, passed away Tuesday April 3, 2018 at Crestview Specialty Care Center in West Branch.

Visitation will be held Friday from 12 to 2:30 P.M. at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. Funeral service and military honors will be held immediately following the visitation at 2:30 at the funeral home. Private family burial will be held in the West Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com.

Herman was born August 12, 1922 in Springdale, Iowa the son of Dennis and Maren (Sondergard) Paulsen. He was a graduate of  Springdale High School, Class of 1940 with 12 students in his class. Proudly served in the US Navy during World War II as a Torpedoman First Class stationed at Manus Island, part of the Admiralty Islands in the South Pacific.

On January 17, 1948 Herman was united in marriage to Betty Jane Chervinka in West Branch.

Herman was a friend to everyone.  He always cared more for the concerns of others than himself and never wanted to be a bother. He had a light hearted humor and joked he was the self proclaimed mayor of Springdale.   He was a good steward of the land.  Herman farmed in the Springdale area his entire life. He loved his farm, enjoyed farming and raising livestock, particularly cattle.  Continuing to farm into his mid 70’s.  He loved to go for rides through the countryside keeping an eye on the neighbors fields.   He dearly missed his wife and among others, his cousins Herb Sondergard, Alvin Paulsen, and good friend Mark Nash   He was a good father and grandfather and was always concerned of his family’s well being.  Herman will be dearly missed but never forgotten.       

He was a member of Springdale United Methodist Church and the West Branch American Legion Post #514 for over 60 years.

Survivors include Daughter: Linda (Paul) Wolf of San Jose California and son  Larry (Janice)  of Cedar Rapids. Grandchildren: Michael (Micki) McNamera of Iowa City, Tracy (Reed) Trettin of North Liberty and Jason Paulsen of Robins, Iowa, Great grandchildren William, Wyatt, and Alain Trettin, Evan and Andrew Paulsen. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty in 1996 and an infant sister Belva.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Thomas Novak, Herman’s physician and the entire staff at Crestview Specialty Care in West Branch.  You are amazing and were part of Herman’s family for several years.  We thank each and every one of you.