IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Richard
Paulsen
September 11, 1955 – September 15, 2025
Obituary
On Monday, September 15, Richard J. Paulsen passed away peacefully with his family and close friends by his side, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Heaven gained an incredible angel that day.
Richard was born on September 11, 1955, in Oshkosh, WI, to Robert W. (Bob) Paulsen and Marion D. (Kolodzik) Paulsen. He began working with his hands at the young age of 15 and had a lifelong passion for building and fixing things. A true jack of all trades, Richard's skills and dedication were evident in everything he did.
During high school, he worked for the Backus Brothers at Mars Restaurant, starting out flipping burgers and eventually becoming their go-to maintenance person, repairing both the building and equipment.
In May 1975, Richard began his career at Fluor Bros as a laborer. Over the next 35 years, he held many roles: laborer, carpenter (after completing the apprenticeship program), estimator, Vice President, and ultimately President/Owner from 2000 to 2010. After his time at Fluor Bros, he had a brief stint at Selmer Construction in Green Bay. He later shifted gears—though still building and fixing—by becoming co-owner, eventually full owner of Oakwood Bar and Campsite LLC, where he worked until his retirement in May 2023.
Those who knew Richard knew he loved to joke around. You never quite knew if he was being serious, and he delighted in keeping people on their toes. His humor, kindness, and generous heart made him deeply loved by many. He enjoyed spending time with family, friends, watching the Green Bay Packers, relaxing at Little Silver Lake, and sitting by a bonfire.
Richard met the love of his life, Jamie (Jero) Paulsen, in high school. They were married for nearly 51 years and built and shared a life together with lots of family. Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Jamie; son, Matthew J. Paulsen; and daughter, Nicole L. (Scott) Fumelle; granddaughters, Gracie D. Grant and Madisyn R. Paulsen; great-grandchildren, Violet X. Grant-Nelson, Mateo J. Martinez and Brayden M. Paulsen "Lil B"; sister Cheryl (Michael) Last-Calo; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Durkee and Jan Jero; brother-in-law, James Romme; nieces & their families, Rebecca (Troy) Peppler, Melanie (Jason) Beahm, Melissa (Chad) Bowman and Jamee Jero; nephews and their families, Adam (Pang) Last; Troy A (Lisa) Durkee; Rodney J. Durkee; Randy (Margery) Jero; and many cousins and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marion Paulsen; in-laws, Arnold (Arnie) and Geraldine (Jerry) Jero; sisters-in-law, Deborah (Deb) Romme and Beverly (Jero) Wales; and brothers-in-law, Bruce Jero and Gary Jero.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2580 W. 9 th Ave, Oshkosh, WI, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, service to follow at 12:00pm. His final resting place will be at Lake View Memorial Park Cemetery, Oshkosh, WI.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Valla and her team at ThedaCare Cancer Center in Appleton—especially Leah, Nurse Sharon, and Katy—as well as Dr. Shah from Froedtert Hospital and the medical staff at ThedaCare Neenah and Appleton Medical Center. Special thanks also go to the Aurora Hospice staff for their compassionate care.
A huge thank you to the family and friends who supported Richard and Jamie throughout his illness: Matthew Paulsen, Nicole & Scott Fumelle, Cheryl and Mick Calo, Cheryl Durkee, Jim Romme, Paul Timm, John Swinford, Cheryl Ferrara and Terri and Don Britten and others.
In leu of flowers, the family is requesting donation to ThedaCare Family of Foundation with designation of: Caring Hearts. Our son had to use this 8 years ago when he had his stroke and family would like donations to go directly to them at ThedaCare Family of Foundations 1818 N. Meade Street Appleton WI 54911 or at https://thedacare.org/about-us/giving/donate/
"I lost you, but I got to love you. I got to be loved by you,
and even in my grief, I will forever be grateful for that."
Richard was born on September 11, 1955, in Oshkosh, WI, to Robert W. (Bob) Paulsen and Marion D. (Kolodzik) Paulsen. He began working with his hands at the young age of 15 and had a lifelong passion for building and fixing things. A true jack of all trades, Richard's skills and dedication were evident in everything he did.
During high school, he worked for the Backus Brothers at Mars Restaurant, starting out flipping burgers and eventually becoming their go-to maintenance person, repairing both the building and equipment.
In May 1975, Richard began his career at Fluor Bros as a laborer. Over the next 35 years, he held many roles: laborer, carpenter (after completing the apprenticeship program), estimator, Vice President, and ultimately President/Owner from 2000 to 2010. After his time at Fluor Bros, he had a brief stint at Selmer Construction in Green Bay. He later shifted gears—though still building and fixing—by becoming co-owner, eventually full owner of Oakwood Bar and Campsite LLC, where he worked until his retirement in May 2023.
Those who knew Richard knew he loved to joke around. You never quite knew if he was being serious, and he delighted in keeping people on their toes. His humor, kindness, and generous heart made him deeply loved by many. He enjoyed spending time with family, friends, watching the Green Bay Packers, relaxing at Little Silver Lake, and sitting by a bonfire.
Richard met the love of his life, Jamie (Jero) Paulsen, in high school. They were married for nearly 51 years and built and shared a life together with lots of family. Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Jamie; son, Matthew J. Paulsen; and daughter, Nicole L. (Scott) Fumelle; granddaughters, Gracie D. Grant and Madisyn R. Paulsen; great-grandchildren, Violet X. Grant-Nelson, Mateo J. Martinez and Brayden M. Paulsen "Lil B"; sister Cheryl (Michael) Last-Calo; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Durkee and Jan Jero; brother-in-law, James Romme; nieces & their families, Rebecca (Troy) Peppler, Melanie (Jason) Beahm, Melissa (Chad) Bowman and Jamee Jero; nephews and their families, Adam (Pang) Last; Troy A (Lisa) Durkee; Rodney J. Durkee; Randy (Margery) Jero; and many cousins and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marion Paulsen; in-laws, Arnold (Arnie) and Geraldine (Jerry) Jero; sisters-in-law, Deborah (Deb) Romme and Beverly (Jero) Wales; and brothers-in-law, Bruce Jero and Gary Jero.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2580 W. 9 th Ave, Oshkosh, WI, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, service to follow at 12:00pm. His final resting place will be at Lake View Memorial Park Cemetery, Oshkosh, WI.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Valla and her team at ThedaCare Cancer Center in Appleton—especially Leah, Nurse Sharon, and Katy—as well as Dr. Shah from Froedtert Hospital and the medical staff at ThedaCare Neenah and Appleton Medical Center. Special thanks also go to the Aurora Hospice staff for their compassionate care.
A huge thank you to the family and friends who supported Richard and Jamie throughout his illness: Matthew Paulsen, Nicole & Scott Fumelle, Cheryl and Mick Calo, Cheryl Durkee, Jim Romme, Paul Timm, John Swinford, Cheryl Ferrara and Terri and Don Britten and others.
In leu of flowers, the family is requesting donation to ThedaCare Family of Foundation with designation of: Caring Hearts. Our son had to use this 8 years ago when he had his stroke and family would like donations to go directly to them at ThedaCare Family of Foundations 1818 N. Meade Street Appleton WI 54911 or at https://thedacare.org/about-us/giving/donate/
"I lost you, but I got to love you. I got to be loved by you,
and even in my grief, I will forever be grateful for that."
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Paulsen, please visit our flower store.
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