Darlene M. Paulson
Child of God, Darlene “Dottie” Mae (nee Dorothy) Paulson, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving family and caring staff at Sanford Health - Ava’s House in Sioux Falls. Dottie was 102 years old.
Dottie was born on April 23, 1922, on a farm in Worthing, South Dakota, to Edwin and Etta (nee French) Dorothy. Her father passed away when she was 18 months old, and she spent much of her childhood with her mother, grandparents, and aunt. Dottie graduated from All Saints School and continued her education at Augustana University for one year before attending St. Barnabas Hospital nursing school in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The story goes that she met a young man with a blue crystal watch in the biology lab at Augustana, and it was love at first sight. After three years of separation, during which she experienced the death of her mother and graduated from nursing school, Dottie married the love of her life, Dr. Monroe “Min” Burton Paulson, in 1944. Min attended dental school at the University of Iowa while Dottie worked as a registered nurse. They were blessed with their first child, David. After graduating, they returned to Sioux Falls, where Dr. Min practiced dentistry for 41 years. Over the years, their family grew to include five more children: Karen, John, Mark, Mary, and Julie. They also had the unique experiences of assignment to Ft. Sill, OK during the Korean War and a dental mission trip to Madagascar.
Much of their family time was spent at the lake, where water skiing became their beloved hobby. Although Dottie didn’t ski much herself, she often cheered from the boat with a camera in hand, excitedly yelling, “Wave!”
The neighborhood around McKennan Park in Sioux Falls felt like home. Dottie dedicated countless years to the Longfellow Elementary School PTA.
She and Min were faithful members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and then First Lutheran Church. At First Lutheran, Dottie participated in Bible Study, Sunday School, and the Church Bazaar, and she helped reorganize the church library due to her love of books and reading. Dottie’s servant heart led her to contribute time to Sanford Hospital, where she helped plan events as part of the Hospital Auxiliary and was on the Scholarship Committee to support staff professional development and other hospital needs. She also volunteered in various departments, always ready to help the patient in front of her. Additionally, Dottie was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution Society and enjoyed participating in the service projects, such as assisting with the swearing-in ceremony for new citizens.
Nursing was always close to Dottie’s heart, and she wanted to continue that passion by establishing a scholarship for nursing students at Augustana University. She concluded her nursing career by working 10 years at a Good Samaritan nursing home.
Dottie told her children that they had good friends because they were good friends, reflecting her own character. Dottie cherished her time with friends, including a lifelong friend she had known since the third grade. Knitting was not just a hobby for Dottie, she considered it her therapy, encouragement, and comfort. She created many baby blankets, sweaters, mittens, hats, prayer shawls, and afghans, expressing her love through her craft.
Her greatest love was her family. Every morning, she made oatmeal for Min before he went off to work. She was a dedicated taxi driver, the loudest clapper at concerts and events, a faithful listener with a keen sense of humor, and an integral part of the best Nana and Papa team. Dottie loved Jesus deeply and faithfully passed on her values to her children and grandchildren.
She and Min cherished each other and were grateful for the life they shared with their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Dottie is survived by children, David (Elaine) Paulson of Rapid City, Karen (Rev. Arthur) Bolstad of St. Louis, MO, John (Jane) Paulson of Sioux Falls, Mary Berdahl of Sioux Falls, Julie (Rev. John) Roberts of St. Louis, MO; 21 grandchildren, Rolph (Cindy) Bolstad, Ann (Scott) Peterson, Hans (Maria) Bolstad, Susan (Chinh) Hoang, Amie (Josh Myers), Seth (Charla) Bolstad, Ingrid (Nic) Timm, Solveig Bolstad, Sonja (Chris) Weber, Karis (Jason) Duley, Matthew Bolstad, Emily (Joe) Quinn, Caleb (Tamara) Berdahl, Gideon Berdahl, Johanna (Phillip) Artz, Samuel (Jessica) Roberts, Marta Roberts, Noah (Abigail) Roberts; 50 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dr. Min Paulson, her son, Mark Paulson, her grandson, Nathan Berdahl, and her grandson-in-law, Joe Quinn.
From glory to glory, she awaits with all the saints for the resurrection and the life of the world to come.