Herbert Klint Paulsen

Former Quad City resident, Herbert Paulsen, 86, left this earth on Sunday, November 19, 2017, to be reunited with his loving wife, Virgene Paulsen, who preceded him in death in 2014. With his daughters at his side, he is now at peace with his heavenly father. Services will be held Friday, December 15th, at 11:00 a.m. at Wendt Funeral Home, 1811 – 15th Street Place, Moline. Prior to the funeral, you may enjoy a coffee and Danish with the family beginning at 9:00 a.m. Following the service, family and friends are invited to attend the burial at Rock Island National Cemetery on Arsenal Island. Herbert Klindt Paulsen was born in Waterloo, IA, January 24, 1931. His parents were Kristian and Mettle Kirsten Paulsen from Denmark. He was the youngest child and only boy with six sisters. All have preceded him in death. He met his bride of 61 years (before her passing) working at the Big T Grocery Store in Waterloo. In 1949, he received a job offer from John Deere, where he worked until he was drafted by the U.S. Army. After serving in the Korean War, he returned to Deere & Company, where he later retired in 1987 after 37 years of service. Surviving family are daughter, Kathryn Potts of Centennial, CO, Rhonda Paulsen of Apex, NC, and David Paulsen of Moline; grandchildren, Jessica (Scott) Williamsen, Justin Potts, Molly Ren, and Jack Ren; and great-grandchildren, Alexis and Addison Potts and Charles Boone Ren. Dad was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved working for John Deere and treasured everyone he worked with and for. He was thrilled to accept a position with Deere that took him and his family to live in Monterrey, Mexico for three years, and his third child, a son, was born there. After returning to the states, Deere placed him at the Waterloo office, and later to Deere headquarters in Moline. Dad had been involved with the Lion’s Club while in both Iowa and Illinois for many years. He loved yard work, so much so that later he would mow (and snow blow) for neighbors who needed an extra hand. He loved people! He was a mall walker years ago; probably did more chatting than walking. He never knew a stranger. He would strike a conversation with anyone anywhere, and mostly loved talking about his family. Once you were his friend, you were his friend for life. He especially loved his grandchildren, rarely missing a sporting event or performance. Later, he and Virgene became very involved with their church and bible study group. Dad was always there with Mom, even when he stopped being able to hear the service due to his hearing loss. One of his greatest highlights is being invited to participate on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. two years ago. He was very humbled and proud to be a veteran. He was not one to want for more. He appreciated his life and often reflected on how lucky he was for his family, friends, and memories. In September of this year, Dad came to live in North Carolina to be closer to his youngest daughter, Rhonda. Sadly, that time was too short and Dad was slipping away. Our prayers are that he is with Mom and his heavenly father, and he again can remember every wonderful person who has touched his life and he, theirs. The family again wishes to extend gratitude to the staff at St. Anthony’s Continuing Care Center in Rock Island, who took such great care of Dad after Mom was gone, and cried with us the day he left for North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to either St. Anthony’s or the Alzheimer’s Association, and help put an end to his horrific disease.

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