Gary Martin Paulson was born February 22, 1952 to Arthur C. and Elizabeth J. Paulson. Because he was born on our first president’s birthday, Dad wanted to name him George Washington Paulson. Thankfully, Mom didn’t think much of that idea. He was the 7th baby and 4th living son.

Gary attended school in Cartwright and Alexander before settling in at East Fairview School. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1970. After spending some time at MSU in Bozeman in Agri-Business classes, he enlisted in the US Army in 1972. Following Basic Training, he was deployed to the DMZ in Korea. He returned to Cartwright, where he farmed and raised pigs for several years. Gary worked heavy construction for RH Gifford, and then purchased Sidney Grain with partner, Brian Ler. After 20 years at the elevator, he went to work for McKenzie County Road Dept. as a grader operator, where he worked until he retired in 2020.

Gary was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in 2020. He died from complications of the disease on September 18th, 2021 – his mother’s birthday.

Gary is survived by his siblings, Carroll (Linda) Paulson, Cartwright; Elizabeth (Jim) Wentz, Billings, MT; Arthur G. (Pam Burman) Paulson, Cartwright; Janet Fisher, Thief River Falls, MN; Karen (Kevin) Boehler, Cartwright, his uncle, Gene (Bev) Martin, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his black Lab and best friend, Hunter.

He is re-uniting with his parents Art & Betty Paulson, brother David L. Paulson, infant brother Robert Neil Paulson, grandparents Knut & Anna Paulson and Ludwig and Elizabeth Martin, sister-in-law Jackie Paulson, and brothers-in-law Harry Kramer and Jim Fisher.

A celebration of Gary’s life is 10:00 am MDT, Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairview, MT. Interment will be in Nameless Cemetery, Cartwright, ND, with Military Honors. Memorials may be sent to the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, or the charity of your choice.

Gary loved to fish and hunt in the great outdoors. He and Hunter especially enjoyed hunting upland birds, and he spent a lot of time on the Yellowstone River and Lake Sakakawea, bringing home stringers full of walleye. Fishing was a favorite pastime of the Paulson kids growing up. We share many fond memories of early mornings on the shores of the Yellowstone and Charbonneau Creek.

Gary carried on his Dad’s legacy as a loyal Minnesota Twins fan, and traveled to spring training games. He was also a die-hard Vikings fan. He was on a bowling league for many years, traveling to the big tournament in Las Vegas a couple of times. He also enjoyed being on a pool league team with friends in Fairview. He excelled at gardening, and often shared his bounty. He enjoyed his family, friends and life in Cartwright.

Gary was an easy-going guy who could sit down and visit with anyone. Everyone who knew him will remember his boisterous laugh. You always knew Gary was in the room when you heard it. He had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews and their kids, always giving out the best Halloween treats and enjoying snowball fights. All of them were very fond of him.

The same can be said for most people that knew Gary. Neighbors, classmates and co-workers were life-long friends.

He will be sorely missed.

Memorial Contribution