Paul W. Bansen

Paul William Bansen, 81, passed away on May 23, 2016 in Bernalillo, New Mexico. He was born in St. Joseph, Michigan on November 28, 1934 to Emil Bansen and Mary Huelsberg Bansen. He moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico from Winter Haven, Florida about a month ago in order to be closer to family. Mr. Bansen retired after a distinguished military career in both the U.S. Marines and U.S. Army during which time he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnam Service Medal with 11 service stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with first oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal with second Oak leaf cluster, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and the Army Commendation Medal with third oak leaf cluster. Following his military retirement in 1980 he worked in civil service. He was a faithful member of Southside Baptist Church in Winter Haven, Florida.

Mr. Bansen was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Ann Oppelt Bansen and his son Douglas Paul Bansen. He is survived by his children; Tammy Jolly of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Glen Bansen of Lakeland, Florida, his sister, Priscilla Duffy of Olympia, Washington, his cherished grandchildren; Katie, Mathew, and Brian Jolly all of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as a beloved church family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday June 2nd, from 9-10 am with a funeral service following at 10 am. Both will be held at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Winter Haven, Florida. Burial will be at 2 pm that day at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.