Gary N. Paulson

He was born on July 15, 1941 in Peoria to Archie L. and Alice (Nelson) Paulson. He married Marjorie Gerber on April 3, 1966 in Morton, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Doug Paulson.

Surviving is his wife, Marjorie of Edwards; three children, Andy (Jen) Paulson of East Peoria, Julie Paulson and Kevin (Melissa) Paulson both of Peoria. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Baylen, Callie, Kahler and Archie Paulson all of East Peoria; one niece and one nephew.

Gary was a graduate of Woodruff High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Bradley University. He worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 38 years, last as a Senior Analyst, before retiring in 2003. After retirement Gary worked for several of the Peoria Park District Golf Courses. He became an Eagle Scout in 1955 and was a Scout Leader for many years. He coached various teams for his sons. He was inducted into the Woodruff High School Hall of Fame in 1993 and in to the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. He was the owner and operator of Dipper Dan for several years. He volunteered for Glen Oak School, the Salvation Army and American Red Cross. In 2004 he received the Volunteer of the Year award for A.R.C. Gary was a member of the Woodruff Alumni Association and was Treasurer for several years. He was also a Volunteer for the Friends of the Children of Haiti and went on six medical mission trips to Haiti after his retirement.

He was a lifetime member of Grace Presbyterian Church and volunteered in the 3 year old's class and was a former co-superintendent in the 4 year old department for several years.

He was a loving husband, father and PaPa, who enjoyed golf, was a avid sports fan and loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their various functions.

Gary’s family would like to thank the caring staff of the OSF Neurological I.C.U. for the wonderful care and comfort they provided to Gary and his family.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 2, 2011 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home. A funeral will be held on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. Burial will follow the service at the Morton Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Morton.

Memorials contributions may be made to the Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOCOH) or to the Illinois Neurological Institute Foundation. Please visit Gary’s Life Story at www.woolsey-wilton.com.