Linda Mae Paulson

Linda Mae Paulson, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away at her home in Craig, Colorado, on May 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 22, 1951, in Wagner, South Dakota, to Robert and Delores Peshek.

Linda’s journey began in the small town of Pickstown, SD where she was raised alongside her older brother, David and her younger sister, Rita. She graduated from high school in 1969 and attended Stewart’s School of Cosmetology in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Her time as a beautician was brief as Linda began working in the registered deeds office at the Charles Mix County Courthouse in Lake Andes, South Dakota. She married Douglas Matuska in 1973 and of that union, her only child was born, her beloved daughter, Lori Lee Matuska, on December 21, 1978.

Linda’s life was marked by adventure and change, as she moved around and experienced the joys and challenges life offered. It was on April 17, 1993, that she found her lifelong partner and the love of her life Jack E. Paulson. Married in Las Vegas, Nevada, Linda and Jack shared 33 wonderful years together, building a loving home and a successful business, Jack E. Paulson Trucking, where they worked side by side.

In 2006, Linda retired from the Bureau of Land Management, where she had dedicated over 20 years to the wildfire department, a role she cherished deeply. After retiring, she devoted herself to supporting Jack in their business, handling the bookkeeping and office-related work with precision and care.

Linda’s vibrant spirit shone brightly at Mathers Bar in Craig, where she worked nights for 27 years. She loved bartending and valued the relationships she built with her customers, making the bar a second home.

Linda was a devoted mother to her daughter, Lori, and they had a unique bond and were very close in every way. Linda was also a devoted wife to her husband, the love and light of her life, Jack. Their bond and the love they had for each other was truly amazing and she cherished it deeply everyday.

In her later years, Linda enjoyed a quieter life, fully retiring from Paulson Trucking in 2022. Her daughter Lori remained by her side, caring for her and creating precious memories until Linda’s final days. Jack and Lori were by her side through everything, including when she passed away peacefully at home.

Linda’s life will be celebrated on June 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Grant Mortuary, located at 621 Yampa Avenue, Craig Colorado. Her family invites all who knew and loved her to join them in honoring her memory and legacy. After the memorial service and gravesite visit there will be a catered get together at Mather’s Bar located at 466 Yampa Avenue, Craig, CO.

Linda is survived by her husband, Jack Paulson (Craig, CO), her daughter, Lori Matuska (Craig, CO), step daughter, Trisha Stalcar (Pueblo, CO), step grandchildren Bethany, Cody, Dylan, and Alexis (Pueblo, CO), sister in law Karen Witham (Las Vegas, NV), brother David Peshek (Butte, MT) sister Rita Kietzmann (Gary) (Ft. Collins, CO) several nieces and nephews, and many life long friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Delores Peshek, sister Nancy Peshek, brother in law Teddy Paulson, mother and father in law Ted and Faye Paulson, and her beloved Yorkie Maxwell.