Memorial
Dr. Arnold “Bud” Paulsen, Ph.D., 87, of Cedar Rapids passed away on January 28, 2015 at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, February 2, 2015 at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, officiated by the Rev. John R. Flaherty. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors.
He is survived by a daughter Rebecca (Larry) Martin of Cedar Rapids; son, Ron (Annette) Paulsen of Conroy, Iowa; grandsons, Brandon Paulsen of Des Moines and Ryan Paulsen of Cedar Rapids; extended family Kara, Rick, Emma and Ethan Davenport of Cedar Rapids; Brian Albert, San Francisco, CA; and a sister, Elaine Johnson of Eldridge, Iowa
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife Bonnie; son Chan Paulsen; two sisters, Juanita Motz and Mary Ann Palmer.
Bud was born on September 5, 1927 in Robbinsdale, Minnesota to Arnold and Helen Paulsen. He graduated from Tipton High School. He attended the University of Iowa in 1944 where he won a minor letter in basketball. He left the university and served honorably in the South Pacific as a Platoon Commander for the United States Navy Air Corps from 1944 until 1949. In 1953 he received a Bachelor’s Degree from the Iowa State Teachers College, in 1960 a M.A. degree in Educational Counseling from West Virginia University, and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1976. Bud played basketball and football while attending Iowa State Teachers College and in 1951 set a school record that still stands today for running 98 yards from scrimmage for a touchdown.
Dr. Arnold “Bud” Paulsen, Ph.D., worked as a teacher and coach in Monona (1953), Carroll (1956) and Wapello (1959). Bud was employed with the Cedar Rapids Community School District from 1962 until he proudly retired in 1996. During that time he served as a Counselor at Wilson Jr High; Director of Guidance and Counseling for Cedar Rapids; Jefferson High School Principal; Wilson Middle School Principal; Roosevelt Middle School Principal. From 1996 until present he owned and operated a “One-Man Lawn Care Service”.
Bud was an Official for the Iowa High School Athletics Association for 61 years, over 35 years actively. During that time Bud officiated basketball, track, and seven championship football games. He was inducted into the Officials Hall of Fame in 1993.
Bud was a lifelong teacher, mentor, role model and developer of character. He had a quick wit, and rarely answered a question directly; rather, he would reply with remarks that promoted further thinking. He saw the good in even the most challenging students and devised ways to support them.
He was a man who exhibited quiet leadership with strong principles. He was humble to a fault and unassuming. Bud was loyal and thoughtful evidenced by the number of people receiving a bag or box of kolaches.
Bud was well known for the poems he wrote to thank or honor people, places, a job well done or a thought to share. His writings were always laced with his perspective or a few words of wisdom. He will be remembered for his “thoughts to live by,” such as: “This is a school,” and “Don’t ask the question if you don’t want the answer.”
Bud loved his family first and foremost. He was always willing to lend a hand, a thought, a pat on the back or a thought provoking story.
He had a passion for Bennett, Iowa, Cedar County, and small-town living. He remained closely associated and supported the town and Bennett school. He was currently writing his story of growing up in the 1930s in Bennett, Iowa, including his adventures with individuals and businesses in Bennett. He was even inducted into the Cedar County Sports Hall of Fame in July 2013.
In addition to these traits, he was most definitely still his “own man.” A man who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Bud's Honor.