Dr. Arnold "Bud" Paulsen

Born in Robbinsdale, MN
Born on Sep 5, 1927
Departed on Jan 28, 2015

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Mr. Paulsen was a GREAT credit to myself and all whom every was in his realm of Life. Student of JHS (74) Philip Kloos Savannah,Georgia

I was the principal at Bennett for numerous years and always looked forward to those days when "Bud" would stop by. He would almost always bring treats for the staff, and always wore a smile the entire time he was there. I especially remember those days when he would stop and say "Gene, are you busy?" as I knew exactly what he had in mind. We would get in a car, go to Wal-Mart in Tipton, and he would purchase numerous gifts, like bicycles, for our students. All he asked was that we give them to students who were less fortunate than others, and to make sure we did not mention where they came from. I am also a member of the Cedar County Wall of Fame committee that selected Bud several years ago. He would never admit that he was worthy of this honor, but in fact was elected the first year that he was nominated. Buds' comment was always, "surely there are others who deserved this more than me". Being a principal, Bud and I also had numerous stories to share about our profession. I could tell that he definitely loved education, children, and athletics, and would have loved to have been able to work with him in any of those capacities. I was unable to make the visitation or services, but my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Bennett has lost one of its' finest. Gene Schroeder Bennett, IA

I was unable to attend visitation or services for Bud due to prior obligations. My thoughts and prayers have been with your family since hearing of his passing. It has been an honor and privilege to know Bud over the last several years. When in Bennett to mow grass he would often stop to visit about the old days when my father drove for Walter Popp in the thirties and on occasion even drop off a picture he had found while going through things. I was honored to attend his induction into the Cedar County Athletic Hall of Fame and proud to have Bud as an ambassador for Bennett. May he rest in peace

I was the counselor at Tipton from 1962-1996. It was indeed an honor and a privelege to know Bud. I always enjoyed being with him and felt like I learned a lot each time. Certainly a great model for all educators. Peace and prayers for all the family.

To Becky and the entire Paulsen family...my sincere sympathy. I had one of the most rewarding times in my nursing career in taking care of your mom, and sharing the day to day dedication and love that your Dad had for her. I'll always remember his wonderful smile and caring ways with her and everyone he came into contact with. I'm sure his beautiful Angel was ready and waiting for him with outstretched arms. God Bless each and every one of you! Jodi Powers

Paulsen Family: When I think of significant others in my life one would certainly be Bud. As a beginning educator I was privileged to be on the Wilson staff with Bud. Then when I made the decision to become a counselor in the CR schools he was the Director of Guidance for the district. I was the first counselor to be able to coach in CR because he went to bat with the district administration for me to have the right to coach and to council. What a difference that made in my life. There are so many "great" things that he did for others as a caring human being but I will just cite three here. My wife, Carol, and I were part of a close knit group of four couples that socialized together many years ago. Bud and Bonnie were significant members of that group. A second memory involves being invited to go to the state basketball tournament several times as a friend of Bud's and experience the joy of watching six games in one day. He also was a role model to me as a football official when I was privileged to be part of his team. I can't really do justice to his memory here but he was truly a friend and a fitting example of a great human being. God bless you, Bud, with His peace. Larry

Becky & Ron; My condolences and sympathies go out to you and your families. I knew your dad through so many years of school, along with being a neighbor about 3 or 4 houses away on Teresa Drive. He always had that great smile on his face whenever we would run into each other outside of school. I can't say that was always there when I was in his offices. I am sure he will be missed my many. Rest in Peace Bud. Daryl Wear Orange, Texas.

Becky & Ron, May fond memories of your Dad bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Look back on all the good memories you were able to have and smile at the fact that you were able to share these before he passed away. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.

I had the privilege of being hired by and being influenced by Dr. Paulsen at Roosevelt, and treasure every year he was there. He knew what was going on in every room in the building, and he always valued and acknowledged sincere effort and determination, insisting that the needs of the community be part of the conversation. His expectations were high, and he had a way of always encouraging staff and students to rise to those expectations. No one championed young people more than Dr. Paulsen. I still have my school pins proudly stating 'This is a School'. He was a true educator, devoted to family, and one of the finest people I have ever known. His legacy extends well beyond the classroom setting. God Bless Dr. Paulsen and his family.

Anne and I send our thoughts and prayers to the family of Bud Paulsen. When you think of a great educator who made a difference to students, teachers, and the over-all community-you think of Dr. Bud Paulsen. I worked with Bud at Jefferson. What a great experience. He did everything there was to do in Secondary Education. You could find him in the counselor's office, principal's office. If you were a high school quarterback in Cedar Rapids, you may have had a chat with Bud on Friday concerning your tardiness to math class and then find yourself staring at him across the line of scrimmage that evening wearing an official's uniform!! The man was everywhere, caring about kids and being a gentleman. God Bless. Anne and Jack Pilling

TO BUD'S FAMILY, YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN AND A GIFTED EDUCATOR. YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS. LES AND DIANE

My deepest sympathy to Bud's family. I was a nurse involved with Bonnie's care. I have never witnessed a man more dedicated to his wife. There is another angel in heaven now.

My sympathy to Dr. Paulsen's family. I have enjoyed being in the same neighborhood for over 25 years. He was always ready to share a smile and a wave, especially when I had my grandchildren with me. On occasion my husband had asked for his advice, especially concerning our yard. We enjoyed a nice conversation when we exchanged memories of Monona, my home town and his first teaching/coaching position. We knew some of the same people. He will be missed on Teresa Drive.

I have been an educator for 44 years, teaching K- graduate level students and serving as an administrator and teacher preparation leader. No one influenced me more in my experiences to teach and lead as Bud Paulson when I taught under his leadership at Wilson Junior High School. He truly understood how to make all the people in his building--students, faculty, staff, administrators--believe in themselves and each other and to become the best they could be. "Carry on, Bud! I know your wisdom and love is needed on the Other Side as well as here. Thank you for everything."

One of a kind is what comes to mind when referring to Dr. Paulsen. I taught at Roosevelt Middle School and recall so many things this great leader said. He had a sign in his office that read - This is a school and believed that every child could be successful. He was a true leader in every sense of the word. He was a quiet man with high expectations of his staff. He was kind, true to people and always said to put family first. He truly was one of the finest human beings I have ever met. He will be missed by many. My condolences to his family.

Dr Paulsen gave me an opportunity to live my dream of teaching physical education during a time when there were very few positions available. He also employed creative methods to allow me to remain in his building even while many teachers with more seniority were losing their jobs. He believed in me. I learned more from him and respected him more then anyone I have ever met. The last time I saw him I was entering a grocery store early one morning before school and he was exiting. After a brief exchange I mustered up the courage to tell him that I had always wanted to repay him for everything he had done for me. He smiled and said, "You are" as he walked out the door. Eric Oliver Roosevelt Middle School

The nicest of men. Bud was like a family member here at Lattner Boiler.Not only did he maintain our yard.....He was always good for visits during the winter months ...for a hug ......kolachs.....or other treats......I personally am going to miss his hugs and stories of his past.....TRULY one of the GREATS....at whatever he was doing.....AN HONOR TO HAVE KNOWN HIM.....

I had the honor of working with Dr. Paulsen at Roosevelt Middle School for many years. He was one of the greatest educational leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with. He had high expectations for both students and staff, and he established a culture of "family" in our building. He had a special way of steering the most challenging of students back on track while stressing the importance of core values, respect and character. His family was the most important part of his world, and he always said, "Family comes first." His humble and unassuming manner and words of wisdom will never be forgotten. He was an outstanding athlete, official, educational leader, and most importantly an outstanding person. He coined the phrase "This is a school," and he will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. -----Diane Schnoebelen-Kramer

Everyone connected with the Cedar Rapids schools has lost one of the great people in the education world. I met Bud in 1979 when I interviewed for a job with him. One of the luckiest days of my life was the day he hired me as his Associate Principal at Wilson. What a great leader, boss, colleague, mentor, and friend he became for me---and so many others---over the next three decades. Bud was a man of many talents, and what I remember so much about him was his compassion for those who struggled. I think he loved every student he met, but he had a special place in his heart for those who came from difficult backgrounds, who had problems with learning or behaving appropriately. His passion for making every school where he worked a better place was amazing. I learned so much from him, and his leadership certainly impacted hundreds of teachers and thousands of students. I'm so sorry for your loss, Becky and Ron, and all your family. I hope that knowing what a great man your father was, and how much he influenced others in a positive way, can offer you comfort. I'll miss him, and I'll never forget him. Rest in peace, Bud. Bob Tesar Surprise, Arizona

It was an honor to know and work with Dr. Paulsen. He was a champion in every phase of his life. His leadership in the Cedar Rapids school was notable. I admired his work ethic and he made everyone around him a better person. When he officiated football games, you "got-his-best" and you knew it was going to be another job-well-done! Always a gentleman, always a kind word, always a warm smile! Rest in peace... Duane Kramer Sun Lakes, Arizona

So sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Bud through the CR School system both at the Board of Education and when I worked at Roosevelt when he was the principal. Bud was a great educator and I'm sure he will be missed by all who shared his friendship and knowledge. God Bless.

It was my privilege to know an d work with Bud Paulsen during my administrative career in the Cedar Rapids Schools. Bud left every place better than he found it. He had the highest priority on helping educate students by working productively with educators. I valued him and his family. Bud was committed in all he did. He would find a way to help in every situation. I recall fondly all the things we shared and the good advice he had for me on many occasions. He was steady, solid, and a great role model for others to follow. I particularly value all he did to make the schools he served effective. I celebrate and life, and honor his memory as a man I considered a mentor. William C. Jacobson Jefferson Principal from 1970-1990.

My condolences to the Paulsen Family. I grew up next door to Dr. Paulsen and mowed lawns with him when I was a young boy and also waxed the old 78 lincoln he had. He showed me the car again last summer when I was back home it was great to see that car again. I also spent a fair amount of time in his office at Wilson Junior High for what I will call "Performance Reviews", Being Dr.P's neighbor and employee had its Perks, as some of the "Performance Reviews", could have turned into "POPS" (Perform Or Perish). I truly enjoyed spending time with him as a young boy.I have so many memories of this fine Man, it would be hard to share them here. I am a better person for knowing him. PIP Bud, Jamie Arntzen Atlanta GA

To the Paulsen Family, Im truly sorry for your loss. I got the pleasure of cutting Bud's hair for the past 15 years. Dr. Paulsen was also my Jr. High principal. I got blessed with every hair cut , we would visit for long after the cutting was done. He shared his school stories, his mowing stories, and my favorite your Christmas present excange stories. He was an amazing man and will be missed by many.

What a great man! I remember many good times with Bonnie & Bud. He touched many lives.

To the Paulsen Family, Dr. Paulsen was our neighbor, principal, and for me personally, he was my boss for a few years. I greatly admired him! Please accept our deepest sympathy . Julie McCaw and Sharon Arntzen

I was blessed to know Bud Paulsen, such a sweet spirit and gentle man. He always had a quick smile and a kind word when you saw him. "Family comes first!" he always said... He will be missed. -Janmarie Vanderpool

Bud Paulsen, our close friend and brother-in-law was a special person to us. Though we lived in West Virginia we have always kept in close contact. He was not only our brother-in-law, a close friend and he is a person we love very much and will dearly miss. Jack and Marilyn Dawson

We have all lost one of the greatest educational leaders this city and this school district in Cedar Rapids has ever had! Dr. Paulsen was an educational leader extraordinaire, demanded great things from students and staff alike, was a key disciplinarian no matter how tough the culture was, and was a mentor, leader, professional, and friend to so many. I thank Dr. Paulsen for all he did for me and for those around me for so many years. My deepeset regrets is not spending more time with him after our educational careers parted and I know he kept so busy with all his many projects and caring for so many. Rest in peace, Dr. Paulsen, and thanks for everything you did for so many in your 87+ years around people in this community and the state of Iowa. Through your athletic accomplishments, and your officiating, and your educational expertise, you were a standout in anything you participated in throughout your life time. Randy Krejci in Cedar Rapids

I had the great pleasure to know and work with Dr. Paulsen. Bud always saw the good in the kids he worked with and assisted them in finding their way. He was a great man who was always smiling and using his quick wit. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of his many, many close friends. Bud will be missed!

I had the great pleasure to know and work with Dr. Paulsen. Bud always saw the good in the kids he worked with and assisted them in finding their way. He was a great man who was always smiling and using his quick wit. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of his many, many close friends. Bud will be missed! Tom Micek

Dr. Paulsen was one of my mentors, a great "coach" for a beginning school administrator. He taught me when to be tough, when to give a kid a break, and to NEVER let 'em see you sweat! Bud was one of the "good guys". Rest in peace, Dr. Paulsen, and thanks for all I learned from you.